It can be a lonely state of affairs, this sales gig.
The only companion being Google Maps, its automated voice repeatedly commanding me to “Proceed to route” (Read: Calm the fark down) while I’ve completely missed my exit on the M4 Freeway, thanks to being wedged between monstrous semi-trailer trucks.
Last week I had a pretty bad strike rate.
Maybe I was wearing the wrong deodorant (Wait. Did I even wear any?) or had bad breath but no one was interested in signing up.
15 client visits and not one bite!
So this week, I got a little desperate.
What did I need to change?
Besides the brand of deodorant and eat less onions at lunch, which part of my strategy needed tweaking?
“Keep doing what you’re doing. Grace. You’re doing all the right things,” my boss reassured me (Bless her).
When all else fails, look to omens.
(I told you I spend A LOT of time on my own).
Toothpaste AND coffee stains on my dress?
Must be a good luck sign.
Stuck behind a fully loaded stinky garbage truck in a traffic jam?
Definitely gonna make a sale today.
Then, bam!
That afternoon, a new customer sign up!
There was some truth to my theory after all.
Next, I was waiting for the pigeon to poop.
Alas, Wednesday was non-eventful. Ready to call it a day, I still had 2 client visits on my list.
What keeps you going is the fact that if you don’t, you won’t know.
I ended up landing one of the nicest, friendliest customers ever.
He was my pigeon poop.
I walked out clicking my heels.
Ready to cross the road, I happened to look up ahead:
We can hope for bird excrements to hit our shoulders all we like but I was reminded that effort is also the big push that makes things happen in our direction.
Plenty of times I want to pack it all in.
But so worth it when I don’t.
Now, to do something about that bad breath.
What do you think is the luck:effort ratio?
Which omens do you look out for?
Have you had a pigeon poop on you?
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Raych aka Mystery Case says
I look for signs constantly and lately I’ve been photographing them. I’m thinking I might adopt a hashtag and start a bit of an ‘I saw a sign’ Instagram challenge.
Raych aka Mystery Case recently posted..The Perfect LBD 52 Ways | Networking
Lydia C. Lee says
Nice idea on the #. Not on instagram but can do it on twitter….
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..First of the Month Fiction – April
Fairlie says
I love the #Isawasign tag idea!
Fairlie recently posted..Reflections on walking in her shoes
Kathy says
Great idea Rach
Lydia C. Lee says
I love that picture, and the timing of you seeing it. I spent 15 years in Sales – it’s the most emotionally depleting job at times, but when you’re on a roll, it’s awesome…so here’s to the upswing and the easy days!
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..First of the Month Fiction – April
Neets says
I used to be in sales for Fairfax a few years back. I would have weeks on end without any sales then weeks where the sales came rolling in. I’m a big believer in the whole positive energy thing. (Cue – Denise Duffield Thomas – The Lucky Bitch). You’re right about effort too. Even though those customers didn’t buy now, it’s not to say that they wont buy later. You’re putting in the hard yards now. It’s all about the relationship building thing too isn’t it. Sounds like you’re doing an incredible job. Good for you. Incidentally, I have been shat on a couple of times, once on my neck at the beach by a seagull. I raced to the newsagents to buy my million dollar ticket. Needless to say, hubby and I are still working our butts off. 🙂 xx
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Amy @ handbagmafia says
I always think the whole bird poop being “lucky” was made up by someone who kept getting popped in and wanted to feel better!
Amy @ handbagmafia recently posted..On Having No Religion
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says
Yay for you!!!! Hmm never pigeon poop, but normal bird poop yep!!
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile recently posted..Fabulous Foodie Fridays #43
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
Sales is one of the hardest jobs. You have to just have a lot of resilience and keep going, with a smile. What great timing to look up and see that mural. Glad you got a few sales in for the week, next week could be amazing!
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages recently posted..Friday Favourite Six Little Hearts
Desire Empire says
It takes a special person to be in sales. You’ve obviously got what it takes
Çarolyn
Desire Empire recently posted..Pelican Pavilion Collaroy
Kirsty @ My Home Truths says
I couldn’t do sales – I salute you Grace for being brave and going out there and doing it!
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Bec @ The Plumbette says
Well done Grace. When I worked in sales I loved the challenge, but it could be so deflating when you had a target to meet and not bites despite having done all the hard work. You have the right attitude gorgeous and this post is a lesson to us all when we apply ourselves to anything in life. Hoping you have a blessed weekend. xx
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natalie @ Our Parallel Connection says
OK question for you Grace. I have 3 large glass windows over looking my back yard. A black & white willie wagtail comes to my window when i am alone in the room and hits the window. He continually hits the window (not hard ) until he has my attention, then will fly away. A friend told me it is a sign.. what do you think?
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Dani @ sand has no home says
Well done on the sales that you closed 🙂 I love that street art. Hows inspiring, and very serendipitous seeing it right then! I haven’t had pigeon poo on me, but a swallow pooed on my large pregnant bump inside a church at my grandmothers funeral.
Dani @ sand has no home recently posted..Views from Above
Dannielle@Zamamabakes says
You go girl!
Oh there is so much familiarity in this post of yours Grace. I hate missing my turnoffs (PANIC especially when I’m busting to do a wee!!!!) So many times I have had that doubtful ‘why’ you speak of???? Questioning myself WHY am I doing this and then I do think I won’t know if I don’t push through! And generally something positive follows 🙂
So glad you got your pigeon poop, well done.
Thanks again for making me feel sane and normal xx
Dannielle@Zamamabakes recently posted..Fabulous Foodie Fridays #43
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
High five to you for doing sales and being good at it! I couldn’t do it if I tried. I love that quote and yes, you can! This week was good and I’m sure next week will be awesome!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted..She’s So Inspiring – Sarah Rosborg
Jody at Six Little Hearts says
I’m all for signs. Well done!
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Fairlie says
I’ve been walking a lot this week in aid of CARE Australia’s Walk in Her Shoes challenge…and I literally had a pigeon poop on me. And yes, I was reminded of that old wisdom about it being lucky. I agree with Amy @ Handbag Mafia…I’m sure it was only made up to turn a bad situation into something positive! But isn’t that the secret to life…making lemonade when life gives you lemons?
Fairlie recently posted..Reflections on walking in her shoes
Janet aka Middle Aged Mama says
Whenever I’m feeling down or that I’m not making any progress or “making any sales” I tell myself to keep plodding on … you never know just what’s around the corner, and you could miss it altogether if you give up too soon!
Janet aka Middle Aged Mama recently posted..Shelf Style: Steph from Stephs Joy
Erika @ Ever-changing Life of a Mum says
Hats off to you Grace. I couldn’t do sales – cold calling on customers is definitely not for me. Positive thinking it very important! Seeing that sign must have been such a great feeling. Hope it all continues to go well for you.
Erika @ Ever-changing Life of a Mum recently posted..On having three girls
Ai Sakura says
I don’t look out for signs but I believe in “luck” somewhat. Sounds silly but I always wear something red to important events – job interviews, exams, competitions etc.
Sales is prob one of the hardest job. Don’t give up and keep having faith in yourself!!
Ai Sakura recently posted..Prepping for P1: Scholastic Hidden Word Puzzle Books & Picture Books for Increasing Vocabulary
Denyse says
Hi Grace, Oh my goodness I could never do what you are doing so ‘good on you1’. I do hope that more than signs give you the keep on going..and that your work does begin to fulfil its promise. I know that it must be hard to be making new impressions despite the challenges of the roads and the errant birds. The sign I see is determination in you and confidence in you from your boss..so GO for IT. D xx
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Toni @ Finding Myself Young says
Your boss sounds great. I hated the days when I needed to meet massive sales targets and it was quiet and nobody wanted to buy anything (although my boss wasn’t as forgiving). So glad I’m not working at the moment, I don’t miss the stress, although I do miss the thrill of making a sale 🙂
I’d totally take the painting as a sign.
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Tash @ Gift Grapevine says
I was bird pooped on twice last week (not sure of the type of bird – does that matter?!) – not a single Lotto win! I do look for signs but am more of a “everything happens for a reason” person. I don’t think I would have the strength to keep going working in sales. To be able to take rejection, get knocked down and then straight back up again just to possibly be knocked down again takes lots of drive and patience. Although the feeling of landing a sale/win would certainly makes up for the bad times. Keep going Grace – you are doing an amazing job, signs or no signs!
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Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life says
I am a bit like that in that I like to look for signs sometimes. I love that quote you found…if that’s not a sign, I don’t know what is! 🙂 Oh and you’re in sales! Wow…that is a hardcore job. I could never do it.
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Hayley @ House of many Minions says
Oh I’m a big omens & signs stalker. I search for them everywhere when there is something big going on for us, or we are contemplating. There seems to be a 50/50 strike rate with them though, sometimes the ‘signs’ are right, half the time they aren’t.
I have had a pigeon crap on me – literally right on top of my head then trickling down into my fringe & forehead. From what I can remember the week that followed was pretty dismal too. Think I would rather go with a figurative bird poop than the actual event.
Good luck for next weeks pitches!
Hayley @ House of many Minions recently posted..Clench, hold and release
Emily says
I’m not really a look-for-the-signs type of person. I will sometimes recognise them in hindsight. That said, I think THIS one would have hit me loud and clear!
And I’ve worked in marketing rather than sales, and absolutely think effort is rewarded but that you always need a bit of luck. You can work harder than you ever have, but if the potential client isn’t ready, it doesn’t really matter.
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Julie @ Off to the park says
Yay on the sales Grace! I love the mural, its such a nice sign to come across. For me, I don’t know if I believe in signs. But I can say that I have been pooped on by a bird! 🙂
Julie @ Off to the park recently posted..Not my best Mummy moment
Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life says
I’ve had a seagull poop on me with no result except extra washing required! I truly believe in the saying “The harder I work the luckier I seem to get!!!”
Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life recently posted..Rimmel Apocalips Lip Velvet Meteoric Matte
Tonia Zemek says
Congrats! So glad things are turning around for you. Onwards and upwards Grace – you deserve plenty more good luck where that came from. Have a good weekend. x
Tonia Zemek recently posted..I’m not a celebrity…get me out of here
sarah@tomfo says
I can just imagine you clicking your heels, what a top quote to see!
I love it when you see something like that, makes it all worthwhile, have a great weekend. x
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Kathy says
Well done on the sales Grace – I don’t know how you do it as I just don’t have sales in me. Love that the universe is sending you all the right signals (well not so much bird poop). And the universe loves effort in the right direction.
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
I have never done sales and never could, you must be a champ. I’m a big believer in signs. Happy weekend, I bet Fridays as WAY more exciting now you’re in the outside of house workforce?! xx
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Lauren @ The Thud says
Wow, I admire sales people. I worked in sales for a few short months in my early twenties and I was SHOCKING! I just can’t take the rejection. I takes a strong person to keep trying.
Then again, I knew a bloke who hit on EVERY girl in every pub he went to. He never seemed to get upset when EVERY girl turned him down. But he had a philosophy of “eventually someone will say yes” – and he was right. I guess the lesson is, giving up won’t get you anywhere fast.
Hope you see lots more good signs on your travels. Or just make your own good signs!!
Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad says
Sales is such a hard gig. I admire you for riding the wave and doing it. How timely was that sign? Love the little messages that find themselves right in front of us. So often, it’s just what we need x
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Eva @ The Multitasking Mummy says
Go Grace! I remember the closest thing I did to sales was a Recruitment Consultant and had to go out finding clients, it was tough and I was not cut out for it. I don’t tend to look for signs like bird poop but what I do believe in is that things all happen for a reason, somehow, someway. I’ve had crappy things happen in my life but I think they were supposed to happen, to make way for better things.
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Kylie Purtell - A Study in Contradictions says
Thankfully I have never had a pigeon poop on my head. I would die! I think there is a big correlation between how much effort you put in and how much luck you have. In the long run, I think the more effort you put in the more luck you get. And I think it’s important to know the difference between something that happens because of effort and something that happens because of luck. Dave and I have a friend who has always complained about how lucky we are, how things just happen for us, and that he wishes he had our luck. The thing is, we’ve worked damn hard to get where we are today. Sure, we’ve had our fair share of luck, but I consider that a reward for the effort we put in in the first place. The way I see it, if you’re not prepared to put in effort in the first place then you expect all the luck.
I’m glad to hear you’re still enjoying the new job, it sounds perfect for you xxx
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