Sales Support

This week I heard a person on our team say that a salesperson “has to pay for themself”. That’s been on my mind for several days and it inspired this week’s thoughts that will focus the spotlight on our sales team—not just as revenue generators, but as foundational pillars supporting the entire structure of our organization. It's imperative to acknowledge that the success of our sales team extends beyond personal achievements; it is the lifeline that sustains everyone within our company. Before we get to the meat of this week’s thoughts, let’s get some things about salespeople on the table.

I spent several years in sales, and I was pretty good at it. Funny aside – a year or two after I got into sales my hiring manager (who’s a good person and friend, but I'll leave his name out in case HR doesn't think it was as funny as me) told me I could have made the hiring process much quicker if I had just introduced my wife during the interview. He said if a guy like me can land a girl like her, then there isn’t any doubt that I could sell! He isn’t wrong!!! During my time in sales, I was able to capture the top available sales award in my role 4 out of 5 full years. I don’t tell you that to brag, rather to help you understand that I know what I’m talking about when I say this. Salespeople can be divas. They get to take the fun trips and they get the cool swag. They think it’s all about them AND that’s what holds many back from reaching their potential. The best salespeople I know realize and appreciate the team it takes to give them a chance at success, and they ensure a rising tide raises all boats. It took me a while to figure that out, but when I did, it unlocked a whole new level of success. Now… on with this week’s thoughts.

The belief that a salesperson's role is to 'pay for themselves' barely scratches the surface of their true responsibility. In reality, each member of our sales force carries the weight of ensuring the prosperity not only of themselves but also of numerous others across various departments. I believe great salespeople have this understanding and it shifts the perspective from individual success to a more holistic view of team achievement. If you’re in sales, you’re at the heart of a support network that spans the entire organization, driving us all towards success (or failure) together.

This interconnectedness demands a high level of performance and accountability from our sales team. Their role is critical in transforming the support they receive from every corner of the organization into tangible results that benefit us all. It's a reminder that victories are not theirs alone but a testament to the collective effort and faith placed in them by every team member and should be celebrated as such. It’s always bothered me when there are sales celebrations that don’t include the entire organization. I’m not the type of guy that watches the Grammy’s (or any award show), but I appreciate that they take the time to thank everyone that got them there. It’s something that’s forgotten too many times.

To our sales team: remember, your success fuels the entire organization. Each deal you close and every target you meet contributes to a larger ecosystem that supports families, dreams, and aspirations. It's a big and important responsibility to carry, knowing that your efforts provide for not just one, but many lives within our company.

To everyone else: let's continue to rally behind our sales team, offering them the resources, encouragement, and environment they need to excel. Our roles, though diverse, are aligned in the common goal of growing and supporting each other towards collective success.

That leads me to this week’s challenge… embrace sales support. If you’re not in sales, consider how you can align your efforts with our sales goals to enable greater success. If you are in sales, adjust your mindset about the level of responsibility you have to your teammates. Show them appreciation with a treat, note, or just a personal “thank you”. Understanding that it’s not about you may be the best fertilizer available to help you grow to your full potential.

I’m thankful that you were willing to go to work today, that you took the time to read this, and for being a part of what makes this world wonderful!