Dire Dilemma 1

I have been with my current company for a little over 13 months now. I've had my fair share of ups and downs, and overall, I don't think I have yet to achieve my full potential in this line of work.

I've recently had a couple of job offers, one in a similar sales environment, the other as a job recruiter / headhunter. This comes at a rather crucial juncture in my current job, as I'm due for a promotion and much bigger things.

The headhunting job doesn't strike my fancy just yet. Too many unknown variables and factors to consider. But, the other one does offer some interesting growth potential as well as an opportunity to work abroad.

My mind has been preoccupied to say the least.
Years down the line, I'll probably look back at this point in time, and wonder...
but right now, I just need answers!

Phoenix Rising from the Ashes

As a sales executive, one always wonders when the next major payday comes along. Sometimes, there are dry spells. The lack of deals can often be rather stressful, and makes one re-evaluate one's strategies and goals.

It's been 6 weeks since I joined the new company. I had left my previous employment (also in sales), due to a number of factors which had made me feel completely disillusioned and demoralised. Changing jobs can be both terrifying and exhilarating. But it sure beats that dreadful feeling going in to a workplace that you hate and wishing the day were over before it even begins. That's a sure sign that it's time to move on.

I began my foray into the sales world barely 7 months ago. The first couple of months were intensely challenging, but highly motivating. Team morale was high, due to a record sales quarter. Even though the paychecks weren't as high as expected, I stuck with it, in the anticipation of future potential earnings. But 5 months in, these monetary returns were nowhere to be seen. Truth be told, only a handful of people were succeeding, fanning the flames of jealousy and rumours that is the norm of office politics.

I went into the business starting with a blank slate, but left... feeling used and unappreciated. Though I've only just been with the new company for a short span of time, it doesn't feel that way here. It's a new beginning, but with the experiences from the previous workplace still clear in my mind, the path ahead is not so frightful.

Decisions Decisions Decisions

I called in sick today. No, it wasn't a ruse. I really am sick. Well, a bad sore throat and a cough. And considering that a large part of my current job consists me being on the phones, I was in no condition to work.

Then again, I believe that in some part, my illness was a physical manifestation of my present state of mind. A big ol' mess. The last program left a bitter taste. It was frustrating to see my best efforts not bearing fruit, while others in better programs bringing in the deals.

I felt disillusioned. The pretty portraits that were painted to me when I started out here, were starting to fade, revealing the flaws and cracks in the canvas.

There is a silver lining to every cloud, so the saying goes. Taking a day off work has given me the time to re-evaluate my life, my goals, my plans. I know. It sounds like a lot. Trust me. A few months ago, I had a simple goal - survive the year.

I am considering a change of environment. The skills from this line of work can be applied elsewhere, where the material gains are more rewarding and the timetables more flexible. I will think this through carefully, but I know that my mind is already set. I just need to put my plans into motion.

Crunch Time

The product sales cycle is finally coming to an end. However, it's been an extremely slow seller. We're barely 2 weeks away from the deadline, and the numbers are dismal. But today, a small glimmer of hope. 2 actually. And tomorrow... perhaps 6... or 8.

In any case, I'll be glad once this is over, and we can proceed with a new product and a fresh start.

Monday Madness

Yippee! Another one today! Quite unexpected. They may send more people in the next week or so... I hope. The deal actually came in on Thursday, but my manager forgot to tell me about it. In any case, it puts me another step closer to my sales target (and promotion!).

On another note, our team topped the sales league for the division, and won the hamper. Lots of snacks and goodies.

I'm earnestly looking forward to the next few days (and deals).

Halfway there...

Got my confirmation today. Managed to close my 5th sale and reach my sales target for the month. Another 30k to go, and I'll be making the big bucks for sure!

It's been a great week in general. Sales records are being broken, and morale amongst the troops runs high. Just a few more days till payday. Can't hardly wait!

Laying the Groundworks

When it comes to sales, you've got to be consistently persistent. Every conversation needs to be fruitful, either in gathering more information about your potential client, or in creating a rapport with your clients.

This is my second month in sales. I believe that one cannot truly appreciate success without first experiencing failure. And there have been PLENTY of failures. I've learnt to handle the rejections well.

Today, I could sense the fruits of my labour starting to blossom. I've got potential clients lined up for the next week or two. The only question to be answered is, when will these potentials turn into SALES?

They say that when it rains, it pours. It's a holiday tomorrow... independence day. For me, it's a well deserved rest for the last few weeks of intense pitching.

Here's hoping for a great week ahead!