Putting a positive spin on failure is a good thing, believe it or not. We grow up with the mantra “don’t make the same mistake twice.” In the end, we’re left with more knowledge from the experience from the first time around, so all’s well that ends well, right? But you know what’s even better that not failing two times? Not failing the first go.

The movie Apollo 13 gave us the tagline, “Failure is not an option,” and it really wasn’t an option for the actual crew of the ill-fated flight. While most of us aren’t facing life or death situations in our daily jobs, failing to succeed can cost businesses money and you your job. And that’s a shame, because it could have been avoided.

Every salesperson knows these stakes, and has felt the pressure to deliver on that super important deal or win the lucrative account. The very blog you’re reading is packed with advice and tips on sales success, but sometimes it’s better to know exactly what not to do. That’s why we recently put together an e-book on how to avoid making the most common sales mistakes when closing a deal. For instance:

• DON’T wing it during a sales meeting. DO come prepared, with a Plan B in case Plan A flames out.

• DON’T get into the sales process too late. If you wait 6 months to call back a prospect who mentions that they’re thinking of changing vendors next year, you’re too late. DO get on their calendar right away while they’re identifying the problem.

By learning about the most common sales failures and how to handle mistakes, you can gain the knowledge without having to experience the failure.

Want to learn other tips on what NOT to do? Peruse our Slideshare.

Download our free e-book Sails Fails, to learn the most common sales mistakes that prevent deals getting closed, and how to avoid them.