Why can't Cricket Commentators be Salesmen too ?

Commentators cannot stop being salesmen

As the ball soars high into the night sky, they cry out: “That one's out of here.” Oddly, seconds later the ball is caught or only just clears the boundary, tickling a fielder's fingers on the way. Of course we all get carried away, we're not all perfect at judging trajectory (heck even fielders aren't), but these occurrences aren't rare. Overstatement, especially when twigged to be deliberate, grates. Hyperbole and exaggeration have for long been on page one of the IPL commentator's manual; with a couple of honourable exceptions, it seems that hasn't gone away. Nor has the unabashed plugging of products when play is in progress. “Beautiful car,” they remark as the camera zooms in on the vehicle, mounted for display just beyond the boundary. “Wish it was mine.” What we would all wish is for commentators to simply call the game; the hawking can be left to the commercial breaks.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/article3459006.ece

Technically, Sidhu is not a commentator, but he probably is the most "colorfull" of the lot, both in his appearance and his choice of words. Probably, the best Salesman, the Commentators fraternity ever had. I sometimes enjoy his words more than even the cricket. His analysis of the situation is very good too... Like the colourfull dresses the teams wear, his colorfull personality works too...

So, why is the author of this article so peeved about ? What is wrong with the commentators being Salesmen as well, for the products that they either officially or unofficially sell.

Each of us are Salesmen through out the day, whether we are getting our kids to eat their breakfast before they go to school, or at the office or shop or back at home, after a hard day's work...

Selling is part of the way of life, and the better we are able to learn the different ways of selling, so much the better our own lives will be.

So, if some one is practising his selling skills, let us evaluate it whether we need that "product" or not.. . If we dont like it, we dont buy it ! that all...

Let us remember, that IPL-5 is as much sports as much as entertainment and a major Sales Program for the sponsorers.

Incidentally, the industry has even special words for it... Above the line or Below the line.....

What do you think ?

Reach out with your opinions to us

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Is there a Rahul Dravid in your team...?

At the outset, let me add my congratulations to Rahul Dravid for his many contributions to Indian Cricket.

What can retailers learn from his contribution.?

Like Cricket, any store can only perform, if all employees play like a team, whether it is the greeter, the salesman, the cashier and even the door man and the security. Why does Australia win so consistently compared to any other country. Because there every one plays for the team, not for his personal "milestones".

Like again in cricket, one of the members has to be the captain or the store manager.

Yet, captains alone cannot win matches consistently.

That is where, it is the Captain's  responsibility to identify a WALL in his team, one who is consistent, non controversial, known to deliver when the going gets tough ( month ends) etc .

We get the picture right ?

Look, even after retiring, his presence in the Rajasthan Royals is said to be a calming impact on his young team.
Action plan :-


Make a list of all the employees , their strengths and their weaknesses, from a fresh perspective without any old  opinions. If required, ask around to see that your judgement is by and large right.

Then, identify the Rahul Dravid in your store , one whom you have seen perform consistently in terms of sales, leadership etc etc.

Then sit with your Rahul Dravid and work for a long term plan for him, especially important, if he is so good, that he is your WALL.

Share it with him and bring him as part of your core team with it attendant benefits, support and your commitment to his long term growth.

Best of luck and keep watching cricket for more inspirations !
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