I got me a new gig as the Director of Sales for a Healthcare Technology type company. It's a small company so I'm more like the jack of all trades (Dir of Sales, Marketing, Training).I am having a blast.
There is one MAJOR adjustment - after being in pharma sales for 20 years and never having to be in the same place all the time, having to report to an office for a 9-5 gig is just a major drag.
I have to now plan what to wear EVERY day. You see, as an outside sales rep, I could put on the same dag on suit (if I wanted) for the week - maybe change the blouse - because the same person never saw me twice in the week. Now I gotta THINK about what I'm gonna put on and thus far, I have been over dressed every day.
I just don't know how to do business casual - that includes jeans on any particular day of the week. The Queen Mother, who has worked in an office environment for over 30 years, volunteered to help me out.
Lunch. I have never, ever had to think about what I was eating for lunch. I was either providing a lunch at an inservice or taking a client out or something. Now, I got to pack myself a lunch - EVERYDAY - cause I'll be damned if I'm spending $10 a day downstairs at Joe's Deli and I ain't eating Taco Hell, KY Fat Chicken or ButBuster King either (which is within walking distance).
I am WAAAAY to organized and efficient and need to figure out how to slow my roll. You asked me to create a survey, send it to all the existing clients and get a response in time to compile a report for a corporate sponsor - we need this back in the next two weeks. Okay. I cranked that puppy out and sent it out to the first client, cc'ing the Executive Director.
She freaked. "Leeeeesa! I didn't expect you to do it so fast. I want to review all the questions first. OMG! Leeesa! I love you but you work so fast. Okay, don't send anymore out....blah, blah, blah....I'll get back to you tomorrow."
She don't know who she hired, does she?
Today I did the survey, called 15 clients, designed all the materials and brochures for an upcoming conference in July, designed the layout for the display stand and podium (which we don't have YET) and a few more random things all before 2pm.
That means I got plenty of time to occassionally play on FB, Twitter and catch up on my Google Reader. I have to remember to clear my history every day though. It NONE YA BEES WAX what I do with my time.
I have an assistant. DA HELL I'm supposed to do with an assistant. Today I had her take a tape measure and draw me a diagram of the office because we need to install 4 new cubicles (which I was asked to plan and design). That damn diagram was like an architechs rendering.
Now what to give her to do?
It is SOOOOOO friggin quiet in this offfice that I had to bring in a set of speakers so I could listen to the radio off my iPhone. Let's make some noise up in here.
I don't get paid enough, but the money will come when you are doing something you love...and I'm having the best time EVER in 20 years in the sales game.
