Golf Pro-shop Salesman
Description:
I was originally hired strictly to direct customers to certain items, direct customers to a salesman, run the register, and maintain the cleanliness of the pro-shop. By proving myself in these capacities I was eventually allowed to sell golf clubs myself.
How I got the idea / found the employment:
I had been looking for a job in the golfing realm for months. I happened to walk into a pro-shop where my friend was employed the day another teenager was fired. I had a resume on hand and left it with my friend to give to his boss; soon I was hired. I was prepared to be lucky.
Challenges I faced, and how I overcame them:
I was not originally hired to sell golf clubs. I knew that the salesman received financial incentives to sell certain clubs and I wanted a share. I spent the slow hours in the pro-shop reading every magazine I could about golf clubs. I talked to my friends on the golf team about golf clubs. I spoke to strangers I met on the golf course about golf clubs. Some of these individuals came into the shop, and I made sure to introduce them as clients to my boss for him to sell them golf equipment.
One day my salesman co-worker was hung-over and spent the entire work period vomiting in the back. I had the shop to myself and suddenly became the salesman. Once again, I was prepared to be lucky. I sold a large amount of equipment and managed the shop without difficulty. My boss later heard what happened, slowly weaned me onto the sales staff, and allowed me to take part in associated financial incentives. Within a few months I was making about $3 more an hour than any of my friends and I was doing something I loved.
What I learned:
- Be patient in finding employment that you know you will enjoy; it is better to have an experience than a job.
- Be prepared to be lucky; have a resume on hand and dress appropriately in case an opportunity presents itself.
- Work as hard as possible in whatever capacity you have, but make goals that will allow you to progress from that capacity.
- Maintain a professional composure even though you are a teenager.
Sales Representative for APX Alarm
Description:
As a sales rep, it was my job to drive (or be driven) to my assigned area (usually a few city blocks) and knock on doors. I was to give a sales pitch and communicate our product to every person I came in contact with. It was my job to assess the person’s needs in the home and let them know how our company could fulfill and surpass these needs with efficient home alarm technology and service provided by APX Alarm.
How I got the idea / found the employment:
I was given the opportunity to be employed by APX through my sister and her fiancé, as she was already a sale representative and he was the Operations Manager of the Rochester, NY branch. I was originally offered a job as a technician, but switched to Sales once I reached Rochester. APX was kind enough to offer money for my traveling expenses.
Challenges I faced, and how I overcame them:
My biggest challenge while I worked for APX was simple: finding motivation to keep moving. We worked 10 hour days, 6 days per week, usually in 100 degree weather. It was easy to be discouraged, but I constantly reminded myself to keep moving; I kept reminding myself that it wasn’t supposed to be easy. The most rewarding experiences we have are usually extremely difficult. That way, when I came home on days with no sales, I could at least be proud knowing I had worked as hard as I could and I wasn’t cheating myself out of anything.
What I learned:
Working for APX gave me some realistic “real-world” experience, as it was my first experience living away from home. I felt the stresses of wondering if I would have money to eat and pay for gas for the first time. Working for APX also taught me how to work hard; as it was extremely tempting and easy to slack off, as I was alone on the job. I learned a lot of personal responsibility; no one was there to push me or make me walk those streets. I had to motivate myself, and I had to reap what I had sown—whether it was good or bad.