In the early days, it's the
loneliest job in the world. You've changed environments and
you're not really sure if you're doing the job right
because you've got no familiar standard to judge yourself
by. You don't yet know your customers well enough and so
the comfortable relationship you used to have with other
human beings in your last job isn't there.
But don't worry. The company has got a vested interest in seeing you succeed and they'll do all they can to help you. You'll go on product training courses, sales training courses, presentation skills courses, negotiation skills courses......
Soon, when the sales come in and you're on target, it's the easiest job in the world.
In reality, if you choose your company and your product wisely, then half the job is done. The other half is down to you. The trouble is, this is by far and away the bigger half!The job isn't 9 to 5. You'll have to do an inordinate amount of paperwork, most of which will be an exercise in creative writing which won't be acted upon by management anyway. You will be asked to produce reports and sales forecasts which would probably be more accurate if you'd employed Mystic Meg to do it for you.
You won't get on with all your customers. You won't get on with all your colleagues. Your sales targets will be unreasonable. Your salary and commission will be too low. The opposition's reps will have more perks and better cars.
Otherwise, you are your own boss and, in general, are free to organise your own working day. You do whatever it takes to get the job done and that means hitting your sales target. If you are consistently on target you'll be left alone to carry on with very little interference from your superiors. As a result, your golf handicap will come down and you'll see your children grow up.
You won't need to be told if you
aren't working hard enough. You'll know, because there's
nowhere to hide from poor sales figures.
N.B. This site looks best when viewed from a distance after drinking six pints of lager.