Hi Kally,

How have you been? I love all your stories and especially the ones that you gave advices to. I find that many of your posts relates to me so a huge thank you.

I have a workplace related problem. I have just switched to a new department. I have requested for the transfer from customer service to sales for a year before my request was granted. The switch is mainly because I felt that I have learned all I had to in customer service and wanted to challenge myself in sales. I don’t think it is very much different from what I am dealing with on a daily basis, I’m still talking to customers to solve their problems, only that in sales, I’ll be earning commission from it. The extra income is pretty lucrative and I must say, I can do with some extra pocket money in my life.

The problem is that I didn’t expect that I will dislike doing sales. I’ve been in my sales role for about a month and I really don’t like any moment of it. First of all, I didn’t receive any proper training. My supervisor thinks since I’m internal transfer, I would have known all the products by heart. He’s not totally wrong but I do not know how to sell, only to solve problems.

Next, my co-workers don’t really like me. We don’t mix well together. I’m shy but they are brash and outspoken, typically during meetings. Very often they shot down my ideas when I proposed in the meetings. So much so, I kept quiet throughout my last meeting because I don’t think I’m contributing at all.

Lastly, I am so stressed by my sales target. Week after week, my supervisor kept pushing me to sell more, do more. I’m starting to lose sleep over my figures. I even flinched yesterday when he called my name, only have him asking me if I was alright.

I think I made the wrong move this time. I don’t know how I am going stay in this job for long. I should’ve just stay where I am in customer service and not move at all. I really love my company and the benefits they provide to us. I know my supervisor isn’t a bad boss but he has a lot on his mind right now. I’m not sure if I want to bother him. My problem seems to be tiny compared to others.

I am at loss what steps I can take to make my situation better. Maybe you and your readers can throw in some light and guidance? Please help.

Truly Yours,
Jacqueline Q

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Dear Jacqueline,

Thank you for reaching out to me. It’s seems that you have dug yourself a hole but all is not lost. We can savage your situation step by step.

Firstly, don’t think that you have made the wrong decision. Any steps taken out of your comfort zone is a brave one indeed. It takes a lot of courage to want to improve yourself and challenge the norm. You have only been in the new role for a month. Taking up a new role always has steep learning curve. With that, it always comes with tough changes and adjustments on your end. I’d say give yourself at least 3 months in a new role before throwing the towel.

If you still think that you’re not suited for the role, I think it’s time to have a talk with your supervisor to transfer you somewhere else. Maybe an operational role where you are more comfortable behind the scene. Nobody wants their staff to be unhappy doing a job they hate.

You should have an honest chat about your lack of sales knowledge with your supervisor too. The current team may have all come with some kind of sales background so they only need to brush up on their product knowledge while you need the opposite. Your supervisor may not be aware that he needs to fulfill that need of yours and cater appropriate training towards that need. Unless he give you a test, my guess is that he do not know how in-depth is your sales skill. It’s time to be proactive and ask for help in this area.

Likewise, there are plenty of online sales courses that you can take part during your free time as well as books available for further reading. I particularly enjoy the sales books from Dale Carnegie. When you’re equip with the right skills, you might find yourself enjoying your sales role more.

As for your co-workers, perhaps they have been at lost how to communicate with you since you are the senior in the company yet new at this role. They may find themselves wary of you particularly since you are not from the same background. That can be easily fixed by making the first step to break the ice in an informal environment. Sales people tend to be more vocal in their expressions and that may give off an aggressive vibe but it’s not on purposes, just a side effect from the job.

Follow these steps and see if your situation improve. Give yourself, the new role and your fellow colleagues a chance. Who knows, you may find yourself in a job you have passion for!

Best of luck!

Yours,
Kally@MiddleMe.net

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