Nickname: Raoul

Review: Lets all admit "Sales" is the engine that keeps organisations running and ensures our salaries every month. Being a sales man i can confidently say that the thrill and high of winning a deal is unmatched.Like the good woodcutter who has to grind his axe for hours before he can cut a tree thesales person has to plan and strategise his every move always be at his best in front of the customer bring all the right people from his organisation to psh the deal along compete with his competitors who at times might be many times the size of the firm he represents. Yes sales is not for the weak hearted despite all his efforts he still has to be able to maintain the equanimity of Buddha in the face of loosing a deal.All hail the "Salesman"

Date reviewed: Apr 27, 2007 11:36 AM

Nickname: Will

Review: The comments of people such as "HR perspective" seem to reflect a clearer understanding of acceptable versus unacceptable character traits of salespeople. Almost every company fails to clearly define and commit themselves to finding quality salespeople. They do less than half the work they need to on the front end and are conned or "sold" on less than complete individuals. If a company begins with this type of short thinking, how soon do they attract selfish, short thinking people into their ranks who simply compound the problem? Will

Date reviewed: Jul 6, 2006 5:34 PM

Nickname: Mickey

Review: Interesting, but from the point of view of a 30-year sales/sales management veteran, a little too jaded. Most definitly the view of an engineer or CEO who has never really carried the bag and does not fully understand great sales professionals. The folks described are certainly out there, but they are not the top producers. The overall theme in this article was that sales people are driven by money. Top producers are driven by ego and self achievement, not soley by money. Just my opinion.

Date reviewed: Jul 5, 2006 2:31 AM

Nickname: Anand Nair

Review: Good and guiding article. It gives some points to manage the sales team.

Date reviewed: Jul 4, 2006 5:41 AM

Nickname: Star sales

Review: I used to hate running and selling. Now, running and selling are my favorite activities. Why? Because over the years I have become much better at it. I can now easily run a half marathon (I still need to train hard for the full marathon) and as for selling, I've been lucky to have a great EVP of sales to mentor and guide me. And have grown to respect the profession. As another commentator said here: we are the only revenue generating department in any company. Also, my definition of the job has changed: we exist to help customers achieve their goals, solve their problems and satisfy their needs. Yes, indeed, if you recognize this phrase, we are trained in Michael Bosworth, "customercentric selling" methodology. And the simple fact is we achieved our finacial goals without being pushy and manipulative. A win-win situation for my customers, company and myself. This is why running and selling are my favorite activities today and tomorrow.

Date reviewed: Jun 29, 2006 6:24 PM

Nickname: Henry

Review: The article, slide show and comments, taken together, are very helpful. I am always concerned about oversimplification, and the author and reviewer's comments taken together provide some excellent guidance!

Date reviewed: Jun 29, 2006 12:32 PM

Nickname: Road warrior

Review: It is hard for non sales people to understand that with out an effetive sales team they would not have a job. The sales department is the only revenue producing department in a company, every other department costs the company money. There are many dimensions to a top producing salesperson and stroking his/her ego is part of a manager's job. It is up to the manager to know when public praise may satisfy that ego or some monetary compensation is required. Your top earners expect to be compensated for exceling. The key is to keep raising the bar for that top earner and you will be surprised at how your company will be rewarded.

Date reviewed: Jun 29, 2006 5:02 AM

Nickname: sale woman

Review: Try being a car saleswoman. No matter what you do or offer, the customer wants more. Selling is lot rougher than 10 years ago. Love my job but customers hold your future in their hands.

Date reviewed: Jun 28, 2006 7:38 PM

Nickname: HR perspective

Review: These profiles lack the dimension of quality sales people. It's what I expect in C players, not A players. I do not agree that these are profiles of successful sales people, you can rarely find a person who fits neatly into the buckets. I see three major categories of strengths in great sales people. First -Being a good customer champion - this includes understanding the politics of the customer org. and how decisions are made, having the ability to sell industry solutions for the future, being viewed as an extension of customer mgt. team and not a vendor. The second strength is related to their own org. savvy to deliver their products and services seamlessly. The third area centers around being an innovative leader - always looking for ways to innovate around their customer in GTM or product. Sales attracts independent, articulate types where 75% are 'F's (Myers Briggs type indicator)

Date reviewed: Jun 28, 2006 4:11 PM

Nickname: ebik

Review: This article is an interesting description to help focus on the trouble spots, not an article to cast praise on fragile-egoed sales people.

Date reviewed: Jun 28, 2006 10:17 AM