Here we go...A Journal of a sales guy out in the field. I am going to try and post this blog 3 to 4 times a week. I want a place to reflect of the typical sales guy going about the day trying to make a dollar out of fifty cents. This will benefit me and my hopes that it will benefit us as Sales Professionals!
Last week I found out that I am going from a Regional Market manager where I manage 18 sales reps BACK to sales on January the 6th 2014, Happy New Year! Business to Business sales. From sitting on my rump and telling people what to do... to doing what I am told to do. From a decent salary... to a small salary and commissions. WHAT WAS I THINKING!! :)
What happened?
I have complained waaaaaay to much over the past year, or two, about my company and the way they pay managers and do business. I have convinced myself that sales would be better and that I am sick of management. Yes sick sick sick! So after telling my boss and his boss that I am fed up they said, rather then giving me more money and changing their bonus structure, you can go back to sales. Hello, what? No raise :)
Humph??? Ok then! I will, I'm out, I'm going to go manage me! I'm going to light it up and sell sell sell. And even though there is not ONE sales person making the kind of money I was making as the Manager I am going to go out and make same or more money and get my life back!
Then my mind switches gears and I hear squealing breaks reverberating through my mind! What the f+%# did I do? I had a good job, I just had to play the game....nod yes to all the great ideas, pat them on the back, and say, "I will take that hill boss, you can count on me!"
What was I thinking? Why can't I just keep my mouth shut? My wife asked me if there was anyway I could ask for a re-do.
Certainly there were a few personal reasons why I decided to go in this direction too. I have had some family issues here and there which added to the stress of the situation. I have gotten married again and moved as well. These have added to the question of who is managing the office, a guy who is not happy, and quite possibly a little disturbed? :-)
Well, not completely off his rocker, but there were times when I though about L.O.A on the grounds that I am crazy. Although with my luck they would have locked me in the nearest flight deck and I would have to live my own version of "One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest"... been there and done that which is another story for another time. Using the excuse, "I didn't want to do the job because I am a 'few fries short of a happy meal' was out!
Lesson one: Sales is not for the weak!
Lesson two: When I was in sales, in the beginning of my career, one of the top sales people came to me when I decided to get into Management and said, "you are entering the dark side" I would challenge that since I was part of this fraternity of Managers and I have enjoyed it immensely. But, now after doing a 360 degree change in my career I understand the "dark side" and I have a few friends that I will always have, unless of course I have to work for them. Understanding the motives of a manager is far better than making it personal.
Lesson three: It is time to practice what I have preached. I got this idea to start a sales journal after receiving the news of my demise ("the reports of my death has been greatly exaggerated"). I have always enjoyed journal-ing and I believe it to be valuable to me and all the other sales people out there as an honest look at selling and an outlet for myself and others (assuming someone might read this) towards understand the day in the life of a sales person. Could be fun and funny. This is the venue for seeing what happens to a man who was a very good sales person, promoted to sales trainer for the new hires, promoted to sales manager, promoted to Sales Training Director, promoted to running a region of sales professionals, and NOW placed back in a sales role in a territory I know nothing about.
Lesson four: Why do I get out of bed every morning? Based on the decision that I made by working my way out of this position I certainly am not money motivated. Which is a lie, I am money motivated. I need a certain amount which is far less than what I will be making unless I can sell A LOT! Some may be saying right now, "Dave you are a dumb ass!", yes, yes, maybe, we will see won't we?
I have to get up in the morning and do the job; I have a new wife (why did she marry me?), two great kids (which have their hands out and a child support check), a truck payment, shelter (rent), a broken down boat, a couple hobbies (like to ski but hurt my knee recently), school loan (can you believe it? still paying), gas for the truck to make the sales, utilities, and finally a few cigarettes (should quit and save some money) and food. Gotta get up and go to work!!!!
Lesson five: "Load brain before you shoot off your mouth" - My last boss shared that with me a few times.
Looking forward to this train to leave the station. If you have been a manager and moved back into sales you know what I am going through. I haven't many sour grapes because this was a decision I made. One might say I fell on the sword prior to getting it wedge in me but who will ever know?
