Where can we find strong Sales Executives?

Question

What is the best way to recruit top sales people? I have a small consulting firm with about 30 people and we are looking to grow our sales team with experienced sales executives that can grow our business. Our customer base is made up of Pharmaceutical and Financial firms in the Mid-Atlantic area.

We have tried the typical advertising venues like Monster, Dice, Carreer Builder, etc. with very limited success. We are also pushing our professional network but haven't really turned up anyone.

We are looking for a couple people that can break us in to new accounts.

Any thoughts?

Answer 1

1. Hire someone from a competitor or business similar to yours.

2. Identify your best current salesman, use the book, "Now Discover your Strengths" to find his work strengths, then hire people with similar profile.

3. I can tell you from 25 years of business experience that this is the most difficult hire to make successfully.

Good Luck,
Dana B.
www.thebarfieldgroup.com

Answer 2

I agree with pretending to work's statement. However, I would look to hire a Sales Manager first. Someone that is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in your industry but maybe looking to get out of the commission structure for a leadership position with a more stable income/hours. Let that person hire and oversee your sales team and offer him/her a good salary plus incentives based on the revenue the new sales team generates. To obtain an individual like this you might want to poach from your competitors in the industry or find a head-hunter. I'm sure there are a few sale executives out there that have been waiting too long in line for their turn to be a team leader and would jump at the opportunity for a new challenge.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I think you're going to have to go to a quality placement agency for "top sales people" who have all of the skills you need.

You may want to hire a team leader or otherwise called a sales manager who would have sales targets of their own.

This person would then be in charge of looking for other top producers, or even training some fresh university grads. New grads are usually quite hungry and eager to make a name for themselves, but lack the knowledge that they can garner from a seasoned professional sales person.

This approach takes a bit longer than hiring all top earners, but in the long run, you'll have a more loyal workforce.

Answer 4

You might try going directly to the types of accounts you're selling to. For example, I'm in pharmaceutical sales. There are many people in pharma who would love to have an opportunity like what you describe. Maybe they would be a good fit. If that's the case, then I'd go to http://medzilla.com to start. Also, I have a blog for pharma sales reps (http://pharmajobshelp.blogspot.com/) that might be helpful in reaching people. There are many links there that might be useful. I wish you luck with your search...And if you ever need someone in the Orlando area...

Answer 5

Place adverts in the local papers. Not just a little paragraph saying what you are looking for, but a nice long column.

Entice engineers to apply and weed out the ones with no charisma - some will make the career change for the right deal.

Answer 6

Talented sales people aren't hired - they're developed. You need to find someone who has the basic skills and knowledge needed in your industry, as well as a good attitude and a desire to succeed. Once you train this "Average" person and give them a chance they will be loyal to you and will work hard to show you they appreciate your belief in them and the opportunity you have given them. I think you will be amazed at what can happen.

If you recruit from another company, you will always know that you "stole" that employee, which means someone can "steal" them from you.

Remember, it is easier to give birth than to raise the dead.

Good luck.

Answer 7

Try yourself to be the top salesman.others follow the leader.

Answer 8

What do your sale ex make?