How to sell in a lousy economy

Title: Regional sales director
Age: 36
Location: Tampa

What he does: Sells 401(k) plans to companies through financial advisors.

Cold-call strategy: "Instead of giving someone the potential to answer yes or no, I give a choice of two positives. Instead of, Will you meet me? I say, Would it be better to meet in the morning or afternoon? I say it even if I'm making a special trip for the person."

How he deals with rejection: "I learned early on, selling books door-to-door in college, that your next success is literally only a door away. You'll be in tears one minute, and behind the next door may be a big sale."

Recession survival skills: "The last thing a client wants to feel from you is that things aren't going well. Even in a slow sales cycle, they want to deal with someone they feel is successful. I make sure my attitude is right."

NEXT: Kelly Moore, American Express