A sticky SALESman thread

[Panthro]

The only bright side is if you want more $ you can just go sell more....unlike the peeps make just a salary

 

Congrats. I remember seeing my first big commish check and I was like....alright! Then went and paid off all my debt and was left with 0 :/

[SCP]

Dammit.

You're right SCP. It just really hurts to see that actual number in the bank account.

Pow, a shot right to the wallet....and yeah, its roughly 40%, just hurts more on the larger checks

So did you make it rain or did you put it in savings? Only one right answer.

[boo7382]

So did you make it rain or did you put it in savings? Only one right answer.

We just moved lol so some goes toward my credit cards

Some goes to my housewarming/stock the bar party in a few weeks...kegs and food

And some goes to buy my plane ticket for Vegas next month for a bachelorette and then some.is going to buying my ticket up to baltimore bitches!

So then answer is yes, making it rain like el nino over here

Sent from my SCH-I545 using CarolinaHuddle mobile app

[Anybodyhome]

So....... I'm in a bit of a bind with my job right now. My "sales" job is salaried with a bonus structure. A very nice salary, I might add. I'm expected to be in the office on Monday and the remainder of the week is on the road. While most of my stops are established accounts, the reality is this- the company I work for provides a repair service that is not needed until something breaks. For example, how many of you would even think about where to take your care for a brake job... until the brakes start going, right?

 

Salary (nice)

Bonus (okay)

Company truck

Credit card

Laptop/cell phone

 

Anyway, I make my stops and some of these accounts we haven't been in since the last time something broke as many as 5-6 years ago. No big deal, I represent the company in the best light possible and just let them know we're still here if they need us.

 

My problem is cold-calling. In this day and age where there's a security gate or a controlled access point and you're not getting to see anyone without an appointment, it's almost an exercise in futility. All of us know how annoyed we get when someone cold calls us without an appointment- yet it is part of my job and both my bosses aren't happy with my approach to them. My attitude about cold calls isn't going to change (I think they're useless without an appointment) and I really don't like making them.

 

So, today I'm off to a few major accounts- tire companies, chemical companies, etc. just to try to BS my way in a gate and past a receptionist. This isn't me. I'm due for a review in a month and I may simply offer my resignation. I think if they want someone to do nothing but drive the eastern half of NC and call on the several hundred accounts we have, maybe they need a 30-something instead of an almost 60-ish. 

 

What are your thoughts on cold calls?

[Doyle]

It's definitely getting harder and harder to get in to see people these days.  I don't even worry about it anymore though.  Either I get in or I don't.  I think I overcame cold calling by making small talk with the receptionist.  You definitely do not want to walk in and start explaining your product or service.  They will just cut you off and say you need to make an appointment.  Bottom line is I think cold calling is necessary.

 

 

 

[boo7382]

So....... I'm in a bit of a bind with my job right now. My "sales" job is salaried with a bonus structure. A very nice salary, I might add. I'm expected to be in the office on Monday and the remainder of the week is on the road. While most of my stops are established accounts, the reality is this- the company I work for provides a repair service that is not needed until something breaks. For example, how many of you would even think about where to take your care for a brake job... until the brakes start going, right?

 

Salary (nice)

Bonus (okay)

Company truck

Credit card

Laptop/cell phone

 

Anyway, I make my stops and some of these accounts we haven't been in since the last time something broke as many as 5-6 years ago. No big deal, I represent the company in the best light possible and just let them know we're still here if they need us.

 

My problem is cold-calling. In this day and age where there's a security gate or a controlled access point and you're not getting to see anyone without an appointment, it's almost an exercise in futility. All of us know how annoyed we get when someone cold calls us without an appointment- yet it is part of my job and both my bosses aren't happy with my approach to them. My attitude about cold calls isn't going to change (I think they're useless without an appointment) and I really don't like making them.

 

So, today I'm off to a few major accounts- tire companies, chemical companies, etc. just to try to BS my way in a gate and past a receptionist. This isn't me. I'm due for a review in a month and I may simply offer my resignation. I think if they want someone to do nothing but drive the eastern half of NC and call on the several hundred accounts we have, maybe they need a 30-something instead of an almost 60-ish. 

 

What are your thoughts on cold calls?

 

I despise them. As of last night, I've only ever met 2 people in my life who actually admit to enjoying cold calling.

 

Its a necessary evil in my business.....gotta fill the pipeline somehow

 

The girl who was telling me last night how much she likes it has a much shorter sales cycle than I do. She can walk in and pick up someone's business on the spot. My business doesn't work that way, there are contracts involved that are anywhere from 1-5 years. If I cold call someone who loves me and wants to do business with me, I can't do much if they are stuck 1 year into a 5 year non-cancellable contract. I can see why she likes it, I would be more motivated if I had the chance to close a few sales here and there while cold calling.

 

In a nutshell, its no fun to be treated like poo by the front desk lady who has no better things to do during her day than make it her mission for you not to get into that office. It takes tough skin to knock on doors and be told no 20-30 times per day.

 

BUUUUTTTTTTTTT I regrettably will say that some of my largest accounts and  my best relationships I have with clients have come from a simple cold call that blossomed. :)

 

 

The most positive thing I can say about it is if you can do it, and be successful with it, anyone will hire you. 

[Panthro]

There are better ways to cold call then stopping by someones place. My suggestion to you AnyBodyHome is to create a list of companies/people in different areas you would like to prospect and email them on Monday when you are in the office for meetings the following week. Tell them you will be in Area BFE visiting Company XYZ on Tuesday and if they'd be interested in hearing some of the benefits Company xyz has gained by working with you.

 

If the don't respond just keep emailing them every month when you are back in that area. If they respond and say that time cannot work then ask them to suggest a time and date and you will set your schedule around them. If they do...success.

 

Phone calls and door to door do not work in my field. Emails seem to be the best way these days. Prospects also seem to respond when you name drop accounts in the area....

 

just my .02 commison

[thefuzz]

I was pretty much going to post what Panthro did.

 

With a company credit card, I would just start buying lunch for the front desk lady, and whomever you were hoping to meet with every time I went in the office.

 

I would e-mail before, and let her/him know what day you will be swinging by, what if any time you need to discuss what you are selling, and what you will be bringing for lunch.

 

Just a thought.  Make it worth their while to spend 15 minutes with you.

[ladypanther]

So, I am an old lady (by many of your teenage standards here) who made a drastic career change 1 year ago.  With no specific experience went into car sales.  Have worked for the same company but moved to my 3rd dealership in Nov. (The reasons will bore you).  So, I am sales person of the month for March and April.  The same cunning but slimy guy won it all the time before me.  I have never lied to, mislead, or been anything but upfront with all customers.  I hope my streak can continue.

[Hotsauce]

So....... I'm in a bit of a bind with my job right now. My "sales" job is salaried with a bonus structure. A very nice salary, I might add. I'm expected to be in the office on Monday and the remainder of the week is on the road. While most of my stops are established accounts, the reality is this- the company I work for provides a repair service that is not needed until something breaks. For example, how many of you would even think about where to take your care for a brake job... until the brakes start going, right?

Salary (nice)

Bonus (okay)

Company truck

Credit card

Laptop/cell phone

Anyway, I make my stops and some of these accounts we haven't been in since the last time something broke as many as 5-6 years ago. No big deal, I represent the company in the best light possible and just let them know we're still here if they need us.

My problem is cold-calling. In this day and age where there's a security gate or a controlled access point and you're not getting to see anyone without an appointment, it's almost an exercise in futility. All of us know how annoyed we get when someone cold calls us without an appointment- yet it is part of my job and both my bosses aren't happy with my approach to them. My attitude about cold calls isn't going to change (I think they're useless without an appointment) and I really don't like making them.

So, today I'm off to a few major accounts- tire companies, chemical companies, etc. just to try to BS my way in a gate and past a receptionist. This isn't me. I'm due for a review in a month and I may simply offer my resignation. I think if they want someone to do nothing but drive the eastern half of NC and call on the several hundred accounts we have, maybe they need a 30-something instead of an almost 60-ish.

What are your thoughts on cold calls?

To be brutally honest if you refuse to cold call and have a bad attitude about it, your best bet would be to find something else. My suggestion would be to find a job THEN quit, so it doesn't leave a gap in your resume.

I will say this however, I really applaud you for recognizing that this job is not for you, and you are willing to resign. I am a sales manager and my biggest headache is getting rid of the people who hate their job and suck at it. Millennials are hands down the worst. They think everyone owes them something, and don't want to put in the work to be successful. Not all of the millennialis are this way, but I have noticed this. /rant

But my advice is change your attitude regarding CC's, if you want to stay in sales. Yes it's true, no one likes to be cold called. But if you dont cold call, your competition will (or somebody did to get the business). You must change your approach and find unique ways to get in the door (some suggestions above are good).

[Anybodyhome]

I resigned last week after a lengthy meeting with the owner and his son (who will ultimately have the business). It was a mutual agreement with no hard feelings and mutual respect. We went out to lunch, I out-briefed on all the jobs I had lined up and gave the 32-year old future owner my thoughts on improving the sales routine within the company. It's a young man's game logging a few hundred miles a day and keeping the energy level up from 7AM when you hit the road until 6PM when you're back home. I jumped at the opportunity having been out of work for 8 months and they were paying me huge money, which is a lame excuse given I'm pretty financially secure. 

 

I was only on the job 10 weeks and at my age with a 20-year military career, my second 17-year career and the consulting gig I had before moving back to NC, I'm not very concerned about a gap in my resume as I will not likely work full time again in my lifetime. I'll continue looking for a part-time job I can enjoy and keep me busy 20-30 hours a week, along with my military pension and Social Security starting in just a few years, I'll be okay.

 

 

[SCP]

I don't mind cold calling. Filling the funnel with prospects is a necessity. I love finding a new prospect and turning them into a customer. Outside of the money, finding a new customer is one of the most satisfying parts about being in sales. I love finding a prospect nobody else knew about. I cold called one of the largest players in our industry after seeing the new VP's name in a trade publication and after two years of hard work landed them. Doesn't get better than that. After I go through the process of finding my target decision maker I will send a hand written note along with general info on my company via FedEx with a delivery confirmation. Once FedEx pings me with a delivery notification I will call and begin the process.

[SCP]

...

[ladypanther]

Got to 14 cars today.  My best number ever.  If I were in a bigger city with more traffic...that would be nothing, I am sure.  Still I am on track to make more money than I ever have.

 

Start all over again Monday.