Social Experiment

       A few years back, I realized the shot clock had started on my career as a sales rep for the Toro distributor I was employed by. Coworkers, who I was close to, didn't believe me that it was time to find a new job before I was let go, but in then end my observations were based on a great piece of advice I received from my older brother. He said "watch what they do, not what they say". I started to prepare myself to move on to another position. After reading as much about changing jobs as I could, and even meeting with a social media expert to make myself a more viable candidate for a possible position by putting together a social media plan. With all that in place, it was time to get to work.
       The first thing was LinkedIn. With each person I had a meeting with, or  just trolling LinkedIn as I watched TV for people I might know, I worked on building my connections up over 500 as quickly as possible. Then came working on growing my Twitter following. That still has not gone as I thought, but I have gotten some positive feedback regarding the information I put out. Finally, throw in this Blog and you have my social media campaign in place. Facebook is not my thing and don't plan on adding that.
       Ok, so now I am slightly on the social media map. I have had multiple interviews and was even told during one interview by a  human resources person  to emphasize what social media I use in the next round. It did not do too much to help,but there are many variables involved in being offered a position and having enough Twitter followers hopefully is not a deal breaker.In the end, the right opportunity came from having a strong professional relationship with a competitor.

       Do I think having a personal social media plan in place is important, absolutely. I am glad I have invested the time and effort and even learned a lot as I worked through the process. Did it have anything to do with me finding a new job....not so much.

WJC

WHY?

       I must say this past week was pretty eventful with the reaction of past co-workers, other industry friends and customers, as the news slowly made it's way out of my leaving my old employer to join Lawn & Golf Supply Company. Obviously, there were some of my close friends, who were aware of my frustrations with some things I was dealing with, but hopefully, for the most part, I think I had kept it professional in how I did my job. When all the orders are delivered in the next two months, I will still end with one of my best sales years yet.
       I was really touched by some of the comments I received. It was nice to have multiple customers call me to make sure I was OK. Even today, I got a very complimentary text, from someone I have the ultimate respect for at another Toro Distributor, that made me appreciate the friends I have made in my career. The one theme that came from most who knew me was that no one ever saw me leaving my position.
       Do I feel some guilt... sure, but only in regards to taking care the people I call on. I have always sold to customers with the understanding that I would be there to resolve any issues. While it was never me with a wrench fixing something (we all know we don't want that), it was about being able to steer the process through parts or service that made things just go easier.
       When someone asks "Why?" My honest answer is that it was time for a change. I am excited about the direction of Lawn & Golf that was discussed with me during conversations about this possible move. In the end, it comes down to what is best for my family and myself and this was it.


WJC

Jedi Knight No More

       In early 2008, I was lucky enough to win the Toro Master Salesman award. This award is given each year, in the commercial division, to one winner. Your wife is flown into town to surprise you when they announce the winner. To me it is the biggest accomplishment of my professional career! Over the years, I watched men win, who were well respected by everyone, earn the coveted Master Salesman Ring. It is a big deal to get the gold ruby ring and gold business cards that come with the award. It is something you can only win once. Some customers and other Reps have referred to winning the master salesman award as being a Jedi Knight.
       So this Friday was the last time I will wear my ring. Friday I resigned from my position as the sales representative here in Philadelphia . While there were many variables involved, in the end I took advantage of an opportunity to work for  the Jacobsen Distributor, that has been in the business since 1937. What is even more interesting is the gentleman, who started  Lawn & Golf Supply Company, began by working for Philadelphia Toro, owned by T. L. Gustin. He was the grandfather of the Frank Shuman, who I worked for until Philadelphia Turf (was changed from Toro to Turf )was sold in 2007. Small world!
       Over the years, I have had the chance to work with some incredible people in the business. Any success that I achieved were always because of the people who worked in parts, service & inside sales . I can never say thank you enough. While I thought that I would make a run at Barney McFadden's 42 year career, it just wasn't in the cards, but just under 23 years isn't bad....
   
 Now it is on to the next chapter in my career!


WJC