Self fulfilling prophecy?
 

I'm in sales. I convinced myself that I'm going to have a tough time making quota this year. Therefore I'd make less than last year, which was my best sales/income year ever. I reined in my spending accordingly.

There are 6 weeks left in the year and the prediction is holding true. This is because I did things to prove myself right. I busied myself with activities that had nothing to do with advancing sales. I did less prospecting which is the kiss of death in sales. I should have listened to more motivational tapes to get in the right frame of mind. It was all in my head.

I'm kicking a$$ in '07.

"Whether you think you can or think you can't, you are right."

Sales, I am finding, is evil and wonderful at the same time. For me, being a pessimist by nature, it is requiring me to rewire the whole way that my brain works. When one 'thing' doesn't work out, I need to smile and do it 2 more times. I understand what you are saying completely. I'll kick a$$ in 07 too. There, I said it!

My goal in college was not to get a sales job. I hate people, they suck. Having to kiss up to people I hate sucks more.

I understand that sales is necessary and I respect the people that have the stomach for it.

Legion, it depends on what kind of sales you do. If you're selling vaccum cleaners door to door, well then, that sucks no matter how you cut it. But if you're not dealing with the unwashed masses and you're calling on people who really have a need for your product, it can be pretty good. When I did retail mortgages, I hated dealing with realtors more than anything in the world. Now I'm making far more money in wholesale mortgages and have never had any contact with a realtor or borrower. I only deal with other brokers who have a need for what I offer and cold calling is much more pleasant that way. Just about everyone wants to talk to me.

But sometimes I do crazy things to motivate myself like buy a motorcycle before I got my first commission check. Now I really have to bust my a$s to pay for and my goal is to have it paid off before the first payment is due. Got my first commission check two days ago and it was the largest one I've ever gotten and it was only my first commissionable month. I know it will get a LOT better.

Nothing like a heavy debt load to keep ya running on the treadmill... :D

My major in college was finance. Sales jobs for finance people out of college are generally at retail brokerages. I.E. cold-calling the general public and convincing them that they should buy your high-fee low-yield mutual fund...

I always figured no one in college ever dreamed about becoming a realtor or loan officer. But then after a few yrs. working for the man and running the rat race, the 100% commission and autonomy becomes a lot more attractive.

It's not crazy to spend SOME of your commission before you make it. Those are exactly the things we sales people have to do to stay motivated. The top rainmakers I know live pretty extravagantly, IMO. I'm talking $6k monthly mortgage, stay-at-home wife, multiple vacations every year abroad, country club, etc. Then they HAVE to sell their a$$ off to make ends meet. I live a pauper's lifestyle compared to some of my colleagues.

mean people suck, but only in the bad way, except for girls, who, when they're bad, suck in a good way.

I also am not cut out for sales, but after years of analyzing companies, I am convinced that the most important function in most companies is sales.

Rick
I've been dealing with those 'unwashed masses' for over 20 years but they come to me (own pawnshop). It's way more entertaining than anything on TV.
Jim

Jim, you wouldn't happen to be in Mountain Home, would you?

Treat these guys well - make a friend and you'll make money. People buy from people, don't ever forget that.

Your attitude will determine your altitude.

"It is better to plan tho succeed and fail than to plan to fail and succeed."

I think I read that in a fortune cookie, no charge (this time). :p

I disagree, I cant squeeze a baby out my, er, I dont have one. I also dont have what it takes to sell.

I tried door to door, and failed, Then i went into auto sales and fired.

To Quote the guy who fired me: "You are too technical and detailed oriented to be in sales. Most People want to buy a Painting, they dont really care about the type of paint, technique of brushstroke, or thread count of canvas. You should take a job in Service or computers."

So after years of fighting it, I went in to computers and have found my place. 9 yrs later, I still cant sell anti venom to a snake bite victim.

But i can tell you where to put it.
;)

;) ;)

A few of my favorites:

If they're willing to pay it, I'm willing to charge it.

Your review is your W2.

Right and wrong has nothing to do with anything.

Don't buy your meat where you earn your bread.

Don't eat the yellow snow.

I love it. Being a home improvement contractor, I've "sold" all my life. But, you'fe right, people suck, more every day. Gen X'rs are the worst, especially the nouveaux riche types.

If I go full time with chasis rust repair, people will have to knock on my door rather than me on theirs.