Marketing products to consumers are a big chunk of what direct sellers have to do. They require a tremendous amount of focus in their daily life. At QNET India, we believe that reading books and watching documentaries or motivational films, can give a more vivid idea of the industry. Movies based on sales and marketing not only help in the long run, but also play an important role in honing your improvisation as a direct seller. Here, we bring to you 5 films that will motivate you and make you a better version of yourself.
1. Glengarry GlenRoss
A movie on salesmen coaxing clients into buying property makes for an interesting watch. It gives a realistic, albeit dramatised experience of Chicago salesmen in the real estate sector. Tensions are running high as each salesman’s performance is being tracked on the chalkboard, with the looming consequences of either winning a Cadillac or the fear of being sacked. The dialogue is extremely savage with impeccable delivery from the start-studded cast, as Al Pacino’s Oscar-nominated performance steals the show. The iconic “ABC – Always Be Closing” line is a mindset anyone in sales can draw motivation from.
The motivational speaker in the movie reels you in with the monthly sales contest which gamifies the situation and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Insert an office robbery into the mix and each of the characters becomes a suspect, adding to the fulcrum of the movie. Director James Foley leaves no stone unturned in bringing out the best in every character, fighting their way out of the capitalist world.
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 Where to watch: Amazon Prime
2. Boiler Room
Often dubbed as one of the best sales movies ever made, Boiler Room captures the life of Seth, a 19-year-old boy who runs an illegal casino. The debut director Ben Younger does not disappoint, as he claims to have interviewed innumerable brokers for the movie. The movie gives an authentic behind-the-scenes glimpse into the power of a company that inspires its trainees to believe that anyone can be a millionaire, turning them into surprisingly good phone salesmen in the process. The acting is brilliant.
The ‘phone war room’ is a major aspect of the movie, where brokers are under high-pressure stakes and use aggressive over-the-phone tactics to persuade clients into buying stocks that benefit their firm. However, Seth comes to realise that everything isn’t as it seems and finds himself at a crossroads faced with making a life-altering decision. Watching this movie will help bring out the best of your innate abilities as a seller to the forefront.
IMDb Rating: 7/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
3. Jerry Maguire
Feel like quitting the organisation and starting anew on your own entrepreneurial journey? Then this movie is definitely worth the watch! Jerry Maguire leaves his job at a sports agency and compels others to join him to start a better company as he has a moral epiphany. He is faced with the relatable trials and tribulations that every entrepreneur faces when trying to set up a new office. Its story mixes personal life with work life, as Jerry has an intriguing experience in balancing the two.
Jerry Maguire is one of Tom Cruise’s most memorable roles about pursuing your passion despite the challenges you may face on the way, and the “Show me the money!” scene is quoted to this very day. The tagline of the film, ‘Everyone loved him… Everyone disappeared.’ speaks volumes and teaches you an important lesson that only a handful of people will stand by you when the going gets tough.
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 Where to watch: Netflix
4. Rogue Trader
Rogue Trader is based on a true story of one of the largest financial disasters in the 90s – The downfall of Barings Bank. It’s a lesson for everyone on what not to do after reaching an authoritarian position. James Dearden, the director, does a brilliant job of telling the story of Nick Leeson and how his high position goes to his head, as he plays with fire by making risky trades in the booming Asian market. As the losses mount to $1 Billion, with the urge to make profits and bonuses, the risks keep mounting.
Ewan McGregor is outstanding in his role, making you believe he really is Nick Leeson trying to cover his tracks. If you’ve ever wondered how some people can deal with high stakes with such confidence, this is one you can’t miss. That being said, hiding financial transactions is never an option and one should never indulge in under-the-counter trades out of their greed to make money.
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Where to watch: YouTube
5. Door To Door
As the name suggests, Door To Door tells a story about the challenges of a salesman trying to sell small home appliances in the freezing cold weather of Portland. The movie follows the life of Bill Porter, a man diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Despite having speech difficulties and his ageing mother to take care of, he’s still determined to find his dream job. The story of Bill is nothing short of an inspirational rollercoaster. His sense of humour and spirit convinces this company to his him as a door-to-door salesman.
On his journey as a salesman, he faces roadblocks – from people who are unwelcoming to getting doors shut in his face. But Bill never doubts himself and results start to show eventually. The theme of the movie is how difficult it is for people with disabilities to find employment. It is a must-watch as the take-home lesson from this classic is with patience, perseverance and determination, anyone can succeed.
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Where to watch: YouTube
Honourable Mentions:
- The Salesman
- The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
- Death of a Salesman
- The Big Kahuna
- Seize the Day
These films provide valuable insights into the world of sales and marketing and can give you a good idea of ‘what is entrepreneurship’. They capture the challenges and triumphs of individuals in the sales industry, offering lessons in persistence, determination, and the art of persuasion. QNET entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from these movies to become better versions of themselves in the competitive world of sales and marketing.
At QNET India, we understand the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement for Independent Distributors. As an Independent Distributor at QNET, you have the opportunity to apply these lessons to your own journey with the wide range of genuine products under its portfolio, as you build your business and reach new heights in the world of direct selling.
So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and let these films inspire you to achieve your goals. Your path to success may be challenging, but these movies remind us that the journey is just as important as the destination.
