The Sell by Fredrik Eklund & Bruce Littlefield Summary

The Sell (2015) is a guide to mastering sales through authenticity, personal branding, and strategic persuasion. Fredrik Eklund, a top NYC real estate broker and Million Dollar Listing New York star, shares actionable techniques for success—from dressing for impact to leveraging social media. The book blends autobiographical stories with practical advice, emphasizing self-belief, preparation, and negotiation.

This book suits sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to improve persuasion skills. Eklund’s insights are particularly valuable for those in competitive industries (e.g., real estate, startups) or individuals navigating career changes. Its focus on personal authenticity also appeals to readers interested in self-improvement.

Yes, The Sell offers relatable, real-world strategies for modern salesmanship. Eklund’s mix of humor, candid anecdotes (e.g., his signature “high-kick” tactic), and emphasis on digital tools like Instagram make it stand out from traditional sales guides. Critics praise its actionable advice, though its heavy reliance on Eklund’s persona may polarize some readers.

• Authenticity: “Be unapologetically yourself” to build trust.
• Preparation: Research clients deeply before pitches.
• Personal Branding: Cultivate a memorable image (e.g., colorful attire).
• Social Media Savvy: Use platforms like Twitter to generate 25% of business leads.

Eklund stresses visual and emotional impact: ditch “funeral suits” for bold outfits, develop a signature trait (e.g., his high-kick), and share curated content online. He argues that standing out requires blending professionalism with individuality, ensuring clients remember you beyond transactions.

Yes. Eklund highlights prioritizing sleep (8+ hours), exercise, and family time despite a high-pressure career. He shares how balancing his “shark” persona with a “softie” home life sustains long-term success—a lesson for burnout-prone professionals.

Social media is a core sales tool. Eklund credits platforms like Instagram with driving 25% of his deals. He advises posting consistently, engaging authentically, and showcasing behind-the-scenes content to humanize your brand.

Unlike formulaic guides, The Sell merges memoir with modern tactics. While classics like How to Win Friends and Influence People focus on interpersonal skills, Eklund emphasizes digital presence and personal flair. Its anecdotal style complements more theoretical works.

Eklund moved from Sweden to NYC in 2003, transitioning from adult film acting to real estate. He’s now a top broker with over $10B in sales and a Bravo TV star. His journey underscores resilience and self-reinvention—key themes in the book.

Absolutely. Eklund’s lessons on self-promotion and adaptability are ideal for career pivots. He advocates reframing setbacks as opportunities, a mindset applicable to industries beyond sales.

Some argue the book prioritizes Eklund’s personality over universal frameworks. Its reliance on anecdotal evidence (e.g., luxury real estate deals) may feel less relevant to small-business contexts. However, most readers find its enthusiasm and practicality motivating.

“The crazy and happy ones, not the normal and bitter ones, become the real superstars.” This encapsulates Eklund’s philosophy of embracing uniqueness to outperform competitors.