Hunting And Farming

ARE YOU A HUNTER OR A FARMER?

Before you answer that, allow me to explain my question by giving my own definition to the terms. Keep in mind, these are not associated with Noah Webster or any other credible source, just me.

hunt·er  

noun

In reference to the sales profession:

1.     A sales professional who is always in the act of seeking out the closing of his or her next deal.

2.    A sales professional who thrives on and receives satisfaction primarily from "the kill" (closing the deal), given that they are offering goods or services that genuinely help the customer.

3.    A sales professional who wants their success to ride on their shoulders because they are confident that their income will be significantly higher than it would be if it did not.

4.    A sales professional who understands that they will constantly be met with rejection and are not paralyzed by this reality. This reality is a product of the fact that by nature, hunters seek out potential customers who may or may not realize they have a need for the product or service the hunter offers.

farm·er

noun

In reference to the sales profession:

1.    A sales professional who spends the majority of his or her time nurturing existing relationships.

2.    A sales professional who thrives on and receives satisfaction primarily from the social interaction and familiarity that arises from a route sales environment, given that they are offering

goods or services that genuinely help the customer.

3.    A sales professional who may enjoy recognition for excellence, but wants their success to be determined heavily upon satisfactory performance and meeting or slightly exceeding minimum requirements. They realize they will likely make less monetarily than the hunter, but are happy to exchange unlimited income for the sense of security.

4.    A sales professional who understands that there is a possibility of rejection, but readily accepts this possibility because it is infrequent and usually polite. This is a product of the fact that by nature, farmers deal primarily with an existing customer base and established relationships. Again, this is the nature of the route sales environment.

Now, please keep in mind that I am in no way suggesting that these are the only two choices, that they are mutually exclusive, that there are no hybrids, or that one is better than the other. These are just the observations of a recruiter in the sales industry.

That being said, pause. Consider for a moment who you are... Ok, the moment is over. While both the hunter and the farmer have their place, I am looking for hunters. I work for a company that promotes hunting and offers hunters everything they are looking for in a career. I work for a company that rewards hunters with the unlimited possibility that comes with upfront bonuses, lifetime residuals, and portfolio equity that follows you wherever you go. I work for Heartland Payment Systems, and if this describes you, give me call.