Being from Chicago, where venturing outside during 7 out of every 12 months can give you hypothermia, it was a welcome relief this week to be in New Orleans for the Fortune Small Business Conference, where the weather has been fantastic. The focus was on sales and marketing, and several of the speakers honed in [...]
[Author's note: This article is Part 4 of 4 in a series on hiring salespeople. In Part 1 and Part 2, we discussed why hiring salespeople is so difficult, and what to look for when reviewing a sales resume. In Part 3, we covered the proper approach to interviewing salespeople.]
You’ve finally identified a sales candidate that you’d like [...]
In Part 1 and Part 2, we discussed why hiring salespeople is so difficult, and what to look for when reviewing a sales resume. Here, I’ll share with you the “rubber meeting the road” part of the process - the interview.
Sales interviews are a challenge to run if you’re not sure what to ask. That’s why I recommend coming armed with [...]
In Part 1 of this series on hiring salespeople, we explored the various reasons why hiring salespeople is so difficult. Here, we’ll discuss some tips and tricks for properly reviewing the resume of a potential sales hire.
All managers have made a hiring mistake at one time or another. My experience in interviewing sales talent on [...]
Business managers, particularly entrepreneurs and small business owners, have a downright awful track record when it comes to hiring sales talent. When you hire the right sales resource, you see instant results and amazing things begin to happen. On the other hand, when you hire a mediocre (or worse) salesperson, you shell out paycheck after paycheck and begin to feel like you’re [...]
“How do I get better at hiring?” That’s the question I’m most often asked. Here are five suggestions that will dramatically improve your hiring skills:
Practice! Do more interviews. Interviewing is a skill, and the only proven way to improve a skill is through practice, practice, and more practice. Don’t expect to make a quantum leap in your hiring [...]
It’s a widely accepted maxim of the business world: Great companies begin with great people. When you have the benefit of top-shelf talent at all levels of your organization, then the possibilities are limitless. There’s just one small problem - great people don’t just show up in your lobby, ready to get the job done. You have [...]
You’ve just completed an exhaustive interview process with your candidate - a telephone screen, two personal interviews, reference checks, and the 30-60-90 day plan. You talked to the candidate on Friday, and they verbally accepted the position. “That all sounds great,” they said after hearing your verbal offer, “I look forward to reviewing your offer over the [...]
‘Tis the season, deck the halls, and welcome to 2009. If you’re like me, you’re contemplating your list of resolutions for the coming year. I’d like to get to the gym more often, eat healthier foods, and spend more time with the family - and I will - but this year I’m padding my list with these [...]
I think I’ve finally found a “foolproof” way to size up a potential employee. Matter of fact, I think this is a sure-fire way to size up just about anyone. Several leading business thinkers have written on this topic, including the great Jim Collins - so I’m in no way claiming ownership of this process [...]