I’m at the final chapter of answering this e-mail from a reader: “I have a personal question for you that may help other subscribers deal with the ups and downs of being in the sales profession. Honestly, how long did it take YOU to become a ‘good’ salesman?” — William.

In part one, I discussed the genetic, environmental and family situations that helped build the foundation for me to become a salesperson. Part two was the evolution of my selling skills. Part three was the beginning of my emergence through speaking and writing. This final part details the “big picture” elements of success.

Most salespeople and most entrepreneurs get bogged down in wallet-size issues. Their failure to see the big picture prevents them from hitting the big time. Below are strategic big-picture elements that must be mastered in order to make the wallet-size pictures visible:

Book or business card? I’ve always had a cool business card. Whether it’s the design or my title, there’s been something that set me apart from others. For the past eight years, I have used a coin. But my business card plays a secondary role to my books as an introduction tool. Every time a new one comes out (and there have been five), I bring autographed copies with me on a sales call and give them out to all those in attendance. I don’t just autograph them; I personalize them. The recipients are always grateful, thankful, impressed and happy.

Remaining a student. Because I’m constantly writing and speaking, by definition I’m constantly learning. Fortunately, I “knew everything” before the age of 21. It wasn’t until 22 that I realized how stupid I was, and that I needed to study more. My goal at 22 was very simple: learn something new every day. That has been a subconscious focus of mine for 37 years.

Succeeding and failing. I was taught early on by my father, Max, the philosophy: “Son, if you want to succeed in business, you have to fail a few times.” At first, I didn’t get it. Better stated, I began to get it after I failed the first time, and really got it after I failed the second time. Those failures, coupled with my positive attitude toward them, have led me to success.

Attracting mentors and finding role models. All along my road to success, I have always sought out and taken the advice of wise people who have already succeeded. Remaining a student is not just a book-oriented process. If you seek to become successful, you must study the success of others.

Loving myself. I don’t have “bad days.” Partially because I love what I do, but mostly because I’m enthusiastic about what I can become. Pride of accomplishment combined with a continuous desire to achieve has created within me a permanent smile. I drive myself to excellence, but I love myself while I’m doing it.

Loving my family. My parents are gone. My brother is my only sibling. My three daughters, their husbands and my three granddaughters make up the rest of my immediate family. I try to call them all every day. They know that I love them, that I support them and that I’m there for them in every way. I neither argue with them nor pass judgment on them. I am open with them. I try to ask questions rather than make statements. And I tell them all that I love them every chance that I get.

Selling every day. There’s an element that keeps me growing. Personal development gurus might call it staying focused. I don’t. I think focus is automatic when you’re doing what you love. My secret weapon is staying sharp. I don’t mean “sharpening my saw” sharp, I mean scalpel sharp. Alert, open, looking for opportunity and communicating value to everyone I come into contact with. Oh yeah, I try to make a sale every day. Not consciously, but when it occurs, I know it. I smile to myself and move on.

As you read, or reread, my own path to excellence, don’t take it as a story. Rather, look at it as a comparative lesson. What can you learn from what I’ve achieved? And how can that help make you a better person? Keep in mind the immortal words of my mentor Mel Green: “Hard work makes luck.”

Good luck.

Jeffrey Gitomer can be reached by phone at (704) 333-1112 or by e-mail at salesman@gitomer.com.