She knows I love her. I tell her often
and try to show it even more often. I care deeply for my wife. She is the
mother of my three great kids. She is my rock and my support at home. But, I’m not
sure she knows just how much her support means to me during the work day.
As a career sales person I have had to
make sacrifices along the way. I’ve missed a kids activity to attend an evening
work function. I’ve brought work home from the office only to sit at the
kitchen table after dinner trying to stay on top of email and contracts. I’ve
handled conference calls from a hotel room during a family vacation. And all
along my wife has been their supporting me, never criticizing my career choice.
We all know that sales is not easy. Having
a network of support is an absolute must to becoming an ‘A’ level sales person.
It can be a family member, friend, even co-worker, but must also be your spouse
(or significant other). I was recently sharing the story of a sales person that
worked for me who’s spouse was not at all supportive. It was a real shame
because Brett had solid sales skills.
Brett spent about a year in a sales role
under my management. He knew the business and he knew how to communicate. Brett
did not lack capability, but he did lack personal support. Brett’s wife did not
like his career choice of salesman. In fact, she never gave him a pat on the
back or a “congrats” when he closed a deal. She was, however, very quick to
criticize him openly for losing a deal. She had no problems questioning his abilities
as a sales person. She told him, in no uncertain terms, that she felt he was
not a good husband or father because he did not close every single deal he bid on.
She never understood sales herself so she made him question his career.
My wife has been the opposite. She has
been my biggest cheerleader and never a critic. She offers her ear when I need
to vent. She leaves me alone when I need quiet time. She reminds me that I am a
good father and husband. She supports me today, as she did yesterday and the day
before that, and my choice of sales as a career.
Every sales person needs to have someone
standing behind them. Thank you to my wife for 18 years of marriage, through
good times and bad, ups and downs, and for always being my real support when
others weren’t there.
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