“I am failing,” he said. “I’m not writing any orders and every day is a struggle. I feel like I am getting beaten up on an ongoing basis.”
I agree. And it is he that is administering the beating...on himself and all by himself.
The coaching call continued on for a while with my client talking about how miserable he felt. As I listened, it became clear to me that he believed he was not doing his job. Therefore, he was experiencing stress, disappointment and unhappiness.
Why? Because he wasn’t selling what he felt he should sell. That was his measuring stick. That was his answer to the question, “Am I doing my job?”
I took a different tact. I asked the rep how many calls he made in a day’s time. His number rhymed with “clean.” That a good sign and a healthy number.
I asked about his time management and preparatory skills. Again, strong.
I asked how many appointments he had this past week. Impressive. I asked about next week. Impressive-er.
When I was done with my Spanish Inquisition, I asked the rep if he was doing his job.
Silence.
“Well, I guess we have a different perspective, huh?” he drawled.
Yes, I guess we do.
I believe that if you make quality sales calls using a process and make them with diligence, success in inevitable. Start every day with a plan. Run that plan daily. Repeat. You are doing your job.
Silence.
“You know, maybe things aren’t as bad as I think they are. Maybe my efforts will pay off and I will find success. Maybe I just need to stick with it and redefine ‘doing my job.’ ”
Not maybe. Just yes.
Bill has five free webinar recordings for view on his website: www.AspireFor.com. Each focuses on a different print sales-specific topic. Contact Bill at bill@aspirefor.com
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Bill Farquharson is a respected industry expert and highly sought after speaker known for his energetic and entertaining presentations. Bill engages his audiences with wit and wisdom earned as a 40-year print sales veteran while teaching new ideas for solving classic sales challenges. Email him at bill@salesvault.pro or call (781) 934-7036. Bill’s two books, The 25 Best Print Sales Tips Ever and Who’s Making Money at Digital/Inkjet Printing…and How? as well as information on his new subscription-based website, The Sales Vault, are available at salesvault.pro.