Y2K is Behind Us; And So is a Decade of Selling

Ten years ago, we were worrying if Y2K would shut down everybody's business, utilities, gasoline and energy, the financial system...

In 1999, I was the general manager of a business. Y2K was on the top of nearly everybody's thoughts at the time. I stayed up late on New Year's eve of that year, wondering if all hell would break loose at midnight thanks to Y2K. Perhaps you joined me on that journey.

Well, all hell didn't break loose, unless you consider the financial industry's near demise about a year ago which had nothing to do with Y2K. You and I are still here to do what we do: sell products and services.

So rather than looking back on the last year in sales, let's look back at the last TEN years. But first:

Congratulations on your selling career!

Sales is one of the most interesting, lucrative, honorable and important professions one can choose. I tip my hat to you for your contributions.

Three Questions to Evaluate Your Last Decade in Sales

1. Today, are you where you expected to be?

As the last ten years have passed, did you plan for where you are today, or did it just happen? Would better planning have helped you? Or did an act of God get you where you are today? Did you make the money you wanted to make? Did you get the promotion you wanted?

2. What could you or should have done differently in the last ten years?

Did you go to that sales training seminar you said you were going to go to? Could you have learned new interaction techniques that would have helped you engage all the shoppers or prospects you encountered in the last ten years? Should you have read more, learned more from others, found a sales mentor?

3. What will you do differently in the next decade?

Where are you going? Where do you want to be? How will you get there?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on any or all of these three questions. Please comment!

If you like this post (or don't) please leave a comment. Skip Anderson is the Founder and President of Selling to Consumers Sales Training. He works with companies and individuals who sell to consumers in B2C, retail, in-home selling, and the financial, real estate, and insurance markets.

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