Advice for a newbie

Anonymous

Guest
Been in sales for a while but fresh out of deltav. My fst kinda sucked and although I feel good about product knowledge, I'm still floundering out here in the field. I know it takes some time to get a handle on everything but what I'm surprisingly finding most difficult is being efficient. I'd like to hear from some veterans here. How do get in front of customers everyday. Do you just show upland wait at the scrub sink? Do you ask permission? Really would like to get some insight here. Last thing I want to do is look like a tool. Love the job so far!!!
 






You'll find that everyone works this job different! It is suprising that this is not shared more often because it's one of those small details that is actually very important.

Some of these guys that have been around 10+ years are probably working a lot SMARTER than we are. That is key and would be interesting to know how they work a territory
 












Op here. Still looking for some honest advice. I feel like I'm killing myself and that it surely can't be this hard. Old timers don't seem stresses at all.

Hey Buddy. Sales can be very tough and frustrating. I would suggest you reach out for a lifeline in your region. There has to be a senior guy/gal that you can speak to and also mentor you. That is what my people do.
 






Op here. Still looking for some honest advice. I feel like I'm killing myself and that it surely can't be this hard. Old timers don't seem stresses at all.

So why'd you take this job if you have NO IDEA what your doing? sounds to me that your under qualified. My advice is find out who the docs are that could/are using your stuff and get in front of them. pretty simple really.

what are you doing that is "killing yourself?"

sounds like your in over your head.
 






I guess I should have clarified. I've been is sales a while so I don't think I'm in over my head. First, I feel like i live, eat, and sleep the job. Trying to cover 15 hospitals spread out is impossible and it takes a toll. Waking up at 5 everyday and getting home at 6 is long hours. Not to mention after hours work. Now don't get me wrong, Im not afraid of hard work! I am not complaining! I do think I'm a perceptive person and it's just my observation that others don't seem as stressed or worn out. So I conclude that either they are working more "efficiently" or they are just used to it. I want to get to that point asap but just wondering how. I must be doing something wrong.

My second issue is working the competitive shop. Just curious how others approach this without drs getting sick of you. Do you just show up and how many times can you do this without getting kicked out. I know I'll get flamed for this. I don't care this is an anonymous board and I'd rather look stupid and ask than be too proud and be silent.
 






I guess I should have clarified. I've been is sales a while so I don't think I'm in over my head. First, I feel like i live, eat, and sleep the job. Trying to cover 15 hospitals spread out is impossible and it takes a toll. Waking up at 5 everyday and getting home at 6 is long hours. Not to mention after hours work. Now don't get me wrong, Im not afraid of hard work! I am not complaining! I do think I'm a perceptive person and it's just my observation that others don't seem as stressed or worn out. So I conclude that either they are working more "efficiently" or they are just used to it. I want to get to that point asap but just wondering how. I must be doing something wrong.

My second issue is working the competitive shop. Just curious how others approach this without drs getting sick of you. Do you just show up and how many times can you do this without getting kicked out. I know I'll get flamed for this. I don't care this is an anonymous board and I'd rather look stupid and ask than be too proud and be silent.

Nothing to add really. Just want this post to rise to the top in hopes someone will answer. Im curious what the tenured reps would say
 






I guess I should have clarified. I've been is sales a while so I don't think I'm in over my head. First, I feel like i live, eat, and sleep the job. Trying to cover 15 hospitals spread out is impossible and it takes a toll. Waking up at 5 everyday and getting home at 6 is long hours. Not to mention after hours work. Now don't get me wrong, Im not afraid of hard work! I am not complaining! I do think I'm a perceptive person and it's just my observation that others don't seem as stressed or worn out. So I conclude that either they are working more "efficiently" or they are just used to it. I want to get to that point asap but just wondering how. I must be doing something wrong.

My second issue is working the competitive shop. Just curious how others approach this without drs getting sick of you. Do you just show up and how many times can you do this without getting kicked out. I know I'll get flamed for this. I don't care this is an anonymous board and I'd rather look stupid and ask than be too proud and be silent.


Wow, this is what J&J/Ethicon is hiring? Covering 15 hospitals should be a cakewalk. Try covering 150. Just prioritize and get in good with the team leads.
 












I'm the original poster. I've been in sales for many years and have worked for different companies as well as industries. I still can't put my finger on it, but something is off with the culture here. Yeah, this is an anonymous board but all I've received is smart ass comments. It's like everyone is a blowhard and thinks they are a bad ass.

Ees is not perfect, but it's pretty damn strong in my opinion. Maybe I'm still too new to not be jaded. I just wish people were more helpful. Corny I know, but imagine the possibilities.
 












I'm the original poster. I've been in sales for many years and have worked for different companies as well as industries. I still can't put my finger on it, but something is off with the culture here. Yeah, this is an anonymous board but all I've received is smart ass comments. It's like everyone is a blowhard and thinks they are a bad ass.

Ees is not perfect, but it's pretty damn strong in my opinion. Maybe I'm still too new to not be jaded. I just wish people were more helpful. Corny I know, but imagine the possibilities.

Unfortunately you're going to receive a lot of troll comments from this forum and most of them aren't even from EES employees so take everything with a grain of salt.

Personally, my favorite one is the person who constantly calls Ethicon the "pharma of device" when the discussion is based around Ethicon Endo. The person doesn't even understand that there are two different Ethicon companies.

Some people think that just because they have a computer, internet, and the ability to type that they are experts on subjects on forums.
 






EES is not the pharma side of the business. EWHU is what everybody calls Ethicon pharma, it sounds like you should have started over there detailing Drs, and providing lunches for the offices. Get it straight, we are nothing like those guys
 






Unfortunately you're going to receive a lot of troll comments from this forum and most of them aren't even from EES employees so take everything with a grain of salt.

Personally, my favorite one is the person who constantly calls Ethicon the "pharma of device" when the discussion is based around Ethicon Endo. The person doesn't even understand that there are two different Ethicon companies.

Some people think that just because they have a computer, internet, and the ability to type that they are experts on subjects on forums.

So are you suggesting that Ethicon Products is the pharma of device and EES is sooo much different? Either way they are both great entry level jobs where you can get great training and use it as a stepping stone to something better. Good luck lady.
 






I'll be out of training soon with ees. How do you veterans plan your call schedule. Do u call hospital or office ahead of time or do you just show up to the hospital and wait for the dr. I'm already thinking down the road here. Thanks for any advice
 






I'll be out of training soon with ees. How do you veterans plan your call schedule. Do u call hospital or office ahead of time or do you just show up to the hospital and wait for the dr. I'm already thinking down the road here. Thanks for any advice

I hope you're in my territory.

Signed,
Your Competition.
 






I hope you're in my territory.

Signed,
Your Competition.

Wow. To the op your are right! not asking how to sell, just the logistics of working in the or. Do you show up unannounced or call dr beforehand. How many times can you show up and watch a lap chole or colon when they are already using your stuff? It's the pink elephant in the room that no one wants to answer. Simple question really. Listen, I'll figure it out real quick once I'm in the territory and I'll kick ass. Just wanted to come out of the gate fast and reduce the learning curve. But, i guess everyone is going to be a dick. Nevermind ass bags!!!!
 






I am a new person too and everyone in the company has a chip on their shoulder! They must put you down to boost their own ego. It's disgusting the culture these idiots bred into each other and try to force on you. I would say about 80% of the reps are assholes and try to manipulate/brainwash you into becoming a fellow asshole with no life except for work or try to make you feel like shit! No wondering this company is a revolving door for a lot of reps. You're right they are dicks!
 






I am a new person too and everyone in the company has a chip on their shoulder! They must put you down to boost their own ego. It's disgusting the culture these idiots bred into each other and try to force on you. I would say about 80% of the reps are assholes and try to manipulate/brainwash you into becoming a fellow asshole with no life except for work or try to make you feel like shit! No wondering this company is a revolving door for a lot of reps. You're right they are dicks!

C'mon, people train to brainwash you? Let's take it easy on the dramatics here.

Welcome to sales. Sales is all about competition and most people are about boosting their ego in sales. There will always be assholes and people trying to boost their egos but that is true for every work place. If you think that it is any different at another medical device company, then take a look at the message boards for other companies on CafePharma and you will see the exact same complaints as you do here.

Personally, I have found those type of people comical. You know the ones...they stand up and beat their chest at every regional and national meeting only to find out that those people haven't hit their numbers ever.
 






C'mon, people train to brainwash you? Let's take it easy on the dramatics here.

Welcome to sales. Sales is all about competition and most people are about boosting their ego in sales. There will always be assholes and people trying to boost their egos but that is true for every work place. If you think that it is any different at another medical device company, then take a look at the message boards for other companies on CafePharma and you will see the exact same complaints as you do here.

Personally, I have found those type of people comical. You know the ones...they stand up and beat their chest at every regional and national meeting only to find out that those people haven't hit their numbers ever.

And then there are the people who have not left their house since GW was in office and they blow it out every year. If you want advice newbie here it is. Having success at Ethicon (and I dont give a shit what business unit of ethicon) is all about having contracts and GPO's on lock down in your territory. If you dont then you are basically locked out of the facility. It is what it is. I dont want to hear from that lady who says this is not entry level device either or that if you can sell GPO's do not matter. They do.

We all know reps who have great areas that they had nothing to do with. Hell I have been there myself but that is sales. Newbies should ask the manager what the contract status is for the area and why the territory is open. You should also ask other reps who have access to numbers to tell you if the territory sucks a fat one. Most people do not leave a good territory so chances are if it is open it is knee deep in shit.