NOTE. THIS IS LONG, BUT IMPORTANT POST. COMMENTS AND JOB SUGGESTIONS ENCOURAGED.
Enjoy.
When the new GM introduced himself just 2 days ago, he said he wanted to schedule time with each and every employee to get to know the station. Just a real "get to know you" meeting. No pens, no notes, just a talk.
Surprise Surprise, he wants to meet with the sales team first. Coincidence? I think not.
So, being proactive, I immediately respond to his secretaries email, and schedule a meeting. I go up there, and am about 5 minutes early, so i wonder into Boss1's office. I can tell he is really a fan of mine, and i of him. i sit down, we chat, and i can tell he has been working over time to keep his job security. we shoot the shit, he goes over my accounts for me to see what they are billing, because i honestly think he wants to try to hook me up with a really low commission base next quarter so i can make money. we also talked about the Club he is helping me become a member at, and when i get up to go meet with the new GM, Boss1 stops me, and in a sincere tone says, Will, be yourself, you will do great.
Going into the meeting, i didnt think much of the comment. I mean, these are informal "get to know Will" chats right? Wrong.
So GM lets me do a lot of talking. I tell him about college, water polo (GM played in HS), about moving out of the country, about working for myself freelancing, and then about how i feel into sales. He immediately asked "why sales? you are a production guy?" Now, our last GM threw this at me my last interview before getting the job. I explained that Barbie had really enlightened me about all that is great about sales: meeting new people, talking and discerning marketing needs of a new client, and being social and making money. I told him "i love meeting people, i can be placed in a room of 50 people, and i will survive, and even like it" and thats why i chose sales. And to be fair, i do like that SIDE of sales. But it is not all one sided.
Side note. This GM was taking notes on EVERYTHING i said. Even when i mentioned Costa Rica, or my brother, or my parents, he took down notes in almost an intimidating manner. I mean, cant he just brush that off as conversation?
So, after that question, he jumps right into what Boss1 was alluding to. "Tell me a success story on one of your accounts Will"
Informal "lets meet Will" sit down, right?
I tell him about my one very large account, that dropped one chat line, cut their budgets, yet i still increased our stations dollars by 30K. He seemed, indifferent. Maybe this is his personality.
I then saved my ass by pro actively bringing up local new business, which i am supposed to be focused on. I told him that i have not had much success in this area, however i have a lot of clients in my pending pot, that i am certain if TV Station can offer something that will work for them, then we will get their business. Here is where the one sentence that came out of his mouth made me realize 2 things. One: Tv Station sales is going to be under the watchful eye of our new GM, under the most powerful microscope you nerds can conjure up to imagination. Second, my job will no longer be somewhat flexible, my accountability will be unreal, and i will NOT be getting ANY sort of raise in the next few weeks.
"Will, the flame under local new business sales is going to be turned up a notch."
Yowsers.
As he looked at his watch, i new he had to go to another meeting. I wanted to get the last word.
"GM, seeing as I am you, career wise 13 years ago [he explained this] can you give me advice for the ensuing months here at TV Station?"
I thought this was a decent question.
He replied that he is looking for a hero in sales. And from what he hears, he thinks I have the skills to be that hero, and do really well with new business development. He wants me to be focused on my key new accounts, and go after them, and if they are going nowhere, to fire them.
Well, now i know he probably meant 50% of that, I fear that this GM is a bit too optimistic. Perhaps, I am too pessimistic, and he was trying to give me the pep talk to get me on the phone and hungry. For now, I just dont know. I am 3 months away from being there for a year. I can make it for those 3 months. Maybe in the next three months, GM will prove to be the save all end all of my financial and emotional woes. But, man, when i do get that first commission check, i cant WAIT to pay off my debts, and be on a clean slate, ready to spend, save, or blow whatever comes after that.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Job Interview.
Today I had a job interview. It went great, but sadly, I just dont think taking it would be a wise career decision. I think it would be another 1-year gig, with no upward mobility. It would be for a great University, but is ends are not in line with where i want to go in life. I think i was holding on to the opportunity because i was wishfully thinking something could come out of nowhere and solve my gripes with TV Station. Put good vibes that in the next month or two someone else comes at me with a great idea, or a great recruitment potential.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Likes and Dislikes of TV Station Job
LIKES (TO DATE...WHO KNOWS WHAT THE NEW BOSS WILL BRING)
Semi-relaxed hours. If i need to take care of something, i can leave in middle of day without worry. I am good about not abusing this. Nice to know i can come and go as i please.
My boss. Both of them. They are my number one fan, and have been great leaders.
Monetary potential in Sales
When I am on, I am on. When i am in a meeting, or with a new client, i am good at what i do. I am really good. It doesnt seem like work to me. (getting meetings, cold calls, a different story.)
I will come back to this...
Semi-relaxed hours. If i need to take care of something, i can leave in middle of day without worry. I am good about not abusing this. Nice to know i can come and go as i please.
My boss. Both of them. They are my number one fan, and have been great leaders.
Monetary potential in Sales
When I am on, I am on. When i am in a meeting, or with a new client, i am good at what i do. I am really good. It doesnt seem like work to me. (getting meetings, cold calls, a different story.)
I will come back to this...
8 month review
Friday was my 8 month review, and client list conference. The 8 month review is just that, a review of my performance thus far. The client list conference is where we go over my list, and meticulously go over what i am doing with each client, and where i need help and where i think there is money coming in. It is not fun.
so, my 8th month review was my boss telling me how great i am doing. I registered all excellent marks, except for my billing, where i got a 2/3 because i have to continue to try to get my billing up to anything. I have clients billing money to the station, but i have been striking out hard for new business. big surprise there. not. my boss said i was just great, and that i have "management" potential, and she handed me a big time account, which was siphoned from Iret, who is the older lady who has been struggling. I feel really bad for her because she cant keep up with her work and she is being forced to take classes at a JC to learn Excel and Powerpoint. I fear for her future profession, because of her age, and because she is having some major issues with her clients. I dont know what to think about getting the big account, but i know it will just come with larger scrutinizing when they deny to spend money on us.
The review was what i expected, but it didnt make me immediately love my job. lately i have been leaning to taking the job at the Athletic department. But I am really torn.
so, my 8th month review was my boss telling me how great i am doing. I registered all excellent marks, except for my billing, where i got a 2/3 because i have to continue to try to get my billing up to anything. I have clients billing money to the station, but i have been striking out hard for new business. big surprise there. not. my boss said i was just great, and that i have "management" potential, and she handed me a big time account, which was siphoned from Iret, who is the older lady who has been struggling. I feel really bad for her because she cant keep up with her work and she is being forced to take classes at a JC to learn Excel and Powerpoint. I fear for her future profession, because of her age, and because she is having some major issues with her clients. I dont know what to think about getting the big account, but i know it will just come with larger scrutinizing when they deny to spend money on us.
The review was what i expected, but it didnt make me immediately love my job. lately i have been leaning to taking the job at the Athletic department. But I am really torn.
The New Captain
The TV Station ship has been manned by a new man. The new GM arrived today, and was introduced over a pizza lunch for the entire staff. Lots of question marks above peoples head. Will Loman had lots spinning in his head today as well.
As everyone settled down to shitty pizza, and a cramped lunch room, the COO of our mother company, Marble TV, began his introduction. He mainly talked about why us employees should not be worried about the station going up for sale, and that times are a-changing, and the ship is not sinking, but rather is rising with the new GM. I am still not convinced.
The new GM seems like a good guy. He is young, maybe 35, two kids, has a sales based career that started in my position, at my same age, so...there is things you can do in this industry. I fear our sales department will be under a new found pressure. Even more accountability, and even more calls and after being here 8 months, higher expectations. i will keep the developments on the blog daily, i swear.
As everyone settled down to shitty pizza, and a cramped lunch room, the COO of our mother company, Marble TV, began his introduction. He mainly talked about why us employees should not be worried about the station going up for sale, and that times are a-changing, and the ship is not sinking, but rather is rising with the new GM. I am still not convinced.
The new GM seems like a good guy. He is young, maybe 35, two kids, has a sales based career that started in my position, at my same age, so...there is things you can do in this industry. I fear our sales department will be under a new found pressure. Even more accountability, and even more calls and after being here 8 months, higher expectations. i will keep the developments on the blog daily, i swear.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Team Building
Wow. Friday we had to go to a Go Kart Racetrack for team building. First off, we are no longer in middle school. Second off, when trying to build a team, why do you go to a competitive car racing venue, and have a contest who can win the race? And let me tell you, because salespeople are competitive by nature, we all took the racing semi serious, and IT DID NOT BUILD A TEAM. rather, it furthered some divisions in the team.
long story short, because my fingers are tired and my battery low, Barbie+all the male sales people got into it, humored Barbie for putting this together, and we all got in our cars. We all race at once, and it was semi fun. Those fuckers go fast, you could potentially get hurt, and to keep the race save and, to be honest, FAIR, you cant hit one another. Its not bumper cars, since you are going 25 MPH on an indoor track. This is also a rule, because it makes the race more competitive and fair. We all started the race, and again, long story short, FRAT hit both myself, and Jameson (who by the way have since reconciled our differences over lunch, and are back to the mentor/mentored relationship) to win the race. Now, i was going to let this go when we got out of our cars, but Boss1 comes up to us and starts telling Jameson (who was unreal car drver must say, he started in last, and even while following the rules and not hitting people, made it into first place, passing me putting me in second, then Frat hit my rear end, making me throw out my back, and then did the same to Jameson, to win the rce). Anyway, Boss1 mentioned this, and Jameson actually lost his shit. This was OBVIOUSLY venting about a deeper disliking for this loudmouth train wreck, but he let into him about cheating, and how "It is hilarious to see how Go Karts just showed everyones true character. Will here was competitive and going to be pissed if he didnt win, but we already knew that about his character. You, you would sell the shirt off your own mother to turn a profit."
So, when the award was given to Frat, there was no team being built. The lines drawn in the sand were ever deeper. It showed that he was in fact not a nice guy. It is too bad.
Note to any Bosses out there. Please dont make your employees do some stupid team building shit on a friday. Just give them the day off, that will make people MUCH happier.
long story short, because my fingers are tired and my battery low, Barbie+all the male sales people got into it, humored Barbie for putting this together, and we all got in our cars. We all race at once, and it was semi fun. Those fuckers go fast, you could potentially get hurt, and to keep the race save and, to be honest, FAIR, you cant hit one another. Its not bumper cars, since you are going 25 MPH on an indoor track. This is also a rule, because it makes the race more competitive and fair. We all started the race, and again, long story short, FRAT hit both myself, and Jameson (who by the way have since reconciled our differences over lunch, and are back to the mentor/mentored relationship) to win the race. Now, i was going to let this go when we got out of our cars, but Boss1 comes up to us and starts telling Jameson (who was unreal car drver must say, he started in last, and even while following the rules and not hitting people, made it into first place, passing me putting me in second, then Frat hit my rear end, making me throw out my back, and then did the same to Jameson, to win the rce). Anyway, Boss1 mentioned this, and Jameson actually lost his shit. This was OBVIOUSLY venting about a deeper disliking for this loudmouth train wreck, but he let into him about cheating, and how "It is hilarious to see how Go Karts just showed everyones true character. Will here was competitive and going to be pissed if he didnt win, but we already knew that about his character. You, you would sell the shirt off your own mother to turn a profit."
So, when the award was given to Frat, there was no team being built. The lines drawn in the sand were ever deeper. It showed that he was in fact not a nice guy. It is too bad.
Note to any Bosses out there. Please dont make your employees do some stupid team building shit on a friday. Just give them the day off, that will make people MUCH happier.
Ahhh...the Holiday Spirit!
Tis the Season.
In my line of work, differentiating TV Station, and myself, from the rival stations, and fellow crooks, it is up to Barbie and Boss1 to utilize the given budget for Xmas/Holiday gifts. Now, we have about 150 bucks a month to work with individually, but that gets tied up in lunches, bridge tolls, and what not rather easily, and lemme tell you, HR Lady gives you the fricken SHAKE DOWN on everything you try to get TV station to pay for. It is border line ridiculous.
anyway, i digress. So, let me enlighten you on how cheap, scuzzy, and overall shitty my TV Station is.
A) We dont get bonuses. "Our commission checks are our bonuses." however, you the reader has become savvy and knows "commission checks" are non existent due to the fact TV station can not afford to pay us commissions. However, each Salesman is supposed to give 50 bucks to a common fund to give another department a cash bonus for all their hard work. I am ALL for this. however, if we are rewarding those who work for us, shouldnt our bosses be rewarding us for working hard for them? Jelly of the month memberships are not even tossed out way. Dont call me greedy, but for what we put up with, this is bullshit.
B) The TV Station gift to those we think are worthy is "Money donated in [insert name here] to the SF Food Bank." How much money was donated? can i see my name listed somewhere? Who else did you donate money for ? These are ALL valid questions I would come to if I was handed this as a gift, because it is rather different, its not just another bottle of booze, it (IN THEORY) is a rather interesting and useful way to spend money for a present.
Here are the answers to those questions, and you tell me if TV Station has some bad karma coming there way. TV Station donates a few grand in THEIR NAME. In return, they get something like 100 cards with FILL IN THE NAME spots per 1000 bucks donated. Dude, follow this: TV Station donates money, in THEIR NAME, and we hand out cards with words of bullshit saying we did it for this special little media buyer. Talk about low class.
Icing on cake? Last year someone confronted a fellow salesperson, asking all these questions. needless to say, the person was not to impressed when he found out the details.
C) We do not get Xmas eve off, however, we get Columbus day off? Need i say more. WHO AM I GOING TO CALL OR MEET WITH THAT REQUIRES ME TO GO TO WORK ON XMAS EVE?
D) We do not get New Years Eve off. Again. WHO AM I GOING TO CALL OR MEET WITH THAT REQUIRES ME TO GO TO WORK ON NEW YEARS EVE? Dude, the people that handle marking and spending money with me are lazy, and not required, no ever do, work more than 3 days a week, and are on vacation from xmas-new years. TV Station, get with the program.
Happy Holidays.
In my line of work, differentiating TV Station, and myself, from the rival stations, and fellow crooks, it is up to Barbie and Boss1 to utilize the given budget for Xmas/Holiday gifts. Now, we have about 150 bucks a month to work with individually, but that gets tied up in lunches, bridge tolls, and what not rather easily, and lemme tell you, HR Lady gives you the fricken SHAKE DOWN on everything you try to get TV station to pay for. It is border line ridiculous.
anyway, i digress. So, let me enlighten you on how cheap, scuzzy, and overall shitty my TV Station is.
A) We dont get bonuses. "Our commission checks are our bonuses." however, you the reader has become savvy and knows "commission checks" are non existent due to the fact TV station can not afford to pay us commissions. However, each Salesman is supposed to give 50 bucks to a common fund to give another department a cash bonus for all their hard work. I am ALL for this. however, if we are rewarding those who work for us, shouldnt our bosses be rewarding us for working hard for them? Jelly of the month memberships are not even tossed out way. Dont call me greedy, but for what we put up with, this is bullshit.
B) The TV Station gift to those we think are worthy is "Money donated in [insert name here] to the SF Food Bank." How much money was donated? can i see my name listed somewhere? Who else did you donate money for ? These are ALL valid questions I would come to if I was handed this as a gift, because it is rather different, its not just another bottle of booze, it (IN THEORY) is a rather interesting and useful way to spend money for a present.
Here are the answers to those questions, and you tell me if TV Station has some bad karma coming there way. TV Station donates a few grand in THEIR NAME. In return, they get something like 100 cards with FILL IN THE NAME spots per 1000 bucks donated. Dude, follow this: TV Station donates money, in THEIR NAME, and we hand out cards with words of bullshit saying we did it for this special little media buyer. Talk about low class.
Icing on cake? Last year someone confronted a fellow salesperson, asking all these questions. needless to say, the person was not to impressed when he found out the details.
C) We do not get Xmas eve off, however, we get Columbus day off? Need i say more. WHO AM I GOING TO CALL OR MEET WITH THAT REQUIRES ME TO GO TO WORK ON XMAS EVE?
D) We do not get New Years Eve off. Again. WHO AM I GOING TO CALL OR MEET WITH THAT REQUIRES ME TO GO TO WORK ON NEW YEARS EVE? Dude, the people that handle marking and spending money with me are lazy, and not required, no ever do, work more than 3 days a week, and are on vacation from xmas-new years. TV Station, get with the program.
Happy Holidays.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Cover letter left on printer...good or bad?
So. Apparently i left a cover letter i had written for a job in LA at a different TV station on the printer. Now, am i that dumb to apply for a job while at my desk at TV station? no. i did, however have a few peeps proofread the mo fo, and that was relayed via my personal email, but, i did save it on my desk computer. either way, somehow, some way, Barbie found it just after i left the offce last night.
apparently Barbie and Boss1 went into a tailspin. This is not Will Loman gloating, or boosting his self esteem. Apparently it was the shocker of all shockers to these two.
this morning, Boss1 came down for our morning meeting, and he kept it real quick. i was busy at my desk, he comes up behind me, and says we need to talk in his office. immediately i know something is up, but i am not worried at all. nothing phases me here. i know i have upper hand most times, or can bullshit my way out of anything...unless it was a compromising email or some hard evidence i really fucked up.
so, we get in his office, he closes the door, i sit down, and, he drops my cover letter for the position i just applied for. Now, this is where 2 things happed. One, i get fired for looking elsewhere, and pretty much being such an IDIOT you left the cover letter in your office, at it talks shit about TV station. Or, this could happen:
Boss1 just goes, whats up with this? do you want to leave? i am disappointed. How can we fix this?"
He showed his cards before I did. So, what do i do? be truthful and tell him i applied because i am contemplating leaving? noooo no no no. I am a WAY quicker thinker than that.
I create an elaborate story about my friend working for the station, in charge of hiring, and that he needed someone with "the right experience" to show interest. I had him. I explained all my ties to our city, the elite club i am joining, and how the surf is better here than there. DISASTER AVERTED.
Long story short, he quickly brought up my renegotiation and what not, basically saying i have the upper hand, and that they CANNOT afford to lose me.
So, about that job out of area...i think i will be passing on it for the time being...unless they offer me a shit load of cash...
its good to find out you are THE MAN at you job.
enough patting myself on the back.
apparently Barbie and Boss1 went into a tailspin. This is not Will Loman gloating, or boosting his self esteem. Apparently it was the shocker of all shockers to these two.
this morning, Boss1 came down for our morning meeting, and he kept it real quick. i was busy at my desk, he comes up behind me, and says we need to talk in his office. immediately i know something is up, but i am not worried at all. nothing phases me here. i know i have upper hand most times, or can bullshit my way out of anything...unless it was a compromising email or some hard evidence i really fucked up.
so, we get in his office, he closes the door, i sit down, and, he drops my cover letter for the position i just applied for. Now, this is where 2 things happed. One, i get fired for looking elsewhere, and pretty much being such an IDIOT you left the cover letter in your office, at it talks shit about TV station. Or, this could happen:
Boss1 just goes, whats up with this? do you want to leave? i am disappointed. How can we fix this?"
He showed his cards before I did. So, what do i do? be truthful and tell him i applied because i am contemplating leaving? noooo no no no. I am a WAY quicker thinker than that.
I create an elaborate story about my friend working for the station, in charge of hiring, and that he needed someone with "the right experience" to show interest. I had him. I explained all my ties to our city, the elite club i am joining, and how the surf is better here than there. DISASTER AVERTED.
Long story short, he quickly brought up my renegotiation and what not, basically saying i have the upper hand, and that they CANNOT afford to lose me.
So, about that job out of area...i think i will be passing on it for the time being...unless they offer me a shit load of cash...
its good to find out you are THE MAN at you job.
enough patting myself on the back.
Monday, November 5, 2007
We're not idiots
Jameson has now been placed on my "no longer polite and a fan" list.
Today is monday. This weekend was my work event and it was a long, expensive and physically taxing weekend (in a good way). I was not ready for the time change either, not because of lack of sleep since it is fall back, but because it is now dark at 5PM.
Every monday, we have our sale meeting. I have been over this i think. Today my friends, Will Loman almost lost his cool.
There is a simple hierarchy in our job. VP sales (Boss1) is the boss of us all. Barbie is the Sales Manager. She carries the shit-umbrella. Since shit rolls down hill, she is our last line of defense. Something coming down from up top, like we are not bringing in enough money, hopefully Barbie can cover us under her shit umbrella, and she can soften the horrible news.
I think that shit umbrella is no longer, and i think she has to let it all come down on us. Us account execs are now going to be the scape goats. Understandable to a certain degree, and completely correct at any other sales force, however, we are talking about TV station. A station who lashed us with iron chains to sell commercials in a "TV special concert 2 hours Hippie fest" that was "only airing on Tv station. Runner did, for 3000 dollars. When he saw the show, and checked the ratings last night. Literally not a blip on the ratings meters went off. Less than 2000 people watched the show. When it was brought up today by Runner, it was quickly not brought up.
So, going into the meeting, something feels off to me. The shit-meter is off scale, and I know something is up. We go through the usual hoops, but Barbie is a bit more frank and not as nice. I always start when it is time for the minions to speak of what they have done the past week. I give a solid report. We go around the room, and we get to Jameson. This shit head has all buying accounts, and to be honest, anyone with some experience would be getting them to buy our station, and i am sure he has grown the accounts, but he has been WAY too cocky for his level of success.
He goes on about all the money he is bringing in for the week. In a VERY blatantly demeaning tone. He is basically slapping Runner, myself, and the 3 new people in the face with his numbers. Barbie then chimes in about us (all of us AEs including Jameson) about making 10 meetings, he interrupts, like always, gets loud, unrully, and condescending, and starts barking at us to get out office, or "he will yell at us." The guy is NOT a manager. He is not our boss. He is at the same corporate level we are. He then goes into asking rudimentary questions about the TV sales industry and the station, and answers them himself. This is where i lose it. I turn to him, look my boss right in the eye, and say:
"We are not idiots, we know about this station and this market too." Thank the lord i stopped there. i had about 20 minutes of material to get off my chest.
He somewhat stops, and Boss 1 realizes how pissed I am, and that he NEEDS to put a fucking end to Jameson's antics. He makes a comment, for Jameson to stop utilizing all the o2 in the room.
There was a list of other things that occurred at work today that made me end the day with this thought.
There is only so much we can do as salesman for TV station. When looking at our numbers, taking this sunday night special as a perfect example, when it comes down to it, people dont watch us. why would you risk losing your job as a media marketing planner on buying from a nobody, when you can go next door and buy from a proven somebody? Last week, ATT switched who did their marketing planning. the next day 200 people were laid off. ATT's media planning was decided by 2-3 people max. Those people, and most likely other monetary reasons, cost their company 200 jobs. When my boss comes to me in the next few weeks, and asks me about my accounts, i fear what she will come to realize. Can I not close? Am i just not working out? Am i worth TV stations piss pour attempt at a salary?
I dont know the answers to this, but I do know, I will have tried my fucking hardest to get TV station money from my accounts. I hate my job, and I hate that i feel unsuccessful at it. I hear it all the time, that it is just the station, but time after time, and no after no, I begin to doubt that.
Today is monday. This weekend was my work event and it was a long, expensive and physically taxing weekend (in a good way). I was not ready for the time change either, not because of lack of sleep since it is fall back, but because it is now dark at 5PM.
Every monday, we have our sale meeting. I have been over this i think. Today my friends, Will Loman almost lost his cool.
There is a simple hierarchy in our job. VP sales (Boss1) is the boss of us all. Barbie is the Sales Manager. She carries the shit-umbrella. Since shit rolls down hill, she is our last line of defense. Something coming down from up top, like we are not bringing in enough money, hopefully Barbie can cover us under her shit umbrella, and she can soften the horrible news.
I think that shit umbrella is no longer, and i think she has to let it all come down on us. Us account execs are now going to be the scape goats. Understandable to a certain degree, and completely correct at any other sales force, however, we are talking about TV station. A station who lashed us with iron chains to sell commercials in a "TV special concert 2 hours Hippie fest" that was "only airing on Tv station. Runner did, for 3000 dollars. When he saw the show, and checked the ratings last night. Literally not a blip on the ratings meters went off. Less than 2000 people watched the show. When it was brought up today by Runner, it was quickly not brought up.
So, going into the meeting, something feels off to me. The shit-meter is off scale, and I know something is up. We go through the usual hoops, but Barbie is a bit more frank and not as nice. I always start when it is time for the minions to speak of what they have done the past week. I give a solid report. We go around the room, and we get to Jameson. This shit head has all buying accounts, and to be honest, anyone with some experience would be getting them to buy our station, and i am sure he has grown the accounts, but he has been WAY too cocky for his level of success.
He goes on about all the money he is bringing in for the week. In a VERY blatantly demeaning tone. He is basically slapping Runner, myself, and the 3 new people in the face with his numbers. Barbie then chimes in about us (all of us AEs including Jameson) about making 10 meetings, he interrupts, like always, gets loud, unrully, and condescending, and starts barking at us to get out office, or "he will yell at us." The guy is NOT a manager. He is not our boss. He is at the same corporate level we are. He then goes into asking rudimentary questions about the TV sales industry and the station, and answers them himself. This is where i lose it. I turn to him, look my boss right in the eye, and say:
"We are not idiots, we know about this station and this market too." Thank the lord i stopped there. i had about 20 minutes of material to get off my chest.
He somewhat stops, and Boss 1 realizes how pissed I am, and that he NEEDS to put a fucking end to Jameson's antics. He makes a comment, for Jameson to stop utilizing all the o2 in the room.
There was a list of other things that occurred at work today that made me end the day with this thought.
There is only so much we can do as salesman for TV station. When looking at our numbers, taking this sunday night special as a perfect example, when it comes down to it, people dont watch us. why would you risk losing your job as a media marketing planner on buying from a nobody, when you can go next door and buy from a proven somebody? Last week, ATT switched who did their marketing planning. the next day 200 people were laid off. ATT's media planning was decided by 2-3 people max. Those people, and most likely other monetary reasons, cost their company 200 jobs. When my boss comes to me in the next few weeks, and asks me about my accounts, i fear what she will come to realize. Can I not close? Am i just not working out? Am i worth TV stations piss pour attempt at a salary?
I dont know the answers to this, but I do know, I will have tried my fucking hardest to get TV station money from my accounts. I hate my job, and I hate that i feel unsuccessful at it. I hear it all the time, that it is just the station, but time after time, and no after no, I begin to doubt that.
Greed.
Promotions chick and I put this huge event sponsorship thing together for pretty much the coolest event in our city. In return, we got a select few all access passes and then some other VIP tickets. On friday afternoon, on my way out to the event, where i was meeting a bunch of my clients and had to put in face time, i had put my pass around my neck. Bad idea.
the vultures came in to see what Will had, and they didnt. Immediately Frat asked where his was, Barbie did as well, and Runner sat back and started laughing. "Am i getting into all the parties?" "why do you and Promo chick only get the passes?"
i calmly walked away, saying talk to Promo chick, she has it all figureed out. As for the all access pass, because i got the event to pay OUR shitty station a few grand, and on top of that got a ski resort to pay us another few grand, i get to have the pass, because i get to deal with all these clients when they get pissed and realized TV station pulled one over on them.
The party that night, everyone from the station got into. I had been partaking in libations since 3pm with these clients, and we were all around the same age, and having a blast. I will reserve the rest of the interactions for another time...or i will lock them in my dome because i am sure things were done and said that i want back...in a comical way.
the vultures came in to see what Will had, and they didnt. Immediately Frat asked where his was, Barbie did as well, and Runner sat back and started laughing. "Am i getting into all the parties?" "why do you and Promo chick only get the passes?"
i calmly walked away, saying talk to Promo chick, she has it all figureed out. As for the all access pass, because i got the event to pay OUR shitty station a few grand, and on top of that got a ski resort to pay us another few grand, i get to have the pass, because i get to deal with all these clients when they get pissed and realized TV station pulled one over on them.
The party that night, everyone from the station got into. I had been partaking in libations since 3pm with these clients, and we were all around the same age, and having a blast. I will reserve the rest of the interactions for another time...or i will lock them in my dome because i am sure things were done and said that i want back...in a comical way.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Halloween. FBI. wow.
Today was Halloween in the office. Need I say more? No, but i will.
Everyone in the sales office dressed up...yes I did. I wore my Lithuanian B-ball jersey, and some basketball shorts, and was Sharunis Marshalonis. For you Warrior fans out there, or for you Lugans out there, you get it. Barbie was a pirate. Runner was a monk (hilarious), Nam wore his Army fatigues (he is still inactive Army national guard), Jameson didn't wear shit, and was the total "i am too cool and too busy for this shit" d-bag, Boss1 seemed to not have dressed up, but come party time, he was Mao Tse Dung (hilarious). Now, the new lady (50+ mind you) wore a short mini skirt, black tights, and a "baseball jersey" that was a glorified wife beater top. When asked what she was in the sales meeting, she simply, and completely honestly said "a slutty baseball player". Holy shit, she lost a lot of respect from me, and Boss1. Lady, its one thing to give in and dress up in something lame because Barbie is throwing aparty for the station, but its another to act like your in college. Class it up, this is a place of work. Although, i am the first to admit sometimes it does not feel like one. Frat waltzed in late, and when he did, Barbie, who I do not think meant to have the tone of this next comment be condescending or flat out hilarious, but when he came in undressed, and rather "normal" she said, "what are you?! A tall person?" Lets just say, it sucked the oxygen out of the room and made for some slight chuckles.
Now, th second story i have i am reluctant to tell. I am beginning to realize Frat has been the center of my last few posts. I must admit. His large personality fucking consumes a lot of my time and energy at work. He is way loud on the phone...thus i hear all that he does all day.
Today. He called both 911, and the FBI. Yes, you read it correctly. 911. FBI. All because he discovered a fraudulent posting on Craigslist. My man, when someone on that site asks for cash in advance, or a paypal check, red fags should go off immediately. It should not escalate to you almost sending your credit card info, and then trying to file an FBI report to get your time spent back.
Anyway. I buzzed my head today because i have a big meeting tomorrow. I am going with Barbie, and it is for a huge company we have never been given money by. This was all my work. I am the one putting this all together, and I am going to dominate. I am currently looking in the mirror, camo jacket on, saying "you looking at me? I know you ain't lookin at me." And I am way more bad ass than DeNiro. I will close the shit out of this deal tomorrow.
Goodnight now.
Everyone in the sales office dressed up...yes I did. I wore my Lithuanian B-ball jersey, and some basketball shorts, and was Sharunis Marshalonis. For you Warrior fans out there, or for you Lugans out there, you get it. Barbie was a pirate. Runner was a monk (hilarious), Nam wore his Army fatigues (he is still inactive Army national guard), Jameson didn't wear shit, and was the total "i am too cool and too busy for this shit" d-bag, Boss1 seemed to not have dressed up, but come party time, he was Mao Tse Dung (hilarious). Now, the new lady (50+ mind you) wore a short mini skirt, black tights, and a "baseball jersey" that was a glorified wife beater top. When asked what she was in the sales meeting, she simply, and completely honestly said "a slutty baseball player". Holy shit, she lost a lot of respect from me, and Boss1. Lady, its one thing to give in and dress up in something lame because Barbie is throwing aparty for the station, but its another to act like your in college. Class it up, this is a place of work. Although, i am the first to admit sometimes it does not feel like one. Frat waltzed in late, and when he did, Barbie, who I do not think meant to have the tone of this next comment be condescending or flat out hilarious, but when he came in undressed, and rather "normal" she said, "what are you?! A tall person?" Lets just say, it sucked the oxygen out of the room and made for some slight chuckles.
Now, th second story i have i am reluctant to tell. I am beginning to realize Frat has been the center of my last few posts. I must admit. His large personality fucking consumes a lot of my time and energy at work. He is way loud on the phone...thus i hear all that he does all day.
Today. He called both 911, and the FBI. Yes, you read it correctly. 911. FBI. All because he discovered a fraudulent posting on Craigslist. My man, when someone on that site asks for cash in advance, or a paypal check, red fags should go off immediately. It should not escalate to you almost sending your credit card info, and then trying to file an FBI report to get your time spent back.
Anyway. I buzzed my head today because i have a big meeting tomorrow. I am going with Barbie, and it is for a huge company we have never been given money by. This was all my work. I am the one putting this all together, and I am going to dominate. I am currently looking in the mirror, camo jacket on, saying "you looking at me? I know you ain't lookin at me." And I am way more bad ass than DeNiro. I will close the shit out of this deal tomorrow.
Goodnight now.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
4 letter words
I realize i swear a lot in this blog. Rorrrrry. there is a decent amount of swearing occurring in the sales office. this is actually ok due to the stress and overall amount of "no's" we encounter.
a few weeks back, i was at a golf tourney with runner, barbie, and Boss1. yes, it was on a work day, and no, no work was getting done, unless you call a MEAN slice and shitty putting work.
i hit the shit out of this ball, probably about 300 yards. I, not loudly because i know golf educate, but at a normal level, said, "fuck yeah"
Barbie made a slightly sarcastic, slightly serious comment about swearing. Boss1 quickly jumps in and says "agr, its our Irish heritage, there are no better fucking words than 4 letter words to describe out feelings"
had to be there, but it was hilarious.
Oh shit. There was just an earthquake while posting this. Awesome.
a few weeks back, i was at a golf tourney with runner, barbie, and Boss1. yes, it was on a work day, and no, no work was getting done, unless you call a MEAN slice and shitty putting work.
i hit the shit out of this ball, probably about 300 yards. I, not loudly because i know golf educate, but at a normal level, said, "fuck yeah"
Barbie made a slightly sarcastic, slightly serious comment about swearing. Boss1 quickly jumps in and says "agr, its our Irish heritage, there are no better fucking words than 4 letter words to describe out feelings"
had to be there, but it was hilarious.
Oh shit. There was just an earthquake while posting this. Awesome.
Homework?
I brought some work home to do tonight. I need to crunch some numbers for this proposal due tomorrow. I am not going to do it. I checked the "homework gene" when i shook the hand of El Presidente at my skool.
today, "amazon", who was the new tall dude, who i want to call Frat from now on, really almost made me burst in "what the FUCK?!'s " This morning, he comes into my cubicle, and dropped a pile of chick scratch on some papers. He grunted to me "he, can you look at my list and cross off whoever you are already calling on"
now, lemme give you a little frame of reference. At TV station, there is a communal hard drive where we have a "master list." This is the Torah of the sales office. You simply send your new clients you have "dibs" on to Jefita and she regulates, and updates the master list. Now, when you see some hot new lead, you simply cross check everyones list to see if they have taken dibs on it, and if not, you shoot a cute little email to everyone and say "hey shitbirds, I am now calling on [insert dead end lead here]."
Simple really.
Now, when i received the chicken scratch papers with what appeared to be a third graders handwriting on it, with the orders to basically do all the work Frat has to do for him, i was a bit perturbed. Now, to you guys, this may seem inconsequential. Maybe it is. But maybe it was the way he went about asking me to do this. It was not in a kind way. I replied to him "Frat, what you can do is make your own list in Excel, and cross check it with everyone else's, super easy."
Frat replies "Will, come on man. It will be way easier for me if you guys just all go through and cross off your clients so i dont have to." [Insert record scratch here]
Now, i did eventually cross off this shit i have. I gave it back to him in a cordial manner. You readers may see me as not giving this homeslice a chance from the get go, and mama brought up he was rather self conscious, but if you heard the way he spoke to clients, and the way he grunted these orders to me, you too, would think he was a through and through tool box.
today, "amazon", who was the new tall dude, who i want to call Frat from now on, really almost made me burst in "what the FUCK?!'s " This morning, he comes into my cubicle, and dropped a pile of chick scratch on some papers. He grunted to me "he, can you look at my list and cross off whoever you are already calling on"
now, lemme give you a little frame of reference. At TV station, there is a communal hard drive where we have a "master list." This is the Torah of the sales office. You simply send your new clients you have "dibs" on to Jefita and she regulates, and updates the master list. Now, when you see some hot new lead, you simply cross check everyones list to see if they have taken dibs on it, and if not, you shoot a cute little email to everyone and say "hey shitbirds, I am now calling on [insert dead end lead here]."
Simple really.
Now, when i received the chicken scratch papers with what appeared to be a third graders handwriting on it, with the orders to basically do all the work Frat has to do for him, i was a bit perturbed. Now, to you guys, this may seem inconsequential. Maybe it is. But maybe it was the way he went about asking me to do this. It was not in a kind way. I replied to him "Frat, what you can do is make your own list in Excel, and cross check it with everyone else's, super easy."
Frat replies "Will, come on man. It will be way easier for me if you guys just all go through and cross off your clients so i dont have to." [Insert record scratch here]
Now, i did eventually cross off this shit i have. I gave it back to him in a cordial manner. You readers may see me as not giving this homeslice a chance from the get go, and mama brought up he was rather self conscious, but if you heard the way he spoke to clients, and the way he grunted these orders to me, you too, would think he was a through and through tool box.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Bring your Mom to work day
Friday was the unofficial bring your mom to work day. Apparently i was the only one who knew that in my office.
when i announced to the select few that my mom would be around the office to see what it is her youngest is wasting his time with, it quickly got broadcast around the sales department that Will's mom was coming. w-o-w. It quickly brought about a level of hysteria, question, judgment, and advice.
Jefita told me i better be on my best behavior, and that she couldnt WAIT to meet my mom. She is so radical it is not even funny.
Everyone else didnt understand why the fuck i would have my mom come by my office. they almost thought it was bizzarre, not because it was, but because they couldnt relate. I guess i have a rare relationship with my mom. I am stoked if she wants to come to my office, i call her once a day at least, and i care about what she thinks and what her insight may lend. Apparently, I am in the minority in my office. Granted, maybe that is because i am the youngest...only by 3 years. Runner is the same way with his parents, but he was out of town.
My mom was well liked, and I was happy she came by. She picked out the new guy pretty easily, and told me he was standoff-ish and cocky because he was self conscious. I think this has a ring of truth. i have been a bit more open to him...until the next time he tries to gank my clients.
when i announced to the select few that my mom would be around the office to see what it is her youngest is wasting his time with, it quickly got broadcast around the sales department that Will's mom was coming. w-o-w. It quickly brought about a level of hysteria, question, judgment, and advice.
Jefita told me i better be on my best behavior, and that she couldnt WAIT to meet my mom. She is so radical it is not even funny.
Everyone else didnt understand why the fuck i would have my mom come by my office. they almost thought it was bizzarre, not because it was, but because they couldnt relate. I guess i have a rare relationship with my mom. I am stoked if she wants to come to my office, i call her once a day at least, and i care about what she thinks and what her insight may lend. Apparently, I am in the minority in my office. Granted, maybe that is because i am the youngest...only by 3 years. Runner is the same way with his parents, but he was out of town.
My mom was well liked, and I was happy she came by. She picked out the new guy pretty easily, and told me he was standoff-ish and cocky because he was self conscious. I think this has a ring of truth. i have been a bit more open to him...until the next time he tries to gank my clients.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Lunch meetings.
Lunch is my only escape from TV station, well to some extent. I guess i can "go on a call" whenever i want, but there is a lot of accountability for that, so you really dont want to burn those fake calls unless you realllllly need to.
so, our station is in the ghetto of City. We have to drive to lunch if you dont bring a lunch. i have yet to bring a lunch because, i need to get the fuck out of dodge for an hour or so every day. today, i had to work at lunch, i had to meet a potential client. buzz kill.
i went to this place called "The old Crab Shack". It is within walking distance to my office. Need i say more, or did i not mention we are in the "ghetto." It actually, according to YELP, had great reviews. my porcelain and 1br apt beg to differ. If you have been blessed to visit Rye, NH, there is a place there called Petie's. This is the west coast Petie's. Look out.
Long story short, i dread having to sell during my sacred lunches, but this dude was cool. He was about 35, and he inquired about advertising on our site. Everything i said, he agreed with. Was he sold on the product, or was he just really nice and didnt want to shoot me down. I dont think he can afford anything we can offer him, which sucks. i can sense a sort of struggle in his voice, and he wants to get his company to grow, and i think he has the skills, not the overhead. I give this a 50% close probability. I hope for his sake, I can work something out. He had a kid who was 18. i know he was 37. do the math, i can only feel for the dude.
i got back to the office, and was in nap mode due to the fried shit i just put in my belly. i started working on our "assignment" (what are we in fucking high school). we all are assigned to a TV station in our market. There are 8. We are battling for the bottom. All others but one are an affiliate (FOX, NBC, CBS, etc). We have to look at all their programming, the sales staff there website, and all revenue generators, and see where we beat them, and where we can beat them.
Shh, dont tell the teacher Barbie, i already know the answers. WE DONT BEAT THEM AT ANYTHING. Maybe we beat them at one thing. TV20 has Runner and Will Loman slanging Ice for them...
so, our station is in the ghetto of City. We have to drive to lunch if you dont bring a lunch. i have yet to bring a lunch because, i need to get the fuck out of dodge for an hour or so every day. today, i had to work at lunch, i had to meet a potential client. buzz kill.
i went to this place called "The old Crab Shack". It is within walking distance to my office. Need i say more, or did i not mention we are in the "ghetto." It actually, according to YELP, had great reviews. my porcelain and 1br apt beg to differ. If you have been blessed to visit Rye, NH, there is a place there called Petie's. This is the west coast Petie's. Look out.
Long story short, i dread having to sell during my sacred lunches, but this dude was cool. He was about 35, and he inquired about advertising on our site. Everything i said, he agreed with. Was he sold on the product, or was he just really nice and didnt want to shoot me down. I dont think he can afford anything we can offer him, which sucks. i can sense a sort of struggle in his voice, and he wants to get his company to grow, and i think he has the skills, not the overhead. I give this a 50% close probability. I hope for his sake, I can work something out. He had a kid who was 18. i know he was 37. do the math, i can only feel for the dude.
i got back to the office, and was in nap mode due to the fried shit i just put in my belly. i started working on our "assignment" (what are we in fucking high school). we all are assigned to a TV station in our market. There are 8. We are battling for the bottom. All others but one are an affiliate (FOX, NBC, CBS, etc). We have to look at all their programming, the sales staff there website, and all revenue generators, and see where we beat them, and where we can beat them.
Shh, dont tell the teacher Barbie, i already know the answers. WE DONT BEAT THEM AT ANYTHING. Maybe we beat them at one thing. TV20 has Runner and Will Loman slanging Ice for them...
Tank top Tuesday
I woke up with a massive ear infection. Not.
I surfed all day, and called in sick. Bad Karma my way, maybe, but to be honest, it was a mental health day. It was 85 degrees where i live, the surf was as good as it gets, and my uncle was off as well. i woke up early, turned my blackberry on, called my radical "assistant" jefita, and she covered me, and told me to get better, and take two days, haha.
i wore a tank top all day. it was awesome. the surf was good. and i missed NOTHING at work.
best tuesday i had in a LONG time.
I surfed all day, and called in sick. Bad Karma my way, maybe, but to be honest, it was a mental health day. It was 85 degrees where i live, the surf was as good as it gets, and my uncle was off as well. i woke up early, turned my blackberry on, called my radical "assistant" jefita, and she covered me, and told me to get better, and take two days, haha.
i wore a tank top all day. it was awesome. the surf was good. and i missed NOTHING at work.
best tuesday i had in a LONG time.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Monday Funday
Most Mondays suck, but once i dragged myself out of bed, 5 minutes of extra snooze due to my ridiculous reunion weekend of drinking a little too much, i made it, and I knew it would a decent day at worst. I had our usual meeting, Boss 2 tried to dominate me, unsuccessfully, because with his surly banter, you just have to give it right back. I had a big new business sales pitch, my first one really, with Barbie and the promotions chick. In the meeting, my boss almost didnt even say a word. I was completely in control. and i killed it. everything i said just made sense to them. i really think they will close, and i actually really think what i am offering them will work. rare for TV station. That was not my highlight.
I forgot to mention the two sales assistants that help us (really work for us) Slangers (sales people). One i will call Jefita (roughly means little boss). She is a single mom, probably about 40-45 years old, little to no "traditional" education beyond high school. But believe you me, she is the most compassionate, and intelligent person in our office. She is my number one fan, and I hers. She is one of the nicest, hardest working people i have ever met. She puts her kids through private high school, and her kids are also equally as hard working and nice.
So, in no other circumstance would physical appearance come into play in this blog, this anecdote calls for it. Jefita is a heavy set women, and her kids are as well.
Today, early in the morning before everyone else gets in, i get a call from Jefita. Mind you, we work in a bull pin. Ever Slangers cubical is rather open, and the assistants are in the middle. you can more or less hear everything that is going on. this is methodically put into effect to breed competition. something i am beginning to fall into since New Dude, or whatever i called him, has come into play.
Jefita is semi whispering to me, so i know she doesnt want everyone to hear this convo, so i do the same. she started asking me in spanish about her daughter, and an essay she needs to write on prejudice. I had to stop her and and tell her to switch to english because i was losing her. she did.
she said, "Austin, you are so smart, and you seem to know everything, do you think my daughter would write a good essay about experiencing prejudice about her being a gordita (not a mean term, literally means a little big in spanish)?"
I went on to explain that i think that would be a great topic, as long as she felt comfortable talking about it, Jefita went on to say she was, and that was the end of the convo.
I was absolutely flabbergasted with flattery form this gesture. I am not that smart, and i am not the best writer, and she could have asked any other Slanger (Account Exec), but to be honest, and to toot my own horn, i think she asked me, because i am the most respectful and considerate to the two assistants. I really like Jefita, and she made my day by thinking i was a "smart" enough guy to pick the topic for her daughter. Little does she know, she is worlds smarter than me in millions of ways, and she could have told her daughter the same thing.
Tomorrow, i am coming down with a really really bad ear infection. I dont think I will be making it into work. **Note, everyone in the office heard me making rumblings about this ear infection. Why did i choose that ailment to be my cover...because you are not supposed to go in the water with that...meaning they wont suspect a surf trip with my Uncle Buck. He and I are playing hooky. Well, me, more than he.
I forgot to mention the two sales assistants that help us (really work for us) Slangers (sales people). One i will call Jefita (roughly means little boss). She is a single mom, probably about 40-45 years old, little to no "traditional" education beyond high school. But believe you me, she is the most compassionate, and intelligent person in our office. She is my number one fan, and I hers. She is one of the nicest, hardest working people i have ever met. She puts her kids through private high school, and her kids are also equally as hard working and nice.
So, in no other circumstance would physical appearance come into play in this blog, this anecdote calls for it. Jefita is a heavy set women, and her kids are as well.
Today, early in the morning before everyone else gets in, i get a call from Jefita. Mind you, we work in a bull pin. Ever Slangers cubical is rather open, and the assistants are in the middle. you can more or less hear everything that is going on. this is methodically put into effect to breed competition. something i am beginning to fall into since New Dude, or whatever i called him, has come into play.
Jefita is semi whispering to me, so i know she doesnt want everyone to hear this convo, so i do the same. she started asking me in spanish about her daughter, and an essay she needs to write on prejudice. I had to stop her and and tell her to switch to english because i was losing her. she did.
she said, "Austin, you are so smart, and you seem to know everything, do you think my daughter would write a good essay about experiencing prejudice about her being a gordita (not a mean term, literally means a little big in spanish)?"
I went on to explain that i think that would be a great topic, as long as she felt comfortable talking about it, Jefita went on to say she was, and that was the end of the convo.
I was absolutely flabbergasted with flattery form this gesture. I am not that smart, and i am not the best writer, and she could have asked any other Slanger (Account Exec), but to be honest, and to toot my own horn, i think she asked me, because i am the most respectful and considerate to the two assistants. I really like Jefita, and she made my day by thinking i was a "smart" enough guy to pick the topic for her daughter. Little does she know, she is worlds smarter than me in millions of ways, and she could have told her daughter the same thing.
Tomorrow, i am coming down with a really really bad ear infection. I dont think I will be making it into work. **Note, everyone in the office heard me making rumblings about this ear infection. Why did i choose that ailment to be my cover...because you are not supposed to go in the water with that...meaning they wont suspect a surf trip with my Uncle Buck. He and I are playing hooky. Well, me, more than he.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Karma.
Iret, my fellow salesperson, brought bad, asshole thoughts to my head today. I named her Iret for a few reasons, but one is because it sounds similar to IRATE.
A few weeks, maybe a month back, Iret comes into my cube to ask me to clear time to go meet with one of her leads up in Marin with her because she "doesnt get web advertising, and you seem to know what is going on with that." Fine, i say, gladly go up and talk to these jokers.
We go. The meeting starts off with the marketing director very skeptical, not thinking there was ANYTHING he would want to buy/partner with. thats when i brought up our TV show, how he could be featured, how we host it online, and pretty much dropped some KNOWLEDGE on this fool, and got him SOOOO hooked on us. Body language told me he was in for the kill.
The killer part was I told him we could do an entire show (BOKU $$$), but only if he had the content to cover a 1/2 hour of a show (no one watches, haha). this is where the dude confided in us about the business model (a tell tale sign of lets sign the dotted line and get you some commission.) The end of the meeting pretty much spelled out he would soon be a 25K-50K spender.
When we were leaving, Iret took me to lunch, told me about how we will split all the leads, how I can call the other people...yada yada yada.
Needless to say, a few days later, i hear her in her cube, calllllinnnnnnggggg all the leads, and taking all the clients. No thank you. No nothing.
Today, in our daily morning "are you filling holes in this sinking ship or fucking what?!" meeting, she told stories of grandeur about her 2nd meeting with them. They will not be a 25K client. They will be a 150K client. Great. Glad i helped out.
To further put me over the edge, and literally get me pissed and feel semi cheated for the first time since being at TV station, she made another off hand comment about her winning the incentive trip due to these new clients. I had to say something since she belted this out.
"Iret, ever hear about not counting your chickens before they hatch? Maybe you should get the order before you jinx the money coming in"
Oops. My bad. I slipped. Greed is an ugly beast. I feel bad i fell into the salesman in me. But what the fuck. Are any of you with me?
Fuckit. I made some calls, talked to a SHADY buyer in New York and dropped that my cousin was FDNY and NYPD, i am in. I left work at 3 and went surfing. That is my release. TV Station and WiLL Loman are even for the day.
As for Iret Irate and myself. I took a deep breath, and I realize, she is twice my age, struggling, stressed out, and needs the money more than i do. Again, even this defense for her getting this cashola holds little water. I too am broke. I too would like to make more money, and I too work as hard as she does. But granted. Her age alone makes me want her to have the cash, who knows what would happen if she didnt keep this job.
I either evened the karma scale back to Zero by telling her to "shut the fuck up" ever so lightly with my comment on the sales floor, or maybe not.
A few weeks, maybe a month back, Iret comes into my cube to ask me to clear time to go meet with one of her leads up in Marin with her because she "doesnt get web advertising, and you seem to know what is going on with that." Fine, i say, gladly go up and talk to these jokers.
We go. The meeting starts off with the marketing director very skeptical, not thinking there was ANYTHING he would want to buy/partner with. thats when i brought up our TV show, how he could be featured, how we host it online, and pretty much dropped some KNOWLEDGE on this fool, and got him SOOOO hooked on us. Body language told me he was in for the kill.
The killer part was I told him we could do an entire show (BOKU $$$), but only if he had the content to cover a 1/2 hour of a show (no one watches, haha). this is where the dude confided in us about the business model (a tell tale sign of lets sign the dotted line and get you some commission.) The end of the meeting pretty much spelled out he would soon be a 25K-50K spender.
When we were leaving, Iret took me to lunch, told me about how we will split all the leads, how I can call the other people...yada yada yada.
Needless to say, a few days later, i hear her in her cube, calllllinnnnnnggggg all the leads, and taking all the clients. No thank you. No nothing.
Today, in our daily morning "are you filling holes in this sinking ship or fucking what?!" meeting, she told stories of grandeur about her 2nd meeting with them. They will not be a 25K client. They will be a 150K client. Great. Glad i helped out.
To further put me over the edge, and literally get me pissed and feel semi cheated for the first time since being at TV station, she made another off hand comment about her winning the incentive trip due to these new clients. I had to say something since she belted this out.
"Iret, ever hear about not counting your chickens before they hatch? Maybe you should get the order before you jinx the money coming in"
Oops. My bad. I slipped. Greed is an ugly beast. I feel bad i fell into the salesman in me. But what the fuck. Are any of you with me?
Fuckit. I made some calls, talked to a SHADY buyer in New York and dropped that my cousin was FDNY and NYPD, i am in. I left work at 3 and went surfing. That is my release. TV Station and WiLL Loman are even for the day.
As for Iret Irate and myself. I took a deep breath, and I realize, she is twice my age, struggling, stressed out, and needs the money more than i do. Again, even this defense for her getting this cashola holds little water. I too am broke. I too would like to make more money, and I too work as hard as she does. But granted. Her age alone makes me want her to have the cash, who knows what would happen if she didnt keep this job.
I either evened the karma scale back to Zero by telling her to "shut the fuck up" ever so lightly with my comment on the sales floor, or maybe not.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Growth.
today we had 2 new suckers start.
Amazon: a guy under 30, maybe around 30. he is legit 6'8". he has some sold sales experience. my first impressions were nothing stellar. maybe because on some levels he is my competition.
red: a women in her late 40s to early fifties. i ask myself, why is she starting a job here at her age. why at TV station? i could judge, but in all honesty, i am seeing that there is not much upward mobility for mediocre TV sales dudes.
i had one sales pitch today to a start up in my hometown. it went well. one co-owner knew his shit about TV, so, there was no need to dumb anything down. it was short and sweet. will they buy what i am pitching? i give myself a 70% shot. maybe somewhat optimistic. we will call this company NASA for future references to a close/pass. the general gist of this meeting actually falls directly in this blogs title 'slanging (because selling was taken) to Eskimos."
CEO: Loman, thanks for traveling down here.
ME: Good to see you...insert stereotypical BS banter back and forth.
CEO: Loman, we got the same thing you are offering with TV station for free at Better TV Station. Why should we go with you?
ME: (in my mind, i congratulate him, and simply say, touche!). Well, you bring up a good point, to be honest, let me look at the show segment (i am selling product placement in a TV show generally speaking) and if it looks like you will get nothing out of TV stations deal, then, god luck.
CEO: Well, true, but lets see....
I could get into it, but i just love when someone has beaten me to the punch, tapped the proverbial keg before i get to fill my cup, and all around get me good. I still give NASA a 70% close possibilty due to my overall honesty, and general number crunching i get to have someone else do for me.
last 2 points. I have an assistant, and a few other people who i can get to do anything i want pretty much at the click of "send" on my email. Although i have never sensed it, i imagine being the age i am, and the age they are...they are not to stoked on the few (and i am talking bare minimum things) i ask of them.
final point. my level of productivity on a scale of 1-10 was a 7. I do not enjoy sitting on my couch eating dinner, thinking about the 13 people i have to call tomorrow to ask for "THE CLOSE". I have called the same people the past week. No call back. What is going on in their mind when they see my number on caller ID?
my blog is too long. i will work on that.
Amazon: a guy under 30, maybe around 30. he is legit 6'8". he has some sold sales experience. my first impressions were nothing stellar. maybe because on some levels he is my competition.
red: a women in her late 40s to early fifties. i ask myself, why is she starting a job here at her age. why at TV station? i could judge, but in all honesty, i am seeing that there is not much upward mobility for mediocre TV sales dudes.
i had one sales pitch today to a start up in my hometown. it went well. one co-owner knew his shit about TV, so, there was no need to dumb anything down. it was short and sweet. will they buy what i am pitching? i give myself a 70% shot. maybe somewhat optimistic. we will call this company NASA for future references to a close/pass. the general gist of this meeting actually falls directly in this blogs title 'slanging (because selling was taken) to Eskimos."
CEO: Loman, thanks for traveling down here.
ME: Good to see you...insert stereotypical BS banter back and forth.
CEO: Loman, we got the same thing you are offering with TV station for free at Better TV Station. Why should we go with you?
ME: (in my mind, i congratulate him, and simply say, touche!). Well, you bring up a good point, to be honest, let me look at the show segment (i am selling product placement in a TV show generally speaking) and if it looks like you will get nothing out of TV stations deal, then, god luck.
CEO: Well, true, but lets see....
I could get into it, but i just love when someone has beaten me to the punch, tapped the proverbial keg before i get to fill my cup, and all around get me good. I still give NASA a 70% close possibilty due to my overall honesty, and general number crunching i get to have someone else do for me.
last 2 points. I have an assistant, and a few other people who i can get to do anything i want pretty much at the click of "send" on my email. Although i have never sensed it, i imagine being the age i am, and the age they are...they are not to stoked on the few (and i am talking bare minimum things) i ask of them.
final point. my level of productivity on a scale of 1-10 was a 7. I do not enjoy sitting on my couch eating dinner, thinking about the 13 people i have to call tomorrow to ask for "THE CLOSE". I have called the same people the past week. No call back. What is going on in their mind when they see my number on caller ID?
my blog is too long. i will work on that.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Background.
I am a salesman. If you asked my 1 year if i wanted to go into sales, i would have laughed. if you ask my now if i like sales...well thats why i am writing this blog. we shall see.
i started 6 months ago, give or take a week. friday was my first close. what lead up to that, well a lot of bullshit, a lot of hilarity, and a lot of what-have-us.
i sell for a TV station, and I beyond that, i will divulge only a few things. a tv salesman sells airtime. i like to think i sell dreams. not. it is a station that you would get if you had only rabbit ears on your tv, so it is a channel that is better than a cable channel, because EVERYONE gets it. (Most people dont know this, but only 60% of people have cable, in the area where i slang.) thus, one may deduct I work for an advertisers dream station. in theory, my station reaches 100% of the market. in theory.
no you have about as much of an idea of what tv sales entails as i did when i started. so, we are somewhat even.
to part, i will introduce the characters i work for and with.
Bosses:
Boss1: my bosses boss. a tough, old man who smokes 2 packs a day, and has been in the tv buying/selling business since before i was born. he is terrified by all except me and Runner (will describe him later)
Barbie: now, this is my boss, and i dont use that name with a negative connotation. she is the best boss i have had as of yet, and i have nothing bad to say about her over all 6 months i have been there. good stories to come about that.
Fellow "ice" salesman:
Runner: (14 months at TV station) partner in crime as of late. he and i are more or less the golden children of TV station.
Iret: (15 years in industry, 13 months at TV station...going on 3 days) my cube"mate". her cube is just on the other side of mine. i can hear everything, and she can hear everything. i am in ear shot of her, which will come to be very cumbersome in posts to come. she is a cancer survivor, and the most stressed out person i have ever met.
Shady: Fired.
Jameson: (5 years at TV station...13 years+/- in industry) approaching mid-aged in years, adolescence in maturity. he is wise, loud, and hooks me up with hints, leads, and tips to make me successful and above all other relative rookies.
Jonesy: (20 years +/- at station) on a different side of sales...semi considered a boss. little to no interaction ever.
Crystal: Quit. Still a friend to runner and me.
Nam: (3 months with TV station) Silent. Awkward at times. this guy makes me feel like i am in elementary school again. every time i see him, i feel he is an outsider, and i try to bring him in the club, but he just misses the boat every time.
more as it comes up. tomorrow, i continue attempting to close deals with the powerful Eskimos.
i started 6 months ago, give or take a week. friday was my first close. what lead up to that, well a lot of bullshit, a lot of hilarity, and a lot of what-have-us.
i sell for a TV station, and I beyond that, i will divulge only a few things. a tv salesman sells airtime. i like to think i sell dreams. not. it is a station that you would get if you had only rabbit ears on your tv, so it is a channel that is better than a cable channel, because EVERYONE gets it. (Most people dont know this, but only 60% of people have cable, in the area where i slang.) thus, one may deduct I work for an advertisers dream station. in theory, my station reaches 100% of the market. in theory.
no you have about as much of an idea of what tv sales entails as i did when i started. so, we are somewhat even.
to part, i will introduce the characters i work for and with.
Bosses:
Boss1: my bosses boss. a tough, old man who smokes 2 packs a day, and has been in the tv buying/selling business since before i was born. he is terrified by all except me and Runner (will describe him later)
Barbie: now, this is my boss, and i dont use that name with a negative connotation. she is the best boss i have had as of yet, and i have nothing bad to say about her over all 6 months i have been there. good stories to come about that.
Fellow "ice" salesman:
Runner: (14 months at TV station) partner in crime as of late. he and i are more or less the golden children of TV station.
Iret: (15 years in industry, 13 months at TV station...going on 3 days) my cube"mate". her cube is just on the other side of mine. i can hear everything, and she can hear everything. i am in ear shot of her, which will come to be very cumbersome in posts to come. she is a cancer survivor, and the most stressed out person i have ever met.
Shady: Fired.
Jameson: (5 years at TV station...13 years+/- in industry) approaching mid-aged in years, adolescence in maturity. he is wise, loud, and hooks me up with hints, leads, and tips to make me successful and above all other relative rookies.
Jonesy: (20 years +/- at station) on a different side of sales...semi considered a boss. little to no interaction ever.
Crystal: Quit. Still a friend to runner and me.
Nam: (3 months with TV station) Silent. Awkward at times. this guy makes me feel like i am in elementary school again. every time i see him, i feel he is an outsider, and i try to bring him in the club, but he just misses the boat every time.
more as it comes up. tomorrow, i continue attempting to close deals with the powerful Eskimos.
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