Salesmen: Where to find GOOD ones?

**DpEntertainment** · 02-19-2008 09:04 PM

Hi!

I run a successful high end party entertainment company covering the entire northeast territory.

i have been having a terribly difficult time finding good quality over the phone (not telemarketing) salesmen and there is only so much myself and the select others here can handle.

It is hindering our business's development significantly.

Does anyone have a recommendation where to find commissioned plus salary based salesmen who actually know what there doing?

I have tried craigslist, colleges, etc, and no dice.

Any suggestions would be helpful not only to myself but probably many other entrepreneurs who are a few years into their business and are ready for larger growth.

Thanks!

**BusinessAdviser** · 02-19-2008 09:20 PM

It all depends on the compensation package. You get what you pay for...

**NamesCody** · 02-19-2008 09:57 PM

Have you put ads up on employment sites like monster, hotjobs, snagajob etc?

**Cole Taylor** · 02-19-2008 10:14 PM

The guys I get from Monster.com all look better on paper than those who respond to the local newspaper ad, but they usually turn out to be worse salesmen (you may get the exact opposite). If you want someone that knows what they're doing stay away from the colleges; sales is a contact sport and the college guys need to get some experience under their belt before they're good to anyone.

Ive had a few guys come from agencies like Appleone. The good thing about agencies is that you call them at the end of the day and tell them not to send so and so back.

Also, your ads should read Inside Sales, not over the phone sales. Leave a phone number to call and dont even bother with the whole fax a resume BS. You'd be suprised at how many top salemen dont even have a resume. All of my ads say closers only.

Have a sales meeting everyday to not only educate but to pump them up. I also give my guys books to read (My favorite is the closer I & II by Ben Gay). Like any profession, to be good, salemen need to keep thier skills sharp.

It's somewhat dirty, but on more than one occasion Ive gotten myself hired in a room just to get my hands on thier top salesman.

**MLS9982** · 02-22-2008 05:42 PM

If you REALLY want to find a good salesman, the other guy was correct! You have to steal one.... I know this sounds pretty cut throat but that is the way it is. You can not tell a thing about a salesman by resume or even by their presentation to you! When LOOKING for a job they are on their best behavior, but after they HAVE the job the real person comes out (Or is sleeping instead of selling).

Good salespeople are working as we speak (or cyberspeak) and you can locate them by putting yourself in their sale area (Such as the lobby at the Lexus dealer) and letting them come to you. You can then evaluate them in their working environment. I assume you can put yourself in the sales path of some phone sales companies and such...

Once you locate a good pitch, just get to know the guy and you can form an opinion. Remember "A good pool player can shoot with a broomstick and a real salesperson can sell ANYTHING.

How to get that salesperson to your team..... Well, you can use your imagination...

**warrensway** · 05-07-2008 10:22 PM

I know a few people if you PM me I will give you a few names of people I have used. They may or may not agree to your terms and may be too busy but they are great at selling.

**rejoice** · 05-07-2008 11:45 PM

get someone fresh and mould them to be the best... if you are the gun you make yourself out to be... then shouldn't be a problem to replace yourself and free some time to work on other things or training more sales people

**shmoeusn** · 05-08-2008 12:03 AM

You typically have two choices in finding a good salesman. You either hire someone that is wet behind the ears and train them from scratch (luck has a lot to do with it) or you steal someone from another company. If a salesman is any good at his job, he's probably already employed by someone else.

Is this a part-time or full-time position, and what are the hours? If it's all done over the phone, you may be able to hire someone that lives elsewhere and have them work from home. That would give you the option of lowering your compensation because the salesman doesn't have the expense of commuting everyday.

Check out my blog for sales tips.

**FUN-GUYZ!** · 05-08-2008 11:12 AM

I agree with you, shmoeusn. I like to find people who have the natural ability, no formal sales experience, and show them how they can turn their brain and mouth into a money maker. Those are the people who will fight for you!

**Upperz** · 05-08-2008 11:41 AM

I have had about 3 salespersons (one was a lady), and they were all available.
One had just recovered from a burn-out, the other one was fired as a salesmanager, and the lady's contract was not extended at her former job.
All three were a disaster and I got rid of them within the year.
These salesperson seem to be good in only selling themselves.

I now only work with resellers and some freelancers who get paid a fee of 15%. I know this is a risky situation, but I solved that by taking over the contact as soon as the sale is closed.

**SalesGod** · 05-08-2008 10:03 PM

I am glad that Top Salesman are in such great demand, this is good news for me as I am devoting a lot of time studying and reading as much as I can about sales. I am only 18 and I know I have more knowledge and the skill it takes to become a champion. I hope you find that top guy so you can continue to build on your current success.

**FUN-GUYZ!** · 05-09-2008 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by SalesGod

I am glad that Top Salesman are in such great demand, this is good news for me as I am devoting a lot of time studying and reading as much as I can about sales. I am only 18 and I know I have more knowledge and the skill it takes to become a champion. I hope you find that top guy so you can continue to build on your current success.

You seem very confident, that's a great trait to have as a salesman!

...remember this though; there is a lot to be learned by reading...but truly gifted sales people all have 1 thing in common...THEY KNOW HOW TO READ PEOPLE!

Reading eye movements, sighs, deeper breaths than normal, finger twitches, leg crossing is very important.

Where you really start to become dangerous is by learning how to ask questions, or make statements that you know will provoke a response from your prospect and then read the emotion in his demeanor. It's like poker!

Good luck with your sales career brother!! People are obviously looking for guys like you.

**optiwizer** · 05-14-2008 09:40 PM

I agree the compensation plan is the most important factor.

**rejoice** · 05-15-2008 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by optiwizer

I agree the compensation plan is the most important factor.

100% commission works the best and is the pay rate I have always been getting.... any other way takes away your earning potential.

**SalesGod** · 05-15-2008 11:41 PM

Being a connoisseur of sales I would say without a doubt 100% commission is the best way to get sales people motivated. You will sink or swim real fast.