Their eyes were rolling and yawns appearing. They were bored. I was getting impatient and could not understand why they weren’t grasping the “pearls” that I was presenting. Their answers were off point and my responses became short and edgy. Each training had less and less impact. My sales training had gone flat.
My wife needed a new vehicle due to medical issues. She was in Seattle for the operation. I had a week before I needed to get the vehicle to her. The mini-van needed detailed, rear bumper repaired, leather and heated seats added, and floor mats. I paid what they asked and was pre-approved. Pretty easy sale. While signing the papers I was asked to take the vehicle now and then bring back later. I resisted as this was inconvenient and unnecessary. I just wanted to pick it up when all the work was finished. Ultimately I was convinced to take it now.
Every sales team I have ever managed has had scheduled weekly one on ones. Not without resistance mind you. They think it’s a waste of time initially. Another “meeting” and “change”. But after a month or so these same soothsayers are the very ones that get mad if you miss or delay “their time”.
DIY sales education is something that I believe eludes many new sales people and even some seasoned sales “pros”. They just don’t see themselves proactively self-learning. It’s hard for them to fathom that there is a certain amount of responsibility on their part to self-educate for success.