Sales Training for returning vets
Submitted by: Russ Davis on Sep 17, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Tagged with: Sales, Sales Management, Veterans
Source: Sales Training for returning vets
I got out of the Army in 1972 and spent several months looking for a job in civilian life. One of the many frustrations that I had in my transition period was reading corporate literature that encouraged veterans to apply for work, but in reality they required experience to get hired. Now years later that same frustration still exists with veterans and I can do something to help.
Recently, while waiting for a table at a restaurant I spoke with a veteran of the Iraqi war about his experiences, goals, plans and dreams. He was at the bar eating enough food for two people and I couldn’t pull myself away from our conversation. After thanking him for his service he went on to tell me about everything from boot camp experiences to combat to job hunting. He never whined or complained about his life or experience. On the contrary, he spoke of characteristics and behaviors all of us would be proud to display.
I gleaned several qualities from our conversation that any business owner or sales manager should look for in professional sales person. Here are the qualities that I saw and heard:
1. You must have unconditional commitment to success.
2. You must be passionate about your pursuit of goals.
3. You must have a sense of team along with your importance to the success of the mission.
4. Never go into a situation unprepared.
5. Consistent action is required to accomplish goals.
6. Your values fuel your character.
7. Success requires guts and a sense of humor.
Those concepts were embedded in the thoughts he shared with me while he was eating. If you are a business owner with a sales force, take the time and ask yourself, “Are my people representing my company using these seven qualities? If they did, how would my business be changed?” I venture to say that many businesses would explode if they had a sales force with the qualities of many returning vets.
My encounter with this young man reinforced the thought that we need to support our returning troops. These brave men and women have made great sacrifices to protect our freedom. They have left families, businesses and careers, and put their lives on hold to ensure that we will continue to lead our normal lives.
My call for support isn’t based on hollow words; therefore, I would like to detail a major initiative that I am offering to salespeople and sales managers who have served their country. My company will provide sales training, at no charge, to any military person from the state of South Carolina who has been honorably discharged from any branch of service from 2008 to 2010 and wishes to re-enter the world of sales. If you are interested and qualify, please send me an email and I will arrange for an interview. I encourage all who read this article to find a way to support our troops.