Day: September 20, 2012

I started my true sales career on November 1, 2004 – 10 months after finishing my MBA. I’d had a role at BMO Nesbitt Burns from 2000-2002, but I wouldn’t consider that true sales. On November 1, 2004, I walked into a corporate real estate firm, housing 30+ sales reps all in crisp white shirts, dark suits and polished shoes, ready to do battle. The only problem was, I had no formal sales training – so I was scared. I didn’t know what I was capable of accomplishing in the sales world. I also had a massive $50,000 MBA debt that I dragged around like a boat anchor.

Over the last 8 years, I’ve been a sales rep, sales manager, sales director, and now sales leader. I’ve also been an entrepreneur for 3 years, giving me a first-class ticket to 100’s of sales departments across North America. I thought I’d share the top 10 lessons I’ve learned so far (in no particular order).