When is it Time to Leave?
When the Fun Stops
Too many times I see proven, experienced salespeople “lose it” for one reason or another. They drift into bad habits, adopt shortcuts and or bad attitudes. Once that happens they are better off moving along to someplace new. As much as we hate to have people quit and leave, it’s worse when they quit and stay.
Shiny
Just as often I see a “newbie” come on board and outsell the knowledgeable old pro. How can this be? My Dad told me, “The new broom sweeps clean.”
New salespeople bring some qualities to the team that the seasoned pro may have lost somewhere along the way.
-They still think everyone is going to buy; so they try.
-They still think they need to follow the rules, so they do.
-They still think they have a lot to learn, so they study.
-They still think they are working for a great company and they show it.
-They still think they need to follow the system, so they don’t take shortcuts.
-They still think their appearance is important, so they look their best.
When experienced salespeople maintain these qualities they are unbeateable.
August 8th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Ron is so right! When they lose the magic they need to move on to a more magical place. Sadly, companies, retailers in particular hang on the “oldie moldies” remembering when they were good producers and hoping for a return of the same; NOT LIKELY!
August 11th, 2009 at 8:48 am
When they lose it and want to stay, fire the bastards. Some will suck you dry if you let them, all the while undermining you behind your back. “Sell or Split;” that’s what I tell them.
August 12th, 2009 at 7:16 am
While All Business sounds a little rough here, I agree. When they run out of gas it’s time for a change. When they won’t make the change, help them OUT!
February 21st, 2011 at 7:06 am
I’m not in the world of sales…though I have the responsibility of managing people. It seems we all too often put the bottom line aheadof the people. Be it a sale or a task. If we value, respect and invest in our people, we often receive the outcome we desire. I had an HR Director tell me once, “Mike, we don’t hire people to fire them. You work with them and they will fire themselves.” We are too quick too quick to call a “management” issue a “personnel” one! Just my thoughts.
February 21st, 2011 at 11:32 am
Mike D. Has it right.