Office Technology sales bullpens everywhere are filled with sales reps who complain about everything from leads, to their comp plans, too much paperwork, losing deals based on price; you name it they will find something to bitch about. You could say it’s a completely natural part of the sales culture and comes with the territory.
While some complaints may be legitimate, you won’t hear the best sales reps inside dealerships complaining since they are too busy focusing on finding solutions. Venting makes sales reps feel better, but it rarely helps your numbers and the top sales reps understand this well.
MAH-JONGG, MY GRANDMA AND COMPLAINING
Listening to copier sales reps gripe and moan reminds me of my youth and the summers I spent in New York City with my grandparents. The only thing worse than copier sales reps moaning is having to watch four old Jewish grandma's playing mah-jongg complaining about all of their ailments.
For those not of the Jewish faith and wondering, "What the heck" follow along with a little twist from an old Jewish comedian Marty Allen.
The Italian grandma says, I'm tired and thirsty. I must have wine.
The Scottish grandma says, I'm tired and thirsty. I must have Scotch.
The Russian grandma says, I'm tired and thirsty. I must have vodka.
The Jewish grandma says, I'm tired and thirsty. I must have diabetes.
COPIER SALES REPS AND YIDDISH WORDS
My grandma would always tell me...
Quit your kvetching and get over it
5 YIDDISH WORDS THAT REMIND ME OF COPIER SALES REPS
Tuches - Get off of your lazy butt and start to prospect!
Shamatta - You come to work wearing business attire but your online appearance looks like you are wearing Shamatta or ragged clothes.
Bupkes - When you can't upgrade 50% of your lease base and you haven't prospected in months.... You have put in very little effort into developing new business so you are left with bupkes at the end of the month... nothing!
Shpilkes - Walking into a net new meeting with a C-level executive without being prepared and they notice you have shpilkes... nerves!
Shmendrik - Major account copier reps with inflated egos who haven't prospected for months, OOOPPPS I meant years are Shmendrik's, fools!
Bonus Yiddish word for all copier sales reps...
Spiel - When you meet with a new prospect they don't want to hear your spiel... Your long winded sales presentation. Make it about them!
BEST ADVICE FROM MY GRANDFATHER
My grandfather was a self-educated man. He had to drop out of school early in life to help support his family. He always stressed to me you got to have "Chutzpah" to succeed out in the real world.
He went on to say... "Each time you face your fears, you make a deposit into your chutzpah account." The battles in life whether won or lost produce more chutzpah.
Passed down from my bubbe and advice to all copier sales reps... Chutzpah seasoned with charm translates as enthusiasm. Charm strengthened by chutzpah reminds your clients and prospects you have a respectable professional purpose. Loaded with both, you can win friends and sell with confidence. Quite frankly, who wouldn’t want that combination?
I get where you all are coming from. I have walked a day in a life of your shoes.
Your comments, likes and shares are greatly appreciated.
In 2016, Larry was recognized by ENX Magazine, “The Difference Maker” as someone who is making a difference inside the copier channel. Larry is passionate about helping sales reps succeed in creating their online brand image
You can find more blog posts inside the Social Sales Academy website.
I appreciate getting the opportunity to share my LinkedIn stories. Integrating the use of LinkedIn was my “game-changer” in the highly competitive copier world. With great pride I transform, coach and inspire B2B Office Technology Sales Professionals to grow net new business by helping them tell their story and communicate on LinkedIn. My commitment is to help office technology dealers thrive in a changing marketplace. You can follow me on LinkedIn, Twitter, as well as at the Social Sales Academy
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