Words of the Wise
Two things I look for in a sales rep are passion and a low tolerance for mediocrity. I want the individuals in our sales team to be passionate about being at Sun, passionate about our products and solutions, and passionate about about their role on the team. Additionally, I don't want anyone on the sales team to settle for “just good enough.” Everyone on the team needs to have an attitude of excellence in doing their part. A mediocre effort cannot be tolerated.
Having these two qualities in a sales rep can be dangerous if not accompanied with wisdom when it comes to leading the team and communicating.
Proverbs 15:2 says, “The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly.”
Notice that the writer is not commenting on the content of the message – is seems as though it assumed that the message content is true. The focus is on how a piece of knowledge is delivered, and the wise person apparently thinks before they speak. They consider how this message will be received, and then they communicate in such a way as to make it acceptable to the receivers of the message.
Proverbs 16:23 adds, “The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips.”
Communications is an art of the wise person and a tool that can be used to influence and lead a group when used wisely or a weapon to beat down a team when used foolishly.
We need to stop and think before we speak. That is something sales people generally do before they speak with customers, but this message is particularly aimed at internal, team communications. That is where I see the greatest temptation to bite off someone's head when we perceive they are not pulling their weight or when it looks like they are giving what we perceive to be a mediocre effort.
So I guess there is that third thing I look for in a sales leader - passion and low tolerance for mediocrity coupled with wise communications skills.
Posted at 08:45AM Apr 18, 2008 by George Miller in Personal | Comments[2]
i need a job. so how do i sell myself at ~50-60k/yr? :D
Posted by 152.14.75.38 on April 18, 2008 at 09:31 AM EDT #
So the answer is basically, is the value that you bring worth $31/hour to an employer? If so, then you'll have no problem selling yourself for about $60K/yr. If not, then there will be a problem. If you are not worth $31/hour, then maybe you can sell a product that is worth that or more to your employer.
Your hours are limited over a week and the amount per hour is also limited. With product, if you want to earn more, sell a product that is valued more.
Other thoughts?
Posted by George on April 18, 2008 at 11:05 PM EDT #