Consult Carson 8/12: “Rumor has it, I’m cheating on my sales. How do I prove otherwise?”
From today’s mailbag: “I’m doing very well at my job. Rumor has it, I’m cheating to achieve my sales. These rumors drive me nuts! How do I prove that I’m not? Thank you!”
Carson: Lots of people in history have been falsely accused of worse, but this never seems to quell the pain we feel when our hard-earned recognition and results come into question.
1) Do the claims have any basis in reality? If not, first off, be very proud of your accomplishments. Whether your fan club is limited to one (you) or the masses, the most important things are to stick to your principles and processes. Don’t change your approach and don’t be ashamed of any facet of what you’re doing.
2) Talk to your boss. Don’t feel the need to respond or reach out to the haters. Trust me when I tell you that they will always be there. No matter what you do, if you’re good at it, you’ll attract the negative attention from people who are jealous and would love to see you not set the example of what they could do if they didn’t make excuses. Make sure the people who matter know that there is no validity to these statements, that you do care about public perception and that you are affected. Your boss is paid to serve and protect you; they should be able to ensure these vicious attacks never hurt you in any attempts at getting ahead.
3) Offer to let others be along for the ride. You have nothing to hide, so let anyone who doubts you come along for your sales calls, listen in and observe. The best way to show anyone anything is to do just that: show there is literally no reason to doubt your abilities and results. Just as negative rumors can spread, so can positive ones and you can fight falsehoods with fantastic displays of your process.
4) Move forward! So many detractors will try to debilitate you on your journey – in your life and career. As you no doubt have realized, you cannot let any of them deter you from doing what you know is right, what is best and what is your responsibility. You’re paid to execute on your job exceptionally. You’re doing it. Others want to convince themselves or others why you are achieving results that they either don’t have the talent or are making excuses why they won’t put forth the effort to achieve. That’s their problem. They are trying to drag you down. Don’t let them have the satisfaction. This too will pass. Let the people that matter sing your praises. Let anyone who doubts see the truth. And remember that you cannot control the thoughts and actions of others: you can only control how you react and respond. Respond with class.
And kudos to you for your job performance – I hope many people tell you that!
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Carson V. Heady posts for “Consult Carson” serving as the “Dear Abby” of sales and sales leadership. You may post any question that puzzles you regarding sales and sales leadership careers: interviewing, the sales process, advancing and achieving. You will also be directly contributing to his third book, “A Salesman Forever.”
Question submissions can be made via LinkedIn to Carson V. Heady, this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carson-V-Heady/125078150858064?ref=hl , Twitter via @cvheady007 or e-mail atcvheady007@yahoo.com or you may post an anonymous comment as a reply to my WordPress blog at the bottom of this page:https://carsonvheady.wordpress.com/the-home-of-birth-of-a-salesman-2010-published-by-world-audience-inc-and-the-salesman-against-the-world-2014/
Carson V. Heady has written a book entitled “Birth of a Salesman” that has a unique spin that shows you proven sales principles designed to birth in you the top producer you were born to be.
If you would like to strengthen your sales skills, go to http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ICRVMI2/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_yGXKtb0G
