First, I owe you an explanation. I don’t normally tell people to shut up. I’m the guy who espouses listening first and then selling. I wanted to convey a message and a concern of mine about the perception some people have about sales people. And, I wondered how many people would know what I meant by “carrying the bag.”
It refers to selling and being the person who is responsible for the sale. In other words, you’re the person carrying the sample or brief case - the bag.
I’m still surprised by the number of otherwise intelligent people who have never carried a bag but do carry around a misplaced viewpoint of the value of sales and sales people. First, let’s agree there are plenty of examples of bad sales people who should be in another line of work. But, that holds true for every profession and job.
I can’t think of any industry or profession that doesn’t involve selling. And, yet, too many people are quick to sneer at sales and call yourself marketers when you’re really selling. How many of you have business cards with the title of District Marketing Manager (or something similar) when you’re actually in charge of selling in a territory? That happens because even sales people get tired of being beaten up by people who look down on the sales profession.
The shut up part of the title is directed at some recent posts I’ve read by people who have disparaging things to say about sales people. One person on a blog claims to run a marketing company that isn’t doing too well in this economy. He asks people what kind of experiences they have had with “blood sucking reps.” That attitude should make for a great relationship.
Sales is both a very challenging and rewarding job. I encourage anyone thinking of a career in business or who wants to one day own their own company to carry the bag for a while. You’ll learn more doing that that you’ll ever learn in business school.
And, the next time you meet someone and they tell you they’re in sales, ask them about their job. You might find out that they are playing a large role in getting this economy turned around. You might even want to give them a hug.
Or, at least help them with that bag.
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