Value of Sales Experts .

Most companies look at Sales Guys as mere suppliers rather then an infinite pool of information and many a times an invaluable rich experience behind them.

Each time, I visit a client, I always give some tip to the customer. Now it is upto him to make the best use of it or simply delete it . After having travalled to more then 50 countries and having visited 5000 factories in my life, perhaps, I had become much wiser and experienced then most people sitting opposite to me. Having seen and solved the most unimaginable complexities of either the machines or the management, I knew exactly within 10 minutes of talking to my client, what was missing and would subtly hint him.

But the irony remains that most companies do not value the Tips that are given to them on their business processes or on the technologies. Simple reason " Change Is Disruptive And Dangerous". However, in the long run the same companies then pay a very heavy cost of complacency.

Here is a small story , which gives a good example of how even a simple sales expert working in a clothing store knows his products and clients related issues.

Joe had suffered from really bad headaches for the last 20 years. He eventually decides to go and see a doctor.

The doctor said, 'Joe, the good news is I can cure your headaches. The bad news is that it will require castration.

You have a very rare condition, which causes your testicles to press on your spine and the pressure creates one hell of a headache. The only way to relieve the pressure is to remove the testicles.'

Joe was shocked and depressed. He wondered if he had anything to live for. He had no choice but to go under the knife. When he left the hospital, he was without a headache for the first time in 20 years, but he felt like he was missing an important part of himself. As he walked down the street, he realized that he felt like a different person. He could make a new beginning and live a new life.

He saw a men's clothing store and thought, 'That's what I need... A new suit.'

He entered the shop and told the salesman, 'I'd like a new suit.'

The elderly tailor eye d him briefly and said, 'Let's see... size 44 long.'

Joe laughed, 'That's right, how did you know?'

'Been in the business 60 years!' the tailor said.

Joe tried on the suit it fit perfectly.

As Joe admired himself in the mirror, the salesman asked, 'How about a new shirt?'

Joe thought for a moment and then said, 'Sure.'

The salesman eyed Joe and said, 'Let's see, 34 sleeves and 16-1/2 neck.'

Joe was surprised, 'That's right, how did you know?'

'Been in the business 60 years.'

Joe tried on the shirt and it fit perfectly.

Joe walked comfortably around the shop and the salesman asked, 'How about some new underwear?'

Joe thought for a moment and said, 'Sure..'

The salesman said, 'Let's see... size 36.

Joe laughed, 'Ah ha! I got you! I've worn a size 34 since I was 18 years old..'

The salesman shook his head, 'You can't wear a size 34. A size 34 would press your testicles up against the base of your spine and give you one hell of a headache.'

Joe castration problem was solved by a mundane clothing sales expert. Though the Doctor was still sharpening his knife to reach out his Testicular.

Same is the story of most companies, which get a advised from all their travelling salesman, but still have to get their testiculars removed as they trust the consultant, specialist or local opinion leader more then the Experienced Salesman.