Congratulations! That is quite the accomplishment. I will check it out. I am in sales and always looking for way to get new perspectives.
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Quite an accomplishment! In my early 20's I took a job at a hardwood lumber wholesaler working in the warehouse. After about a year the boss pulls me into the office and said he would like me to start in outside sales. He told me I had "the gift of gab" (first time I ever heard that phrase) and thought I was well-suited for the job.
This was a slacks and blazer kind of job and was quite a stretch for this country boy, but I went into it with enthusiasm. My boss was a great coach and his goal for me was to pickup former and new customers, which were mostly cabinet shops. Man, those cold calls were intimidating at first, but I was a softsell salesman and my first priority was to establish a personal relationship with the potential customer. It helped tremendously that I had a lot of construction background and could "talk the talk". I was very persistent, but tried not to be a pest. LSS, in about a year and a half my territory went from around $550K/yr to $1.2 million and the company had to restructure its commission base because I was making too much money!
The premise of your book is spot on! As you know, there's a lot that goes into being a successful salesperson, but persistence is one of the keys to success. I had some customers tell me that while our company was always a little pricier, they bought from us because I was the guy who was stopping by on a regular basis, even if it was just to shoot the breeze for a few minutes. They also said we gave out the best pencils so I always had a handful when I showed up!Last edited by CaptainMike; April 19, 2023, 10:24 AM.Comment
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Similar story, been 20 years in the industry. In leadership now, but still take time to coach new or struggling reps myself, and spend time with random customers. Met some colorful birds over the years. -
Skip there was one shop on my Friday route that I would save for the end of the day. I'd bring a 12-pack of beer and they'd shut down early and we'd have a beer and visit like friends, because that's what we were.
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To say something intelligent on Amazing Ribs.com.
BBQ trip across the country.Comment
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Wow David, quite an accomplishment. The website is great too btw.Comment
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Just ordered it. Thanks!Comment
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Congrats David, that is a heckuva accomplishment! Good job. Having been in sales for most of my adult life, the prospecting comments ring so true!Comment
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Reading through this i find it funny how many people in the sales industry we have here, lol. Maybe I should have my headhunter join for some talent acquisition, lol.Comment
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Congrats David. Great accomplishmentComment
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Congratulations!
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Congrats. I'm sure writing a book is a lot of work but you are da man to do it.
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I could definitely start writing a book, but you can forget about it gettin' finished.
Congrats on something very few people can pull off. Just remember, anybody can learn to weld.
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