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Please use the following form to contact Black Sales Journal and Michael L. Parker. Your email will be read, and you will receive a reply. Replies on issues highlighted in the blog, depending on volume will be responded to in the blog. Questions requiring individual attention will be answered, as soon as is practical depending on the volume of request.
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I also agree that the review is an oppoortunity to discuss resources. Ideally, the manager would ask “Is the organization giving you the tools you need to do your job?”
Secondly, I believe that generally, there shouldn’t be surprises at a review. The sales person should have enough self-awareness and manager-awareness, and the manager, if pleased or displeased during the year, should not be waiting for an annual meeting to communicate.
Bill M. Thanks for your comments. I want to emphasize for the sake of the readership that this is an important event. I agree 100% with your assertions that there be no surprises if the proper level of communication takes place during the year. It is amazing how many operations do not do an review/appraisal during the normal course of a year. But…..the process becomes associated with employment “actions” when they do one as the first step as they seek to initiate a performance program. My suggestion would be to talk about the things going right as often as possible, yet not less than each year.
I just wanted to suggest that the mentoring process can also be incredibly beneficial and enriching for the mentor, for several reasons. First, if the mentor relationship is healthy and there is trust involved, you get another view of your own organization, which is almost always good. Secondly, just talking about your organization or the issues you mentor upon can be a way of allowing you to think differently, as many people benefit from the organization of thought necessary to explain matters to another. Lastly, if you believe that it is healthy for some to understand that it’s okay to fail (not habitually, of course), you can share your own failures or doubts to someone with whom it might be safer to do so. The analysis of past efforts is incredibly educational and a great way to cleanse oneself. It also helps you to forgive yourtself which is necessary to move on.
I recently had the occasion to “lose” a younger colleague to a leadership role in another organization, and I couldn’t be happier, though I wished it had been here. In discussing the departure he said that the most powerful item he had learned from the 10 years we worked closely together was the fact that I was willing to reveal my humanity in that relationship and with other employees. He felt it was a very powerful component of leadership. Mentoring another is an opportunity to do so.
A friend told me a family member had started this site, decided to check it out. I’ve very happy that I did! I looking forward to new postings all the time.
One of my favorite online stops!
Thanks for your comment Janell, and thanks for reading. I appreciate it!
WOW!!!! I just found this site by accident. I am a Sales Director for a software company. Just last week I was commenting to my wife about the lack of cohesiveness or organization their is in the black sales community.
Great Site. I have so much to read and catch up on.
Quentin, thank you for your comments and taking a look at the site. There is still a fight to be waged out there, and I am glad that many are still doing it. You might be surprised at the number of subscribers and the readers of BSJ. I want more to read it and as many as possible to benefit. Once again thanks and please feel free to pass it along. Thanks again.
Michael
I am quite delighted to find this site as well. I have made my way back to sales (10 years ago I had no clue what I was doing) and I am determined to be successful by making sure I have the proper support team, training, mentors etc within my sphere. Once again, glad I found your site!
Nikki, good luck in your venture back into sales. Let me know how it is going. If you need help or advice don’t hesitate to drop me a line. Once again, good luck.
Michael
Thanks Michael! I am still in transition from my previous job although I have started at my sales position. Cold calling was daunting. However, Friday, I had a breakthrough after viewing some in-house training videos. I definitely will keep coming back and hope I do not get on your nerves as I solicit help or advice
! Best, Nikki
Michael, What are the proper ways to deal with those closest to you who do not support your decision to make a career change to sales? Short summary, I was told just last night that real estate is part time or a side hustle and that I should work both my current job (ends this week) and real estate. I corrected them, by stating that real estate is not part time and that commercial real estate (what I have decided to do) is definitely not a part time job. (To do both would be suicide or futile!) -feel free not to post this one:)
Nikki, the problem is that everyone’s idea of a real estate sales person is residential, and many of them are part time. Commercial RE is not a hustle, and you might indicate to your detractors that commercial and residential are worlds apart, not only in what they sell, but also in the sustainability of the profession. I know individuals in both, and they all have to work hard, but work in two different realms. I was involved in selling commercial lines casualty and property insurance in my start in sales. I still noticed people hiding from me at cocktail parties afraid that I was going to approach them to sell a life policy. The world sees sales as one single block, and acquaints it with what they know. Keep me informed of your progress, and if you need any help, please let me know. Good luck in your venture, and if you cannot convinced them, then it is not your fault. M
Nikki, I can be reached at michaelparker@blacksalesjournal.com or at mparker24@hotmail.com. Either one.