Always Be Closing Quotes: Top 10 ABC Quotes for Sales Reps Glass March 03, 2023
Always be closing (ABC) is a popular quote from James Foley's 1992 film Glengarry Glen Ross, starring Alec Baldwin, Al Pacino, and Jack Lemmon and is used in the sales world to motivate sellers and encourage them to close deals. It implies that a salesperson should continuously look for new prospects, pitch products or services, and ultimately complete a sale.
In this article, we'll explore the origins of the famous ABC quote (A always, B be, C closing) as well as its effectiveness in modern times. And we'll give you 10 more quotes that will inspire you to make that sales call you've been putting off.
What movie is the quote "always be closing" from?
The famous ABC quote was spoken by Blake in the film Glengarry Glen Ross, which was based on a Pulitzer prize winning play by David Mamet.
Image. Always be closing gif.
The film depicts two days in the lives of four desperate real estate agents who are prepared to engage in any number of unethical, illegal acts—from lies and flattery to bribery, threats, intimidation and burglary—to sell undesirable real estate to unwitting prospective buyers.
Should sales people embrace the always be closing mentality?
The “Always Be Closing” mentality has been around for decades, but its relevance in today's sales landscape is often questioned. While the phrase emphasizes the importance of tenacity and persistence when dealing with prospects, some argue it encourages a too-pushy approach that can backfire and damage customer relationships.
Research suggests that the modern salesperson must take a more nuanced approach when it comes to closing deals. With buyers more informed and sophisticated than ever before, lead generation, customer follow-up, and conversational strategy have become an increasingly important part of a salesperson's day.
Today, salespeople must be well-prepared, knowledgeable, and customer-centric, anticipating clients' needs and finding creative solutions to their problems.
The bottom line is this: always be closing should not be used as an excuse for overly aggressive tactics but rather as a reminder to stay focused on the ultimate goal of completing successful sales.
Salespeople should remember to prioritize customer needs, be patient and build relationships with prospects over time. With the right approach, modern sales techniques can be used in conjunction with Always Be Closing principles to provide a winning combination for driving successful sales performance.
With that point out of the way, here are the top quotes that emphasize the good aspects of the always-be-closing mindset.
Top 10 always be closing quotes
1. Blake (Alec Baldwin) in Glengarry Glen Ross
“A-B-C. A-Always, B-Be, C-Closing. Always be closing, always be closing.”—Alec Baldwin's character, in the movie Glengarry Glen Ross
When people refer to Glengarry Glen Ross quotes, they're referring to this one.
2. Brian Tracy
“Keep your sales pipeline full by prospecting continuously. Always have more people to see than you have time to see them.”—Brian Tracy
A motivational speaker and author, Brian Tracy has authored over eighty books in dozens of languages. Brian's own proven methods cover a variety of topics, like public speaking, book writing, sales training, leadership growth, business development, time management. He has written and produced more than 500 audio and video learning programs, including the worldwide best-selling Psychology of Selling.
3. Jack Canfield
“If you are not moving closer to what you want in sales (or in life), you probably aren't doing enough asking.”—Jack Canfield
Another Jack Canfield quote that we love for sales reps, whether you sell real estate or are in auto deals is this: “Don't worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don't even try.”
Jack Canfield is the co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, which has more than 250 titles and 500 million copies in print in over 40 languages.
4. Omar Periu
“Sales cuccess comes after you stretch yourself past your limits on a daily basis.”—Omar Periu
Omar Periu is a speaker, entrepreneur, and the author of Get Fired UP! & The One-Minute Meeting. In 1994, Periu founded Omar Periu International Inc, offering miscellaneous educational courses and services.
5. Thomas Edison
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is to try just one more time.”—Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison's many inventions greatly influenced life around the world and include the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and a long-lasting, practical electric light bulb. Edison held over 1000 patents in his lifetime, and his work spanned industries, from telecommunications to electricity and transportation.
6. Nelson Mandela
“I never lose. I either win or learn.”—Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela, South African statesman, revolutionary, and activist who devoted his life to championing equal rights in apartheid South Africa.
7. Vince Lombardi
“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.”—Vince Lombardi
Vince Lombardi, well-regarded as one of the greatest coaches in sports history, led the Green Bay Packers to five NFL championships.
8. Conrad Hilton
“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes but they don’t quit.”—Conrad Hilton
Conrad Hilton founded the Hilton Hotels chain and also served as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives.
9. Seth (Ben Affleck) in Boiler Room
“There is no such thing as a no sale call. A sale is made on every call you make. Either you sell the clients some stock or he sells you on a reason why he can’t. Either way, a sale is made. The only question is, 'who’s gonna close?' You or him. And be relentless.”—Ben Affleck's character in Boiler Room
Boiler Room (2000) was directed and written by Ben Younger and starred Ben Affleck, Giovanni Ribisi, Vin Diesel, and Nia Long. The movie follows Seth as he joins an investment firm and learns about closing deals.
10. Michael Jordan
“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”—Michael Jordan
Basketball GOAT: Michael Jordan.
In closing
Although the phrase “always be closing” from Glengarry Glen Ross has taken on a negative connotation in recent years, it still stands that salespeople should not give up on their prospects and always strive for success. With the right attitude, customer-centric approach, and creative solutions, modern salespeople can use this phrase as a reminder to stay focused on their goals.
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