Cleaning and Sales

     I was a salesman for a brief time last year, and I gotta say it was one of the most difficult jobs I have ever undertaken. Kudos to those in sales, really. I faced a lot of sharp comments from complete strangers when all I was trying to do was present an opportunity. Just one opportunity. You don't have to be rude, just say yes, or no. There's only so much I can push before I feel I'm being a bully, so I'll take my leave, trust me.
     Recently, I've been doing cold calls for Budget, going from business to business, trying to see if people are interested in getting their offices cleaned. Some are some aren't. But honestly, there has been a whole new attitude there, and I think it's because of the service I was offering.
     There is no product with Budget. We are the product, but you can't buy us right then and there. With the other sales job, the pressure from the higher ups was to sell, sell, sell, and people don’t respond to that like they used to, now with the internet, online research, buying online, oh the list is endless. So why the change in results?
     Well, once again, I believe because it is a service industry. Now, by a rule, I think having a no soliciting sign on your establishment is silly. It is! Why? Because who knows what you could be missing out on? Who knows what you may want, or not want? Not you. Certainly not me, so I hear all serious propositions, and I entertain them simply because of that "X" factor. If we are not open to opportunity, how can we expect to recognize it when it appears?
     The whole point of this article is to let you know that not every salesman is hocking hardware and encyclopedias. And even if they are, why stop them? They're just trying to make a living, and if they are unprofessional, give them the treatment that you think they deserve. However. There are a lot of guys and gals in sales (I'm one of those guys in fact) that are honest, hardworking, and want to help you find a product that works for you. If you have a no soliciting sign, take it off. Let a sales rep come in to your establishment, and just hear what they have to say. Even if you don't buy, you may be the only pleasant encounter that person may have that day.
     Think about it.