Sales can be exciting and scary. Just like life. It’s unpredictable, you can make mistakes that lead to consequences. A loss of something you were counting on. A slam dunk that’s now gone. Then there are times when things are just flowing to you, it feels like Christmas morning, an inbox filled with signed paperwork. It’s a job where you never know whats to come, you can only hope for the best. You have to think on your feet. Beat out your competition.
I mentioned I had a client scenario happen earlier this week that has been bothering me since. It could have been an easy win, but I messed up how I presented the material. That is completely on me. Every day since then I wonder if I should reopen the conversation. “Are they lost for good? Should I give them the weekend,” these are thoughts I’ve pondered. It’s like an art really, you don’t want to be too aggressive. You don’t want to act like you don’t care at all. You want to be responsive, you want to own up to any mistakes, but also you dont want to look like a complete imbusal. So I’ve let that one linger, especially since it’s the first time I’ve worked with this partner and of course they’re on the email chain as well. They will see I lost them because I misspoke, and not only will I lose the client but the partner will likely lose faith in me for future sales. The only way to gain back credibility would be to win the next one, I can’t change what’s happened, but it’s still bothersome. Especially because I feel like I can’t reach out until next week to gauge if they are still interested. I also haven’t been able to find a good way to explain myself and the way that I messed up.
This is sales I suppose, sometimes it is easy and smooth. Sometimes it takes a long time for things to move forward. I’m only halfway to my quota and the months almost over. I can’t stress about it too much, I can just try to find more business. It’s bitter sweet knowing how well I did last month. It’s funny knowing that things could all turn around before the week is over.
Thats sales though, much like life. Unpredictable, disappointing, exciting sometimes. It leaves you uncertain about what’s to come. Being genuine and honest gets you rewarded. When mistakes are made lessons are learned, but there are sometimes consequences. It’s a profession that some shy away from. It’s one that some don’t understand well, look down upon. It’s easy enough, the process, the conversations. I think the tough part is being okay not knowing what will happen tomorrow.
The Girl Without A Face 
2 responses to “Sellers Remorse”
I’m amazed how some people crave the risks that come from being in sales. The continual tension in the field is enormous, yet that is the one thing some people hunger after. My father-in-law was a realtor. Yes, one of those jobs that is pure sales. He thrived on the edginess and unpredictability of his workdays. I could never do this type of job. The frustration and stress would do me in. I marvel at people like you.
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That is so kind of you to say! I have a friend who is a realtor and I always loved the way he talked about his job and how excited he got about it. It’s funny, I spent the majority of my career not in sales. I was an analyst, a supervisor, a manager. I managed sales people. And then I thought, “I could do this.” Getting to know the people I managed and coaching them helped me gain the confidence to jump into the role myself. You could do it too! If you believe in the product genuinely you can present it to other people. It’s essentially just the ultimate customer service role. But yes at times the ups and downs, so very stressful.
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