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I've recently been promoted to a sales manager status, but it's not a normal position and there are DEFINITELY problems with recruiting and retention throughout the organization for our sales force. If anyone has any ideas that can help out with the situation, it would be appreciated.

To give a little background, we're an organization that everyone has heard of, but we have an interesting problem in retaining our sales staff - namely 100% commission AND everyone is a 1099. Very few people succeed (probably 1-2%) in this business as it is, and attracting individuals who can go more than a couple of weeks without a paycheck while getting started is not a match made in heaven.

Similarly, I have no "team" to speak of until I recruit them. Of course, I also have no sales quota until someone is on board as a member of my "sales force." If I follow the advice that's been given to everyone, I'll start by combing the internet for people looking for jobs and see "what I can throw against the wall to see if it sticks." Not a good strategy to me.

Can anyone offer some ideas for helping in attracting self-motivated, intelligent, dependable people who wouldn't be scared to work on a commission-only basis?

Sorry about the rambling ...

esanthony's picture

Sounds a little rough stuy. However, on the bright side, REAL salespeople in my experience only want to work on commission. By telling them up front that the position is commission-only you will weed out a lot of people who are not professional sales people.

Good luck.

Eric

stuy119's picture

[quote="esanthony"]Sounds a little rough stuy. However, on the bright side, REAL salespeople in my experience only want to work on commission. By telling them up front that the position is commission-only you will weed out a lot of people who are not professional sales people.

Good luck.

Eric[/quote]

Eric-

I agree, and it's why I chose the profession/position in the first place. It's the ability to "own your business" and have the backing of a large ad base behind you - essentially for free.

Thanks for the encouragement. Has anyone else been in this situation or have any other advice?