20 Motivational Songs to Inspire Salespeople to Succeed
When I started my energy sales business 25 years ago, I was fueled by two things:
Determination and a phone, well… also a fax machine.
I spent countless hours personally calling and faxing any supplier who might listen, pouring all my effort into building something from scratch – and let me tell you, getting a new business going from zero requires quite some motivation. Anyway…
After what felt like an eternity of rejections, I had finally landed my first big client. It was a moment of triumph, the kind you dream about when starting a business.
How lucky, I thought.
Man, I had finally made it!
I quickly hired a team, threw together a sales script, and dove into the work excitedly. We were selling energy for a major supplier, and for 30 straight days, it felt like everything was finally coming together. The hard work was paying off, and I could see the pieces falling into place.
But then, out of nowhere, the client dropped me without warning—and worse, they never paid their invoice.
In an instant, I was left holding the bag: a massive payroll to cover, no income to back it up, and a mountain of debt looming over me.
The rug had been pulled out from under me.
It would have been enough to break me if I hadn’t stayed motivated and kept my sales team motivated.
And as if the first blow wasn’t enough, after I personally hit the phones again, hurriedly trying to find my next client, the same thing happened! My second client dropped me and left me unpaid.
It was like déjà vu, but worse. If the first time wasn’t enough to make me give up, the second time should have been the final nail in the coffin.
Now, it would have been so easy for me to think that maybe it was something I was doing wrong, or perhaps I was in the wrong industry, and many other similar thoughts.
Of course, those thoughts hit me, but I didn’t let them stop me.
Instead of throwing in the towel, I stayed motivated and kept pushing forward. It wasn’t until my third client that things finally started to turn around—and that’s when everything began to take off.
I leaned on whatever I could to keep going—my family, books, mentors, friends, and yes, music.
Music became my constant companion, one of my lifelines that kept me focused and energized during the most challenging moments when giving up felt so tempting.
I can’t even count the mornings I’d drive to work, blasting songs that pumped me up and prepared me to face the day.
Even now, I often blast songs in my car on my way to work or home, and it never fails to set the tone and remind me to keep going.
Sales can be an exhilarating profession, but it’s no secret that it comes with its fair share of challenges.
In sales, there are few things tougher than the sting of rejection or the disappointment of losing that big deal you’ve been chasing.
It’s hard not to feel the weight, especially when your paycheck and livelihood hinge on closing the deal; every missed opportunity seems to carry even greater significance.
Not to mention, failing to close a deal hits you right in your confidence!
But here’s the truth – those moments are just part of the game.
As a sales professional, no matter how skilled you are, you won’t close every prospect who sits in front of you. Sometimes, it takes many conversations, calls, or meetings before you finally land a sale.
I’ve seen it countless times—someone on my team makes that one last call at 4:58 PM, just before shutting down their computer for the day, and it turns into a massive opportunity or even a signed contract.
The key is to persist and keep going.
In sales, you never know when the next prospect might be the one to turn your day—or even your entire career—around with a big deal or a transformative project.
So, staying motivated is critical in this demanding field, and one thing that has always helped me is music.
Music has a way of lifting your spirits, energizing you, and reminding you why you keep showing up every day. It’s a source of inspiration that can keep you going when everything else feels like it’s pushing against you.
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of 20 motivational songs perfect for sales professionals.
Each song carries a powerful lyric or energy that can help you stay focused, persistent, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
After all, success in sales isn’t just about closing deals—it’s about the mindset that keeps you in the game.
The Play List – 20 Motivational Songs to Inspire Salespeople
1. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
“It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight, rising up to the challenge of our rival.”
A classic anthem for overcoming challenges, this song reminds you to embrace the thrill of the competition and push forward.
2. We Will Rock You – Queen
The iconic stomp-stomp-clap rhythm that pumps up your energy and makes you feel invincible. Perfect for hyping yourself up before an important pitch or call.
3. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
I mean it doesn’t get better… “Don’t stop believin’, hold on to that feelin’.”
A powerful reminder to keep the faith, even when the going gets tough.
4. Unstoppable – Sia
“I’m unstoppable, I’m a Porsche with no brakes.”
This lyric embodies strength, determination, and an unstoppable drive to overcome challenges, making it incredibly empowering.
5. Titanium – David Guetta
“You shoot me down, but I won’t fall, I am titanium.”
This lyric symbolizes resilience and an unbreakable spirit, making it a powerful anthem for perseverance and inner strength.
6. Stronger – Kanye West
“Now that don’t kill me can only make me stronger.”
Sales often involve rejection, but every “no” only builds resilience.
7. Hall of Fame – The Script
“You can be the greatest, you can be the best, you can be a champion.”
This anthem is perfect for visualizing yourself achieving your sales goals.
8. Eye of the Needle – Sia
“I know that I’ll make it out alive, I’ll find my way to the other side.”
A reminder to trust your journey and know that challenges are temporary.
9. Lose Yourself – Eminem
“You better lose yourself in the music, the moment, you own it.”
Encouraging you to seize every opportunity with focus and determination.
10. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
The infectious beat that’s sure to get you grooving and feeling confident. Sometimes all you need is a boost of confidence to tackle your day.
11. Happy – Pharrell Williams
“Because I’m happy, clap along if you feel like a room without a roof.”
A song to lift your spirits when you need a quick mood reset.
12. Roar – Katy Perry
“I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar.”
This empowering anthem reminds you to own your strength and confidence.
13. Shake It Off – Taylor Swift
“And the players gonna play, play, play, play, play. Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate.”
A great pick for brushing off rejection and moving forward.
14. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
“Oh, no, not I! I will survive!”
An empowering reminder that you have what it takes to overcome setbacks.
15. The Man – Aloe Blacc
“I’m the man, I’m the man, I’m the man.”
A confidence booster to remind you of your potential.
16. Fight Song – Rachel Platten
“This is my fight song, take back my life song.”
A call to persevere and take charge of your goals.
17. Can’t Stop the Feeling! – Justin Timberlake
“I got this feeling inside my bones. It goes electric when I turn it on.”
A feel-good track to keep your energy high.
18. Survivor – Destiny’s Child
“I’m a survivor, I’m not gon’ give up.”
This anthem is all about resilience and never giving up.
19. Billionaire – Travie McCoy ft. Bruno Mars
“I wanna be a billionaire, so freakin’ bad.”
A fun reminder of what you’re working toward.
20. Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield
“Today is where your book begins; the rest is still unwritten.”
Inspiring you to take charge of your story and create the future you want.
Sales, Sales, Sales
Sales is a unique profession.
Some days are exhilarating, filled with big wins and breakthroughs. Other days are more challenging, with rejection and obstacles that test your resolve.
The secret is to keep moving forward with interest, energy, and determination; music can help you do that.
And guess what?
A prospect can feel when you are interested, motivated, and excited and they also feel it when you’re not.
Remember, the next prospect could be the one that turns your day around.
I’ve put together the playlist above to help you get started, but if your favorite song isn’t listed—or if you find inspiration in opera or classical music, as many people do—create your own playlist. Add the songs that resonate with you most, and let the music motivate you to reach new heights.
Here’s to closing some deals!
Love,
Jim
