Wow! I guess time got away from me it has been a month since I last posted with you. I bet some of you are wondering what happened? Here goes, I have departed from my job as salesman with Frito Lay. I took a couple of weeks searching for some other challenge for my sales career. I contacted the manager of a company that had been a competitor. Snyder Lance Snacks I was received with open arms. For this I am grateful.
Now I want to talk about 'Networking'. When I was servicing my accounts when I was on the route or when I was a sales manager I always treated my competitors with respect. You know the old adage [Keep you friends close and keep your enemies closer]. I believe that the same works in the sales world. Along the way I would introduce myself to all competitors and fellow vendors. In the market we are like a family. Yes we all try to get along and yes there are times when we are all fighting for the same space. It can be love, hate, but the fact remains that we all are still in a family of sales reps for our companies.
The companies don't always seem to share these beliefs. They would rather you show no mercy. Take no prisoners and get everything that you can. In the last company I was with they had special ball caps made for the salespeople with the letters KTC on them. Kill The Competition. Now that not to say that I don't get motivated because I do. I always try to get as much as I can from a customer. Still I am not out to kill my fellow vendors. I believe that competition breeds business.
So in networking you should know as many of the people around you and show then respect as you would want them to show you. Collect business cards and phone numbers and e mails. Make contact from time to time. Keep your family close.
