Job Advice

[toastonastick]

Looking for some outside opinions. I work for one of the larger office supply companies out there. I'm in outside sales selling to offices, government etc...

This division that I work for is a new division in said company (not even 2 years). The sales numbers for our division suck!!!! I mean really suck!!! Our division is at 32% of goal as a unit. Most reps (we have about 150) are well below 50% year to date as you can imagine with 32%. There are probably 4 or 5 that are actually at goal. Me, I'm at 73% year to date and my last review was good, though that was in August.

This company is currently awaiting FTC approval and should merge with with a larger competitor by the end of 2013. My fear is that when this merge takes place that my division will chopped considering the crap numbers. I've also realized that the goals they have put in place are pretty unrealistic and almost unattainable. I bust my ass and have the highest percentage YTD on my team of 8. Also most new accounts as well. MY question is do I need to get my ass looking for a new gig? I updated my Resume over the weekend and am ready to put it out there. I started at this job in January and was at my previous for 8 years. I completely hate not having at least a couple years employment as it shits up my resume. Also, is it okay to use the reviews I had from my current employer when interviewing? I've gotten all great reviews even suggesting advancement in the future.


I really have no faith in management or in the company itself at this point.

 

[The Joker]

Ask Jack for my email.

I may have something for you.



Actually, go to my site.

Nickallenbrown.com - my email is there.

 

[ImFeklhr]

I've noticed a large percentage of this forum works in sales. What's up with that?
I wonder if there is some correlation between interest in gambling and being in the sales profession. :shrug:

 

[Livin'tillthEnd]

I've noticed a large percentage of this forum works in sales. What's up with that?
I wonder if there is some correlation between interest in gambling and being in the sales profession. :shrug:

absolutely, I'm in mortgage sales, I'd say at least 50-60% of us gamble at some level...most of us played sports as well--definitely a strong correlation there..

 

[Livin'tillthEnd]

Looking for some outside opinions. I work for one of the larger office supply companies out there. I'm in outside sales selling to offices, government etc...

This division that I work for is a new division in said company (not even 2 years). The sales numbers for our division suck!!!! I mean really suck!!! Our division is at 32% of goal as a unit. Most reps (we have about 150) are well below 50% year to date as you can imagine with 32%. There are probably 4 or 5 that are actually at goal. Me, I'm at 73% year to date and my last review was good, though that was in August.

This company is currently awaiting FTC approval and should merge with with a larger competitor by the end of 2013. My fear is that when this merge takes place that my division will chopped considering the crap numbers. I've also realized that the goals they have put in place are pretty unrealistic and almost unattainable. I bust my ass and have the highest percentage YTD on my team of 8. Also most new accounts as well. MY question is do I need to get my ass looking for a new gig? I updated my Resume over the weekend and am ready to put it out there. I started at this job in January and was at my previous for 8 years. I completely hate not having at least a couple years employment as it shits up my resume. Also, is it okay to use the reviews I had from my current employer when interviewing? I've gotten all great reviews even suggesting advancement in the future.


I really have no faith in management or in the company itself at this point.

I think you've answered your own question...you bust your ass, one of the top performers and you see the writing on the wall...why would you stay there?

 

[toastonastick]

Joker you have mail.

The funny thing is I didn't really look into it too much until I referred a friend a couple of weeks ago to my current employer. He received and offer and we were going over the numbers and giving him the inside on the position. That's when I really analyzed the whole situation and started thinking.

 

[The Mover]

absolutely, I'm in mortgage sales, I'd say at least 50-60% of us gamble at some level...most of us played sports as well--definitely a strong correlation there..

Livin & Im you are correct definitely stong correlation. I'm 66 & have been in sales most of my life. Most of gamblers in sales usually have free time & out of the office part of the time is deadly. One of my 1st jobs was for General Finance ( Friendly Bob Adams ) & my job was to pick up the racing form everyday for my boss. Auto sales probably has the highest percentage gamblers.

Sorry about going off topic Toast I wish you the best .

 

[Old School]

the smartest of salespeople always have themselves up for sale to the highest bidder.

my brother probably works for the same company as you..

I told him 3 years ago to be prepared the crash you speak of..

He didn't listen..Now they have his #'s so far off of reality that the hammer may soon fall..
especially when the merger goes thru and the older workers are weeded out LEGALLY..

have a resume' updated all the times in the workplace today..

that or work for yourself..

and that decision is best made in our 20's and 30's..

not our 40's and 50's..

best of luck..

told my younger brother he could take 25 of my accounts and crawl on the ground 6 days a week in landscaping..

:nono: he said..

I told him ya can't turn back the hands of time..

Look out for #1

Rule #2...

see rule #1

 

[s-love]

the smartest of salespeople always have themselves up for sale to the highest bidder.

my brother probably works for the same company as you..

I told him 3 years ago to be prepared the crash you speak of..

He didn't listen..Now they have his #'s so far off of reality that the hammer may soon fall..
especially when the merger goes thru and the older workers are weeded out LEGALLY..

have a resume' updated all the times in the workplace today..

that or work for yourself..

and that decision is best made in our 20's and 30's..

not our 40's and 50's..

best of luck..

told my younger brother he could take 25 of my accounts and crawl on the ground 6 days a week in landscaping..

:nono: he said..

I told him ya can't turn back the hands of time..

Look out for #1

Rule #2...

see rule #1

<YAWN>

 

[Betone]

<YAWN>

That is awesome, you have learned how to copy a reply.......Now, if you only were smart enough to post pics:mj07: :mj07: :mj07: :mj07:

 

[kneifl]

That is awesome, you have learned how to copy a reply.......Now, if you only were smart enough to post pics:mj07: :mj07: :mj07: :mj07:

LOL, he's a retarded troll. I seriously doubt he has many skills.

Toast, I wish you the best and have confidence you'll find something right for you.

:0008

kneifl

 

[s-love]

I wish I had Jonny's web page building skills.

Dumb fuck.

 

[toastonastick]

the smartest of salespeople always have themselves up for sale to the highest bidder.

my brother probably works for the same company as you..

I told him 3 years ago to be prepared the crash you speak of..

He didn't listen..Now they have his #'s so far off of reality that the hammer may soon fall..
especially when the merger goes thru and the older workers are weeded out LEGALLY..

have a resume' updated all the times in the workplace today..

that or work for yourself..

and that decision is best made in our 20's and 30's..

not our 40's and 50's..

best of luck..

told my younger brother he could take 25 of my accounts and crawl on the ground 6 days a week in landscaping..

:nono: he said..

I told him ya can't turn back the hands of time..

Look out for #1

Rule #2...

see rule #1

Thanks for the reply. The industry is shit, and not looking good in the future. I posted my resume on a couple of sites and have a recruiters bugging the piss out of me. Good thing is I have my reviews from my current position that show I know what the hell I'm doing.

 

[marine]

1. Yes you should have an updated resume at all times.
2. Your resume isn't going to get you a job.
3. Your network is going to get you a job.
4. In the job hunt, -YOU- are the product, and -YOU- are your sales team. Think about it that way and don't just assume slapping your resume on a job board is going to lead to something.

5. Get your linkedin updated and make sure you are connecting with people in your industry, recruiters and performers

6. You need to be looking. If you are miserable and unmotivated now, when the merger happens (and we all know which 2 companies you are referring to) you are going to be even more miserable upon merger. It will take a while before they cut you just due to the size/scope of the task at hand. Chaos and disorganization will be the norm for a while.

7. Getting your name out there on the social networking landscape... other companies are going to be targeting a certain group of your employer's staff/people because they know you are already and going to be unhappy with the merger. Make sure you are in a spot where they can find you.

8. Lots more to consider.
9. I've done the corporate recruiting thing for about 10 years now - this is valid, relevant advice.

10. Reviews from your current employer - I dont give a shit about them. Plain and simple. For a number of reasons. One being, if they werent great you wouldnt show them to me. Two being, I don't know the monkey that wrote them - maybe they have horribly low standards. Unless I know who wrote the review (and I mean personally know them) it means nothing to me.

11. Get my email if you want to, will be happy to talk more.

 

[kneifl]

1. Yes you should have an updated resume at all times.
2. Your resume isn't going to get you a job.
3. Your network is going to get you a job.
4. In the job hunt, -YOU- are the product, and -YOU- are your sales team. Think about it that way and don't just assume slapping your resume on a job board is going to lead to something.

5. Get your linkedin updated and make sure you are connecting with people in your industry, recruiters and performers

6. You need to be looking. If you are miserable and unmotivated now, when the merger happens (and we all know which 2 companies you are referring to) you are going to be even more miserable upon merger. It will take a while before they cut you just due to the size/scope of the task at hand. Chaos and disorganization will be the norm for a while.

7. Getting your name out there on the social networking landscape... other companies are going to be targeting a certain group of your employer's staff/people because they know you are already and going to be unhappy with the merger. Make sure you are in a spot where they can find you.

8. Lots more to consider.
9. I've done the corporate recruiting thing for about 10 years now - this is valid, relevant advice.

10. Reviews from your current employer - I dont give a shit about them. Plain and simple. For a number of reasons. One being, if they werent great you wouldnt show them to me. Two being, I don't know the monkey that wrote them - maybe they have horribly low standards. Unless I know who wrote the review (and I mean personally know them) it means nothing to me.

11. Get my email if you want to, will be happy to talk more.

Very good advice. I don't always agree with Marine either, but what he said here is true.

kneifl

 

[toastonastick]

I just hate not having a longer tenure at my current position and looking for something new. Because I'm not someone who hops from job to job. Good advice Marine, the reviews are weighted heavily on performance and puts me in the top 5% of my division. That is the only reason I thought it might valuable. I have really upped my activity on linkedin as well.

 

[The Boys]

sell life insurance. some carriers pay 100% commission. easy money.

 

[The Joker]

I just hate not having a longer tenure at my current position and looking for something new. Because I'm not someone who hops from job to job. Good advice Marine, the reviews are weighted heavily on performance and puts me in the top 5% of my division. That is the only reason I thought it might valuable. I have really upped my activity on linkedin as well.

Sounds like you're headed in the right direction. :0074

 

[toastonastick]

2 interviews yesterday. Already scheduled a second with the first one. Should be scheduling a second with the other today. Totally new industries in both. But I'm looking for a change so pretty stoked. I also have an offer coming from a company a friend of mine works for, might be a little less than what the others pay but of course no offers form the others soo....

Oh yeah, my ex wife took me back to court to get more money. We went to mediation and my support and alimony was reduced!! LOL!! Still gainfully employed at my current job and actually had a decent sales week. Hopefully good things ahead!