By Troy Harrison – Sales Navigator
Inspiration can hit at random times. Yesterday morning, I had no idea what I was going to write about for this week’s Navigator. Then I had lunch at Twin Peaks – and whatever you’re thinking, you’re probably wrong. My server was a young woman named Elle. Now, I understand the server’s role at Twin Peaks; I eat there about once a month. They provide great service and they’re a little flirty with the guys, because that generates tips and it’s on-brand. So, when Elle started asking me questions and chatting, I answered politely but not in a truly engaged way. I’m a little jaded, I guess.
Then she asked me what I did for a living, and I explained that I’m a self-employed sales trainer and coach. Suddenly, her tone and expression changed. “I’m starting out in sales!” she exclaimed. Then she told me that she’s selling (probably 1099, commission only sales) for not one, but two, home improvement companies. She bragged on the companies that she worked for, and asked me a few more questions about what I do and how she could learn more about sales. Still, I shrugged it off a bit as doing her job as a server. I’ll tell you the rest of the story in a moment, but the truth is that this article isn’t about her. It’s about a topic I don’t write about much (but I should), which is, how do we bring young people into this wonderful profession, particularly at the entry level? I’ll give you my ideas.