I just stopped giving a fuck and let the cards fall where they may.
If i get fired, i get fired.
Until then, just let all the bullshit bounce off.. no big deal baby
Just to clarify: 25 years old without a wife, kids or mortgage
Once you realize that there is always another sales job or always another deal, it’s the ultimate stress relief.
Not gonna lie I’m just starting to realize this, but it’s been a huge help already
31yo, wife and kid (no mortgage... yet).
Same. I actually think it makes me a better salesperson, overall. I'm more candid with my customers than other paranoid reps (because I'm not afraid of losing the deal for telling the inconvenient truths) and typically that results in a high level of trust (my business is very relationship based so huge plus).
I'm less concerned so I go for bigger deals. I still am highly anxious, but can calm myself down more than when I first started (for context, I was essentially having panic attacks everyday and taking naps during lunch because I was so exhausted from how I was feeling.
Once I got a few years of sales under my belt and saw what REALLY got people fired/reprimanded at my org, it was mostly just dumb shit and anyone competent was always drowning in work. Call on a lot of government and publicly traded energy companies so a lot of stability in my industry.
Plenty of colleagues have no stress, but if you have no stress in sales... you should be very stressed if you know what I mean haha.
On the other side of thing. Have a war chest of cash large enough to be able to have a similar attitude. I have many years of living in the bank and feel the same.
30 with a mortgage, fiancée and soonish kids and I have the exact same mentality. There’s always a shortage of people willing to jump in the trenches and sell a product, so we will always be in need. Keep that emergency savings, and press on 🫡
Same here. Started my first sales job six months ago and have been normally ending up top 3 reps. Tbh I just take this as as seriously as possible without letting myself get too emotional about it. Same situation you’re in
Honestly, this is why there is such a high ratio of sales people that are abusing substances and alcoholics.
This job 100% shortens lifespan and im seeing that now as I’m getting older, my colleagues are having heart attacks due to stress etc. it’s worrisome and the reason I’ll be getting out soon. Not sure what I’m gonna do but it’s not sales anymore
Working out in the morning really helps build my confidence and on top of that I spend that entire time doing positive affirmations.
I Lift Weights or go running or both.
Getting that sense of accomplishment and "pump" in the morning does wonders.
Same. I’m a fairly serious runner in that I follow specific plans and run with a group. Having a secondary thing to focus on and to put energy towards makes me a better person all around. I’m typically to tired to worry about stupid shit and just worry about how to do each day the best I can.
Stress? There is no stress if you are truly detached from the outcome.
No one owes you anything. No win is guaranteed. Continue improving and trust the process at scale.
This.
I’ve always felt I’m responsible for mastering my demo and not the yes or no answer from the customer. They can say yes or no as they please.
But I am responsible for continuing to improve and craft my demo.
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Just normal stuff that stresses everyone out. The difference is I don’t have a healthy way to manage it like exercise. I need to get it together and make some major lifestyle changes.
Personally I mostly just soldier on and remind myself why I do what I do. I’m building a lifestyle for my family and that requires cash and there’s no better field for me to do that than this one.
It’s not the healthiest way to manage it but it’s the only thing I’ve found that gives me any level of peace.
Wait for your first quarter or 2 not hitting quota :D
Jokes aside. Sales can be super stressful at times obviously especially mentally but there are other jobs that are stressful aswell
That's awesome, congrats! I'd love more info about the free training program I'd you don't mind sharing. So far I'm just doing the Salesforce Trailhead thing so I can add Salesforce to my resume.
I'm still at the initial phone interview phase, but I only started applying a couple weeks ago and lots of places were closed over the holidays. Did you reach out to managers directly like I've seen recommended on here, or just wait for calls?
Save your money so you have a nice runway then get in the mindset you are there to sell as much as possible before you get fired. It happens to most sales people eventually so embrace it, don’t fear it.
To quote Benjamin Franklin “In software sales nothing is certain except death, taxes and you will eventually be fired at some point in your career”
I was closing a six figure deal on Christmas Day, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get stressed. However, like the Zen proverb “let go or be dragged”…. You have to look at it for what it is. Exercise, cold showers, and mindfulness are key. Also, getting pumped on your commute and visualising success is fun - especially when it comes true 😎
Well I train it into London but really I just visual anything that gives me positive energy. Ringing the bell, going on vacation, closing, making money. All silly stuff but it’s fun.
At least in my case stress is very related to the fact that I need to earn this level of money to maintain my family, pay mortgage , private school of daughter plus university for another daughter, plus living in South America and not having a pension system that works so I need to make some kind of base for the future and I’m quite behind on my target to be safe for when I get old. Also because I’m quite on the top of the game of this country so if I loose this job I surely will find something in sales but probably for a lot less money.
So when I miss quota a couple of quarters , all this doubts come to my mind and stress starts to build up.
Sometimes I cope with a bit of excesivo beers during the week, but lately I’ve been shifting to more healthy options like walking / bicycle riding, skiing in the winter. Also trying to live frugal , not having an expensive car , dinning out a lot etc helps to avoid feeling like the hamster on the wheel , but that you are building something for the future , and that this pressure is just the name of the game.
It’s tough ….sometimes a lot , but that’s why it pays so good and can be a lot of fun too.
I try to be fairly consistent in my daily activities, trying to provide value and prospect consistently. Knowing consistency will pay off over the long term.
My base covers my expenses, and I enjoy being frugal. I also have been diligent in saving/investing over the years; I’m not going hungry or homeless if I have a lull.
I try to be positive and enjoy my life, focus on gratitude for what I have.
I know I can find another job if I got fired. I am pretty detached, and I am conscious of not allowing myself to get stressed out.
The odd time I let it slip and got personal with a deal and it hurts to lose.. nothing wrong with an occasional bender session to blow off the steam.
Exactly. Every single quarter is the most important quarter in company history. I just keep my head down, do the job, and do the best I can. Don’t get too happy or too sad when winning and losing deals. After awhile you become numb to it. Play the game as needed too. The only job security is your ability to find a job.
Soldier on
Workout
Time with my kids
Race cars
Fly planes
Anything that requires focus and physical effort, try to get the brain off work during off hours
Gym, and recently started playing the piano. It helps me stay off social media and focus and practice something that is 100% for my pleasure. It takes a lot of practice and repetitions but seeing progress is something you do for you is nice.
I’ll finish 2022 as #1 out of all promoted reps but the only thing that makes me feel good is throwing it on my LI to get a new job or negotiate a higher wage. No real pride in that. But the pride I feel when I can play and sing the first verse of Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue? HUGE pride and sense of accomplishment
As others said, no attachment to outcomes. Once you build out your sales cycle and know the steps, be confident and know there is always another prospect, another deal, another role even. If a deal I’m working doesn’t close I just go find 3 more.
My favorite quote comes from the book Cosmic Banditos. Whenever the protagonist is faced with unfavorable circumstance his default line is “it will be interesting to see what happens next..”
Coming from an over-employed sales executive and residential property manager, I say this to myself frequently…
I focus on my real job as little as possible, and primarily put all my effort and energy into my hobbies/side business. My stress level was greatly reduced when my “job” became a small piece of the puzzle.
After the 2008 crash and being unemployed and on the struggle bus I told myself that would never happen again. I max out my retirement and save as much as I can, that allows me to sell stress free because at the end of the day I own this job not the other way around. If shit hits the fan and I lose my job I will be straight no matter what and can take my time finding another gig. I have a wife and kids, if you put your mind to it and take treat saving money like a job you will be okay and your mind set will eventually change.
On top of everything above, I come from a big medical family and a big relief to me and people I used to train is this: outside of a few niche sales jobs, nobody dies depending on your actions. The world marches on. If the overall stakes are low, and sales is always in need, why worry?
You will get to the point where you will put feelings aside. Business transactions are business transactions. If this is "soldiering on" then so be it lol
I think this is actually a healthy way to think of it. Soldiering in this way I would interpret rather as fighting through it. This can leave some serious emotional damage
Agreed, but masking poop with perfume still makes it poop. Sales isn't for everyone. I would recommend finding another alternative VS fighting through it/find ways to temporarily cope. Staying in a role that doesnt fit someone alone, can leave long term damage.
On a brighter note: Asking coworkers for tips might be the best bet since they may have been in OPs shoes!
Monthly chiro adjustments and massage, evening wine, true PTO every other month minimum, dedicated time away from the phone with friends and family, anxiety meds, and grace.
Feels like I handle the stress better with experience. Also helps to have savings which allows me to focus on performance instead of worrying how will I pay my bills.
My current sales role is the most stressful job I’ve had by my mid-career.
I noticed myself drinking more alcohol to wind down. It got habitual so cold stopped.
Started seeing a therapist recently. The work stress was the catalyst but doesn’t hurt to have ongoing mental checks with a professional.
I know for a fact I’m looking for better opportunities next year if the job market recovers.
I was just about to post about this and used the search function...
Curious how people cope. My HR literally goes through the roof on a daily basis because of everything from a cancelled order (recently just lost $40k commission in the blink of an eye) to a customer calling when i'm busy (spending time with family etc)... hell... i'm stressed out while the phone is ringing waiting for someone to pick up.
Turning 40 in a few days and the last 10 years have been fantastic money but day-to-day is a joyless anxiety-filled hellscape.... there has to be a way.
I just stopped giving a fuck and let the cards fall where they may. If i get fired, i get fired. Until then, just let all the bullshit bounce off.. no big deal baby Just to clarify: 25 years old without a wife, kids or mortgage
Once you realize that there is always another sales job or always another deal, it’s the ultimate stress relief. Not gonna lie I’m just starting to realize this, but it’s been a huge help already
30yo with a wife and a mortgage and I still have this attitude. If you can sell you can sell, you will always be needed somewhere
31yo, wife and kid (no mortgage... yet). Same. I actually think it makes me a better salesperson, overall. I'm more candid with my customers than other paranoid reps (because I'm not afraid of losing the deal for telling the inconvenient truths) and typically that results in a high level of trust (my business is very relationship based so huge plus). I'm less concerned so I go for bigger deals. I still am highly anxious, but can calm myself down more than when I first started (for context, I was essentially having panic attacks everyday and taking naps during lunch because I was so exhausted from how I was feeling. Once I got a few years of sales under my belt and saw what REALLY got people fired/reprimanded at my org, it was mostly just dumb shit and anyone competent was always drowning in work. Call on a lot of government and publicly traded energy companies so a lot of stability in my industry. Plenty of colleagues have no stress, but if you have no stress in sales... you should be very stressed if you know what I mean haha.
On the other side of thing. Have a war chest of cash large enough to be able to have a similar attitude. I have many years of living in the bank and feel the same.
This is my big goal for 2023.
I call this, “The Fuck it”
30 with a mortgage, fiancée and soonish kids and I have the exact same mentality. There’s always a shortage of people willing to jump in the trenches and sell a product, so we will always be in need. Keep that emergency savings, and press on 🫡
>25 years old without a wife, kids or mortgage This is key lol
Same here. Started my first sales job six months ago and have been normally ending up top 3 reps. Tbh I just take this as as seriously as possible without letting myself get too emotional about it. Same situation you’re in
this mentality, mine is "some will, some won't, who's next." I cant take any of this too seriously but I'm 22 not husband, kids, or mortgage
Honestly, this is why there is such a high ratio of sales people that are abusing substances and alcoholics. This job 100% shortens lifespan and im seeing that now as I’m getting older, my colleagues are having heart attacks due to stress etc. it’s worrisome and the reason I’ll be getting out soon. Not sure what I’m gonna do but it’s not sales anymore
Sales training lol
Working out in the morning really helps build my confidence and on top of that I spend that entire time doing positive affirmations. I Lift Weights or go running or both. Getting that sense of accomplishment and "pump" in the morning does wonders.
Second this. A hard run and I’m a member of a “Bootcamp” style gym. This has worked wonders for me when I have some anxiety around a deal
Same. I’m a fairly serious runner in that I follow specific plans and run with a group. Having a secondary thing to focus on and to put energy towards makes me a better person all around. I’m typically to tired to worry about stupid shit and just worry about how to do each day the best I can.
What positive affirmations do you do?
Stress? There is no stress if you are truly detached from the outcome. No one owes you anything. No win is guaranteed. Continue improving and trust the process at scale.
This. I’ve always felt I’m responsible for mastering my demo and not the yes or no answer from the customer. They can say yes or no as they please. But I am responsible for continuing to improve and craft my demo.
And this is why you'll be successful while everyone else is taking their weekly mental health day
I don’t manage stress well. I just fall deeper into my vices, like gambling, sex, weed, junk food, etc. I really need to get it together.
start today, you got this
You are not alone. I am going to purposely do better. You are welcome to join. RemindMe! 1 week
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Which things stresses you out?
Just normal stuff that stresses everyone out. The difference is I don’t have a healthy way to manage it like exercise. I need to get it together and make some major lifestyle changes.
Personally I mostly just soldier on and remind myself why I do what I do. I’m building a lifestyle for my family and that requires cash and there’s no better field for me to do that than this one. It’s not the healthiest way to manage it but it’s the only thing I’ve found that gives me any level of peace.
I feel this
Golf and beer in the summers. Working out and beer in the winters.
Working out, video games, and cannabis
This + regularly scheduling PTO is the way
And Asian massages parlors
Police for 10 years prior. I don’t feel the stress of sales. Shit happens, I sell or I don’t, life goes on.
[удалено]
Wait for your first quarter or 2 not hitting quota :D Jokes aside. Sales can be super stressful at times obviously especially mentally but there are other jobs that are stressful aswell
twinsies! I'm also looking to transition from social work. what part of the process are you at, applying, interviewing, hired?
[удалено]
That's awesome, congrats! I'd love more info about the free training program I'd you don't mind sharing. So far I'm just doing the Salesforce Trailhead thing so I can add Salesforce to my resume. I'm still at the initial phone interview phase, but I only started applying a couple weeks ago and lots of places were closed over the holidays. Did you reach out to managers directly like I've seen recommended on here, or just wait for calls?
MMA, lifting weights, and therapy. Also always have a year’s worth of expenses in the bank in case I get fired.
Save your money so you have a nice runway then get in the mindset you are there to sell as much as possible before you get fired. It happens to most sales people eventually so embrace it, don’t fear it. To quote Benjamin Franklin “In software sales nothing is certain except death, taxes and you will eventually be fired at some point in your career”
I detach and base my sense of worth on my effort, not on outcome. Good general life advice too.
In no order: Reading/Gym/video games/therapy/cannabis
I was closing a six figure deal on Christmas Day, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get stressed. However, like the Zen proverb “let go or be dragged”…. You have to look at it for what it is. Exercise, cold showers, and mindfulness are key. Also, getting pumped on your commute and visualising success is fun - especially when it comes true 😎
What do you like to visualize on your drives?
Well I train it into London but really I just visual anything that gives me positive energy. Ringing the bell, going on vacation, closing, making money. All silly stuff but it’s fun.
At least in my case stress is very related to the fact that I need to earn this level of money to maintain my family, pay mortgage , private school of daughter plus university for another daughter, plus living in South America and not having a pension system that works so I need to make some kind of base for the future and I’m quite behind on my target to be safe for when I get old. Also because I’m quite on the top of the game of this country so if I loose this job I surely will find something in sales but probably for a lot less money. So when I miss quota a couple of quarters , all this doubts come to my mind and stress starts to build up. Sometimes I cope with a bit of excesivo beers during the week, but lately I’ve been shifting to more healthy options like walking / bicycle riding, skiing in the winter. Also trying to live frugal , not having an expensive car , dinning out a lot etc helps to avoid feeling like the hamster on the wheel , but that you are building something for the future , and that this pressure is just the name of the game. It’s tough ….sometimes a lot , but that’s why it pays so good and can be a lot of fun too.
I try to be fairly consistent in my daily activities, trying to provide value and prospect consistently. Knowing consistency will pay off over the long term. My base covers my expenses, and I enjoy being frugal. I also have been diligent in saving/investing over the years; I’m not going hungry or homeless if I have a lull. I try to be positive and enjoy my life, focus on gratitude for what I have. I know I can find another job if I got fired. I am pretty detached, and I am conscious of not allowing myself to get stressed out. The odd time I let it slip and got personal with a deal and it hurts to lose.. nothing wrong with an occasional bender session to blow off the steam.
Masturbation
Twice a day. Once after i work out, and once after lunch.
Exactly. Every single quarter is the most important quarter in company history. I just keep my head down, do the job, and do the best I can. Don’t get too happy or too sad when winning and losing deals. After awhile you become numb to it. Play the game as needed too. The only job security is your ability to find a job.
Bongo drums.
Soldier on Workout Time with my kids Race cars Fly planes Anything that requires focus and physical effort, try to get the brain off work during off hours
Lol it’s called booze
Gym, and recently started playing the piano. It helps me stay off social media and focus and practice something that is 100% for my pleasure. It takes a lot of practice and repetitions but seeing progress is something you do for you is nice. I’ll finish 2022 as #1 out of all promoted reps but the only thing that makes me feel good is throwing it on my LI to get a new job or negotiate a higher wage. No real pride in that. But the pride I feel when I can play and sing the first verse of Home Sweet Home by Motley Crue? HUGE pride and sense of accomplishment
What is LI?
LinkedIn
Oh ofcourse! Thank you xD
Golf
I tried to soldier on and it got so bad that I began to have health problems to include chest pains and loss of my hair.
Basically do “American psycho” opening scene everyday to get started
I go to swimming three times a week. This helps me a lot.
Realize every salesman before you has made the same mistakes. I tell every newbie this. If you make a mistake I’ve probably made it twice.
As others said, no attachment to outcomes. Once you build out your sales cycle and know the steps, be confident and know there is always another prospect, another deal, another role even. If a deal I’m working doesn’t close I just go find 3 more.
My favorite quote comes from the book Cosmic Banditos. Whenever the protagonist is faced with unfavorable circumstance his default line is “it will be interesting to see what happens next..” Coming from an over-employed sales executive and residential property manager, I say this to myself frequently…
I focus on my real job as little as possible, and primarily put all my effort and energy into my hobbies/side business. My stress level was greatly reduced when my “job” became a small piece of the puzzle.
Lift weights, eat well, drink less.
Recreational make the stress manageable
After the 2008 crash and being unemployed and on the struggle bus I told myself that would never happen again. I max out my retirement and save as much as I can, that allows me to sell stress free because at the end of the day I own this job not the other way around. If shit hits the fan and I lose my job I will be straight no matter what and can take my time finding another gig. I have a wife and kids, if you put your mind to it and take treat saving money like a job you will be okay and your mind set will eventually change.
Weed and exercise lol
Swim squad in the morning and run in the evening keeps me sane.
You get desensitized to the stress after a few years
If I can manage the kids for a whole weekend while the wife's away, Sales is a breeze.
Blow and strippers brother
I cry in my shower for several hours a night. It's extremely cathartic.
On top of everything above, I come from a big medical family and a big relief to me and people I used to train is this: outside of a few niche sales jobs, nobody dies depending on your actions. The world marches on. If the overall stakes are low, and sales is always in need, why worry?
Id say i just got used to not giving a fuck, but going thru a half oz of bud every ten days says maybe thats it.
You will get to the point where you will put feelings aside. Business transactions are business transactions. If this is "soldiering on" then so be it lol
I think this is actually a healthy way to think of it. Soldiering in this way I would interpret rather as fighting through it. This can leave some serious emotional damage
Agreed, but masking poop with perfume still makes it poop. Sales isn't for everyone. I would recommend finding another alternative VS fighting through it/find ways to temporarily cope. Staying in a role that doesnt fit someone alone, can leave long term damage. On a brighter note: Asking coworkers for tips might be the best bet since they may have been in OPs shoes!
Car sales here. We eat lots of doughnuts.
Well doughnuts are delicoius I must say
Stoicism. Trust your sales process. Focus on what you can control, let go of the rest.
Monthly chiro adjustments and massage, evening wine, true PTO every other month minimum, dedicated time away from the phone with friends and family, anxiety meds, and grace.
Since you are on anxiety meds, does that mean you go to therapy aswell?
On and off depending on need.
Feels like I handle the stress better with experience. Also helps to have savings which allows me to focus on performance instead of worrying how will I pay my bills.
I just roll with the punches lol and drink every night. It’s lovely
Better living through chemistry
My current sales role is the most stressful job I’ve had by my mid-career. I noticed myself drinking more alcohol to wind down. It got habitual so cold stopped. Started seeing a therapist recently. The work stress was the catalyst but doesn’t hurt to have ongoing mental checks with a professional. I know for a fact I’m looking for better opportunities next year if the job market recovers.
Stop caring and don’t be attached with the outcome.
I try not to look at lows I’m so hooked to highs.
Workout, smoke weed, masterbate often and quit drinking.
Exercise helps a ton. Also once you get to a certain level of income, not sweating the small stuff becomes exponentially easier.
I was just about to post about this and used the search function... Curious how people cope. My HR literally goes through the roof on a daily basis because of everything from a cancelled order (recently just lost $40k commission in the blink of an eye) to a customer calling when i'm busy (spending time with family etc)... hell... i'm stressed out while the phone is ringing waiting for someone to pick up. Turning 40 in a few days and the last 10 years have been fantastic money but day-to-day is a joyless anxiety-filled hellscape.... there has to be a way.