Scott Galloway, the outspoken professor, entrepreneur, and author, argues that the word “entrepreneur” is often just a fancy way of saying “salesperson.” In this insightful video from The Prof G Show, he emphasizes that the most successful business founders aren’t necessarily visionaries or builders, but rather, expert salespeople who know how to sell their ideas, their products, and most importantly, themselves. Galloway stresses that whether you’re pitching investors, recruiting talent, or acquiring customers, your ability to sell is the ultimate determinant of success. If you’re not selling, you’re not building a company—you just have an expensive hobby.

Key Takeaways:

• Entrepreneur = Salesperson – Galloway states that founders must be great at selling, whether it’s to investors, customers, or employees.
• The Myth of the Visionary – Many assume great businesses are built purely on innovation, but in reality, sales and execution matter more.
• "The difference between success and failure isn’t the best idea, it's the ability to sell that idea." – A direct quote emphasizing the importance of persuasion.
• Raising Money is Sales – Convincing investors to bet on you is as much about your ability to pitch as it is about the business itself.
• If You Can’t Sell, Partner with Someone Who Can – Some founders are product-focused but struggle with sales. In that case, finding a strong sales-driven co-founder is critical.

Scott Galloway’s advice is a dose of realism in a world where "entrepreneurship" can sometimes feel glorified. At its core, business success relies on one timeless skill: selling. If you’re not pitching, persuading, and closing, your great idea may never see the light of day.
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