12.28.09
Well, Do You Want the Job or Not?
As the interview drew to a close, I had answered the questions and asked plenty of my own. I began to prepare to leave when a final question stopped me in my tracks. “Well, do you want the job or not?” Oops. I forgot to ask the most critical question. I still smile as I recall that interview over eleven years ago but it did teach me a lesson- always ask for what you want.
I see many sales people never close the sale because they do not ask for the order. Whether or not it stems from fear or lack of planning is irrelevant because the outcome is the same. You don’t make a sale, you don’t make money. A sales trainer once said that timid sales people have hungry children. In other words, being afraid to ask the seemingly difficult question, is sure to leave you with empty pockets.
2009 had its share of challenges and 2010 will have plenty of its own. One of the things we can control is making sure our salespeople ask for the business. In your visits with clients, watch and listen to see how your employees ask for the business. If they don’t, make it your mission to ask for the order and don’t be surprised when you get it.
“Well, do you want the job or not?” “Yes. I’m very interested”, I replied. Two weeks later, I hit the streets as a new employee.
Regards,
Brian Boek
