SECURITY SYSTEMS - JR, Provo UT

My summer sales experience was definitely a learning one. I probably picked one of the more difficult times in life to jump into security system sales, in that my wife was 8 months pregnant and I left a very stable full-time job in the hopes of making enough to put me through my last year of school without having to work. Everything happened for a reason, but if you put me in that same situation again knowing what I know now, I wouldn't do it again the same way.

I was a fairly successful first-year salesman, especially considering the office environment I was in. Our office started out with just over 20 reps, and within 1.5 months there were only 5 of us left. It wasn't the company's fault, nor was it the product/service's fault that things went to pot. As is often the case in summer sales companies, a decent 3rd year rep was made the new office manager, and he really didn't have the leadership skills to show us the ropes. His product knowledge was dated and he was easily distracted.

Anyway, my advice to anyone looking at doing summer sales for the first time is 1) join a reputable company, 2) don't just trust that because your friends have been successful that you automatically will, 3) find out as much about your office manager as possible and their success history, and 4) be prepared to work harder than you've ever worked in your life. Sales is not easy, and it's even more difficult to be 100% truthful and legit in everything you say and do. The pressure of making a sale and doing the right thing often conflict.

Also remember that, no matter what company you work for or what you're selling, people are buying YOU as much or more than the product/service. If you're genuine, honest, and kind you'll realize a lot more success than if you would otherwise. Be yourself, but be your best self. You'll feel a lot better about your efforts in the long run if you do.