Media sales lessons from the eagle: Greed sinks deals

JEFF SLEETE | FOR E&P MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 1, 2025

In his latest column, veteran sales strategist Jeff Sleete takes inspiration from an unlikely teacher — the bald eagle. While admired as a national symbol of strength, the eagle is also infamous for its greed, sometimes seizing prey so heavy it drags the bird under and drowns it. Sleete argues the same fate awaits salespeople who chase oversized commissions or force-fit clients into packages that don’t serve them.

With more than 50 years of experience leading sales teams, he reminds us that true success comes not from grabbing at every deal, but from building trust, delivering value and earning loyalty that lasts far longer than a single transaction.