Sales skills

It was not until we had to replace Mandy that I realised that some people just have a different attitude. And when it comes to sales people this is what separates those who can from those who wish they could. In the fifteen years it took us to build that company, there were just two others who were capable of walking in knowing nothing about the industry and then taking to the streets with every intention of selling the products we had.

There was no talk about basics, no allowances, just targets and incentives and passion. But then this is Knysna. And in Knysna one is expected to share the risk. Or so I am told.

I contacted both of the local placement agencies offering generous commissions for sales of a quality product that is already well established in the local market. And whilst I can understand the agency’s frustration and their concerns in the current economic climate I take exception to having to make two follow up calls to get the other one to acknowledge having received my brief. More importantly however the point they are missing is that I would rather pay someone to do the job I will inevitably end up having to do myself. But make no mistake, I have no intention of paying someone just to hear them trot out the same old excuses. Been there, done that and if you doubt your ability to sell, don’t. Rather take that receptionists job at three and a half a month. You are not in a position to start making demands. Prove what you can do. Prove that you can make a silk purse from a sow’s ear. And that’s when you can start dictating terms. If it is job security you are looking for join the union and wave the flag.

I don’t know why we do it? You need your head read if you are thinking of starting up and running a business in this part of the world. There is something wrong with the people here. They have no imagination, no drive and they don’t really want a job. It’s just something more we have to complain about.