Salespeople often find inspiration in unexpected places, and one of those places is the movies. Hollywood has created some of the most memorable characters who embody qualities that any salesperson can relate to, from perseverance to persuasion. Some are cutthroat closers, others are relationship builders, but they all have something to teach us.
Here’s a look at five iconic movie characters and what every salesperson—especially in merchant services—can learn from them:
1. Gordon Gekko – Wall Street
The Confidence of a Closer
Gordon Gekko, portrayed by Michael Douglas in Wall Street (1987), may not have been the most ethical character, but he was a master of persuasion and control. Gekko’s confidence in his decisions and his ability to command the room was unparalleled. He knew how to create a compelling narrative that convinced people to follow his lead, no matter the cost.
Lesson for Salespeople:
Sales is often about confidence. Gekko’s ability to present himself and his ideas with absolute conviction is something all salespeople can learn from. When you believe in yourself and your product, your prospects are more likely to believe in you too. Just remember to balance confidence with ethics—trust is everything in industries like merchant services, where businesses are entrusting you with their financial security.
2. Ray Kroc – The Founder
The Power of Vision and Persistence
Ray Kroc, played by Michael Keaton in The Founder (2016), transformed McDonald’s from a small California burger joint into the global fast-food empire we know today. Kroc wasn’t the original creator of McDonald’s, but he saw its potential and was relentless in his pursuit of growth. His persistence, even in the face of numerous setbacks, is what made him successful.
Lesson for Salespeople:
Sales is about vision and persistence. Kroc’s story reminds us that you need to have a clear vision for your business or product and be willing to pursue it with relentless determination. Don’t get discouraged by rejections or early setbacks—believe in your vision and keep pushing. In merchant services, this means seeing beyond the short-term sale and focusing on how you can help businesses grow and thrive with the right payment solutions.
3. Danny Ocean – Ocean’s Eleven
Building the Right Team
George Clooney’s portrayal of Danny Ocean in Ocean’s Eleven (2001) shows how important it is to build the right team to pull off a big job. Ocean knew that each member of his crew had a unique skill set that was vital to the success of their heist. He carefully selected his team, trusted their expertise, and let them do their jobs, all while keeping the overall plan on track.
Lesson for Salespeople:
Sales is often a team effort. Whether you’re working with account managers, technical support, or other members of your organization, success comes when you bring together the right people and play to their strengths. This is especially true in merchant services, where building strong relationships with both your internal team and external clients can make all the difference. Surround yourself with experts and use their skills to close bigger and better deals.
4. Patch Adams – Patch Adams
Genuine Empathy and Connection
In Patch Adams (1998), Robin Williams’ character, Patch Adams, is a doctor who believes that connecting with patients on a personal level is just as important as treating their physical ailments. His empathy and ability to build meaningful relationships with people were what set him apart in his field. He didn’t just see people as patients—he saw them as individuals.
Lesson for Salespeople:
Empathy is key in sales. In the merchant services industry, where businesses depend on smooth, cost-effective payment solutions, your ability to understand and address a client’s pain points will set you apart from the competition. Like Patch Adams, take the time to really get to know your clients and show that you care about their business and their success. The more personal connection you can make, the stronger your sales relationships will be.
5. Tony Stark – Iron Man
Innovation and Adaptability
Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark in Iron Man (2008) isn’t just a genius inventor—he’s an incredible businessman who knows how to innovate and adapt to changing situations. Stark’s ability to think outside the box and quickly respond to challenges helped him build a world-changing company. Whether he’s in the boardroom or the battlefield, Stark uses his intelligence and adaptability to come out on top.
Lesson for Salespeople:
Innovation is key in a competitive field like sales. Whether it’s adopting the latest technology, like point-of-sale systems, or finding new ways to streamline payment processing for your clients, your ability to innovate and adapt will help you stay ahead. In merchant services, where technology is rapidly evolving, staying on top of trends and being willing to embrace new solutions will make you a trusted advisor to your clients.
Final Thoughts
The best salespeople combine confidence, vision, empathy, and adaptability to consistently close deals and build lasting relationships. Whether you’re inspired by Gordon Gekko’s closing prowess or Patch Adams’ empathy, the key takeaway is that sales isn’t just about pushing a product—it’s about understanding people and helping them find solutions to their problems.
Take a page from these iconic movie characters and think about how you can channel their strengths into your next sales pitch. Whether you’re selling merchant services or any other product, these traits will help you stand out and succeed in the long run.