Why I suck as a Salesman: Lessons from Tommy Boy

5 Minute Read

Throughout my career, I’ve taken part in multiple sales training lessons, lectures, readings, etc.?I’ve seen the “make more money to make you happy” approach. I’ve seen the “be positive at all times and success will follow” (fake it until you make it) approach.?I’ve seen the “science of sales will make you succeed” approach. What I’ve never seen is the “being in sales can really suck so hang onto your butts” approach.

The following article is an attempt to be helpful for those who don’t make the President’s Club every year.?The following article is an attempt to give some solace to those who fail even when you’ve followed everything the sales training outlined you to do.?My article is not a “how to” for sales; more in the realm to help you deal with the stresses of being in sales.

“I’m like JoJo the idiot circus boy with a pretty new pet” - Tommy Callahan (Chris Farley's character)

The movie Tommy Boy (starring Chris Farley and David Spade), in my opinion, is one of the best movies at representing the highs and lows of being in sales.?As a salesperson, I can relate to both of the main characters. The movie highlights the struggle of trying to succeed in an arena one may not be comfortable in.?The reality of getting doors slammed in your face because you’re another “Sales Guy” never goes away. The dependence of people needing the main characters to succeed to save the company can hit home in many ways.?

“Aaaahhhrrrrgggggg, I’ve killed it!?I’ve killed my sale!” - Tommy Callahan (Chris Farley's character)

I’ve been in sales for 20+ years (straight out of college).?When asked “what do you do?”, I’ve lost count the number of times a person’s response being, “I could never do sales”.?Yup, sales is not easy. Salespeople live month by month, quarter by quarter and year by year. The main job function of a salesperson is to do the EXACT opposite of what is socially acceptable.?I mean, when’s the last time you saw a kid dress up as a “salesperson” for Halloween or their school’s Career Day?!

“That’s what selling is all about.?In a way, people are buying you, NOT just brake pads” - Richard Hayden (David Spade's character)

With all that is made available in the world of sales training, sales coaching and sales methodologies; there is a dire need of promoting sales authenticity.?What can help you be successful in sales is your personality and your life experiences. Regrettably, your employer will not or can not help you in this area. Here’s what I’ve learned as I continue into the “golden years” of my sales career.?

• Find a hobby, passion project, social group, etc.

Being around others that don’t do what you do is a good thing.?With social media, it’s easier to find groups and events that cater to just about anything that tickles your fancy outside of sales.

• Have a friend in sales, just not at your company

Loose lips sink ships...and sometimes your job.?I’m not saying to not have friends at work. It’s fine to complain about your boss, your job, your company, etc.;?just do it with someone where it can’t be used against you. Sometimes what you think is a friendship may just be a temporary alliance.

• Never stop asking questions!

We take for granted the knowledge we acquire throughout our career.?At some point, we think we “know it all”, however, there are libraries full of information you don’t know.?Ask questions from people who’ve been in the same job for 30 years and ask questions from people who’ve been in the same job for 30 days.

I hope this article helps point out that "sales" is what you do, it’s not who you are.

This clip never gets old to watch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUA2EzzWAC4&t=116s

Credit: Tommy Boy (Paramount Pictures)