My version of 15 by 15

[Anonymous]

Many of you have requested I post some tips on how I do what I do. First of all remember, this job isn't really about what you do. It's all about what your manager THINKS you do. You want to live the 15x15 life? Then you first need to understand this simple rule.

Let me start with a couple tips that will help you begin to take the first step.

Check VM & email early and late. Leave some messages and respond to manager too. Remember, everything we do on the computer or phone is time stamped. Leaving or responding to messages before or after "normal work hours" shows them that you are "engaged" with your job and going the extra mile. Remember, you can leave a VM at 6:30 am just before you tee off. Your CTL doesn't know where you are, just that you are up and "engaged" with your job already at 6:30 am. Also, anytime you can respond back quickly to a request by your CTL, it looks good. It doesn't matter if you are working at that time or on the beach or the golf course.

Throw a bone to the S3 and engage them as well. Reason? Who is the first person in the district that the manager is going to go to if they suspect you aren't doing your job? It will be the S3. They are the "brown nosers" that were handpicked by the CTL and DCO. If the S3 believes you are doing your job and tells that to the CTL, you are fine.

These two things don't take much time at all and will help you build credibility and trust with your manager. If you have that, then you have taken the biggest step towards living the 15x15 life style and all the benefits that come with it.

Remember, it's all about creating the illusion of being that hard working rep. You must begin with this first before you can reap the rewards later. Then later you can actually be out of your territory and on vacation for a week without even using a vacation day! I should know, I've done this more than a couple times, totally out of state! Now that's rewarding! Much better than any NMIP points that I've ever received for sure!

You also need to fully understand that Merck does not give a damn about you. To them, you are just a number on a spreadsheet attached to a dollar amount. You are just the cost of them doing business, nothing more, nothing less. They can, they have, and they will continue to save money by reducing head count. Their tactics are vile, deceitful and dishonest on their part and will continue in an effort to save Mother big $$$ by getting targeted reps to leave on their own accord. If you aren't "all in" on this belief, you may get eaten up by the guilt of doing what I do. You really must be "FU Merck" mode 24/7/365. Are you up for this?

If these are helpful and you want more tips, let me know. I will post what I can. Remember, I'm not going to post anything that will give away my cover or lead Merck to change the way they monitor us. I have some great tactics that I have refined and employ that give me tons of freedom and saves me money.

Take care!

Signed,

The 15x15 Guy

Great advice!

 

[Anonymous]

Many of you have requested I post some tips on how I do what I do. First of all remember, this job isn't really about what you do. It's all about what your manager THINKS you do. You want to live the 15x15 life? Then you first need to understand this simple rule.

Let me start with a couple tips that will help you begin to take the first step.

Check VM & email early and late. Leave some messages and respond to manager too. Remember, everything we do on the computer or phone is time stamped. Leaving or responding to messages before or after "normal work hours" shows them that you are "engaged" with your job and going the extra mile. Remember, you can leave a VM at 6:30 am just before you tee off. Your CTL doesn't know where you are, just that you are up and "engaged" with your job already at 6:30 am. Also, anytime you can respond back quickly to a request by your CTL, it looks good. It doesn't matter if you are working at that time or on the beach or the golf course.

Throw a bone to the S3 and engage them as well. Reason? Who is the first person in the district that the manager is going to go to if they suspect you aren't doing your job? It will be the S3. They are the "brown nosers" that were handpicked by the CTL and DCO. If the S3 believes you are doing your job and tells that to the CTL, you are fine.

These two things don't take much time at all and will help you build credibility and trust with your manager. If you have that, then you have taken the biggest step towards living the 15x15 life style and all the benefits that come with it.

Remember, it's all about creating the illusion of being that hard working rep. You must begin with this first before you can reap the rewards later. Then later you can actually be out of your territory and on vacation for a week without even using a vacation day! I should know, I've done this more than a couple times, totally out of state! Now that's rewarding! Much better than any NMIP points that I've ever received for sure!

You also need to fully understand that Merck does not give a damn about you. To them, you are just a number on a spreadsheet attached to a dollar amount. You are just the cost of them doing business, nothing more, nothing less. They can, they have, and they will continue to save money by reducing head count. Their tactics are vile, deceitful and dishonest on their part and will continue in an effort to save Mother big $$$ by getting targeted reps to leave on their own accord. If you aren't "all in" on this belief, you may get eaten up by the guilt of doing what I do. You really must be "FU Merck" mode 24/7/365. Are you up for this?

If these are helpful and you want more tips, let me know. I will post what I can. Remember, I'm not going to post anything that will give away my cover or lead Merck to change the way they monitor us. I have some great tactics that I have refined and employ that give me tons of freedom and saves me money.

Take care!

Signed,

The 15x15 Guy

Damn! Sure wish I could have a F2F with you. Way to master the game of pharma sales. I tip my hat to you. Appearances are the foundation for playing the 15 x 15 game, without a doubt. I'm on board with everything you've stated and I don't want to jeopardize your security, but could you address your management of possible tracking issues? That's what I am most paranoid about and am on guard constantly not to do anything that would allow big bro mama to challenge my whereabouts. Being older, I trust no one and hold anything digital totally suspect to tracking by Merck. I'd never be able to enjoy a week off outside of my geog so I stay behind enemy lines when not officially off. Keep up the good "work"!

 

[Anonymous]

Damn! Sure wish I could have a F2F with you. Way to master the game of pharma sales. I tip my hat to you. Appearances are the foundation for playing the 15 x 15 game, without a doubt. I'm on board with everything you've stated and I don't want to jeopardize your security, but could you address your management of possible tracking issues? That's what I am most paranoid about and am on guard constantly not to do anything that would allow big bro mama to challenge my whereabouts. Being older, I trust no one and hold anything digital totally suspect to tracking by Merck. I'd never be able to enjoy a week off outside of my geog so I stay behind enemy lines when not officially off. Keep up the good "work"!

First of all, bravo to the 15 X 15 guy because he defintiely "gets it" and tells it like it is...Merck cares nothing about its sales reps, so you should not feel bad about screwing them back left and right...

I have to admit though, after reading this (including the response about Merck's tracking of reps) I felt really glad I finally left the game of being a drug rep...Seriously, it is sort of fun to earn a nice steady paycheck playing out your real life fugitive cat and mouse game, but it ultimately drains you of any real ambition, and becomes debilitating...

Even the 15 X 15 guy will find out that the game can't go on forever...I assume Mr. 15 is a youngish guy in his 20s or 30s...He will find out the hard way that he is just cheating himself at the end of the day, and wasting his valuable time with Merck....

 

[Anonymous]

...Seriously, it is sort of fun to earn a nice steady paycheck playing out your real life fugitive cat and mouse game, but it ultimately drains you of any real ambition, and becomes debilitating...

Even the 15 X 15 guy will find out that the game can't go on forever...I assume Mr. 15 is a youngish guy in his 20s or 30s...He will find out the hard way that he is just cheating himself at the end of the day, and wasting his valuable time with Merck....

Totally on board with this guy, too. I'm mid-50's and in survival mode where I have to play the cat and mouse game in order to tolerate our charade. It's the only thing motivating me and allowing me to retain some semblance of sanity...I think. However, I will be the first to admit I've lost any real ambition and as a result have become debilitated. Any youngster will not stay long in this ridiculous make-believe job that is 80% act and 20% real.

 

[Anonymous]

First of all, bravo to the 15 X 15 guy because he defintiely "gets it" and tells it like it is...Merck cares nothing about its sales reps, so you should not feel bad about screwing them back left and right...

I have to admit though, after reading this (including the response about Merck's tracking of reps) I felt really glad I finally left the game of being a drug rep...Seriously, it is sort of fun to earn a nice steady paycheck playing out your real life fugitive cat and mouse game, but it ultimately drains you of any real ambition, and becomes debilitating...

Even the 15 X 15 guy will find out that the game can't go on forever...I assume Mr. 15 is a youngish guy in his 20s or 30s...He will find out the hard way that he is just cheating himself at the end of the day, and wasting his valuable time with Merck....

Actually, I started in this industry over 20 years ago. Go back and read the original post from the beginning. I used to be the "go getter" but as I got older things changed in the industry and especially here at Merck. Many of my old "top performing award winning" friends are no longer here because they were targeted by management for nothing more than the fact that they were making a nice salary.

One day I just decided that I was done with giving it my all. Every time the company did things like forced out great reps, demoted reps, limited promotions, reduced and froze raises, I just reacted by working less and less.

I don't feel that I'm "wasting my valuable time with Merck" After all, I only give them 10-15 hours per week and my salary is well over 100K. That is a great gig and I'm not leaving anytime soon. Loving the 15x15 lifestyle!

Regards,

The 15x15 Guy

 

[Anonymous]

I love you Mr 15 x 15 guy! X x x

 

[Anonymous]

Actually, I started in this industry over 20 years ago. Go back and read the original post from the beginning. I used to be the "go getter" but as I got older things changed in the industry and especially here at Merck. Many of my old "top performing award winning" friends are no longer here because they were targeted by management for nothing more than the fact that they were making a nice salary.

One day I just decided that I was done with giving it my all. Every time the company did things like forced out great reps, demoted reps, limited promotions, reduced and froze raises, I just reacted by working less and less.

I don't feel that I'm "wasting my valuable time with Merck" After all, I only give them 10-15 hours per week and my salary is well over 100K. That is a great gig and I'm not leaving anytime soon. Loving the 15x15 lifestyle!

Regards,

The 15x15 Guy

I am one of your overpaid, "award-winning" for colleagues. You hit the nail on the head with that statement.

Keep up the good (lack of) work. You're a trend setter.

 

[Anonymous]

Actually, I started in this industry over 20 years ago. Go back and read the original post from the beginning. I used to be the "go getter" but as I got older things changed in the industry and especially here at Merck. Many of my old "top performing award winning" friends are no longer here because they were targeted by management for nothing more than the fact that they were making a nice salary.

One day I just decided that I was done with giving it my all. Every time the company did things like forced out great reps, demoted reps, limited promotions, reduced and froze raises, I just reacted by working less and less.

I don't feel that I'm "wasting my valuable time with Merck" After all, I only give them 10-15 hours per week and my salary is well over 100K. That is a great gig and I'm not leaving anytime soon. Loving the 15x15 lifestyle!

Regards,

The 15x15 Guy

kudos to you then...I stand corrected...you are undoubtedly one of the lucky ones then...Most folks like you have been identified by CTLs already as Cancers...that usually means early detection and targeted for swift removal...

if they are leaving you alone, by all means keep taking the easy money...

 

[Anonymous]

kudos to you then...I stand corrected...you are undoubtedly one of the lucky ones then...Most folks like you have been identified by CTLs already as Cancers...that usually means early detection and targeted for swift removal...

if they are leaving you alone, by all means keep taking the easy money...

I would guess more than half the sales force is up to similar things. It is so widespread it is very difficult to sniff out the smart ones.

 

[Anonymous]

kudos to you then...I stand corrected...you are undoubtedly one of the lucky ones then...Most folks like you have been identified by CTLs already as Cancers...that usually means early detection and targeted for swift removal...

if they are leaving you alone, by all means keep taking the easy money...

Thanks! I think your definition of the CTL's identifying the older reps as "Cancers" is right on. What they deem "Cancer" reps are the majority of the time the reps that help build Merck to what it was in their heyday. Now look how they are being treated.

I did have a manager ask me once on a field ride how old I was. I knew what was up and that's when I began building a file on him as well as my DCO. I think they know I have documented policy violations on both of them and don't give me any trouble.

Tough day today, I think I worked 90 minutes total.

Regards,

The 15x15 Guy

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks! I think your definition of the CTL's identifying the older reps as "Cancers" is right on. What they deem "Cancer" reps are the majority of the time the reps that help build Merck to what it was in their heyday. Now look how they are being treated.

I did have a manager ask me once on a field ride how old I was. I knew what was up and that's when I began building a file on him as well as my DCO. I think they know I have documented policy violations on both of them and don't give me any trouble.

Tough day today, I think I worked 90 minutes total.

Regards,

The 15x15 Guy

Ninety min is far too much. I am at the airport now heading to a unnamed tropical locale for a Mercation. Much needed and it's all on Merck. The whole week is an extra vacation I granted myself. And my little girl gets a treat too. Just got her license so she gets the Merck crap wagon for the week to drive on her trip to see her friends- hope she doesn't forget the pin for the gas card. After all can't have her driving my good cars, luckily we have the training car courtesy of Merck.


Anyways, gotta suck down this mimosa quick so I don't miss my flight. Fifty percent tip? Yes I think so. See you on the flip side.

 

[Anonymous]

Ninety min is far too much. I am at the airport now heading to a unnamed tropical locale for a Mercation. Much needed and it's all on Merck. The whole week is an extra vacation I granted myself. And my little girl gets a treat too. Just got her license so she gets the Merck crap wagon for the week to drive on her trip to see her friends- hope she doesn't forget the pin for the gas card. After all can't have her driving my good cars, luckily we have the training car courtesy of Merck.


Anyways, gotta suck down this mimosa quick so I don't miss my flight. Fifty percent tip? Yes I think so. See you on the flip side.

Sure you were....in your dreams sucka.

 

[Anonymous]

Beautiful fall day! Leaves are changing and it's great to be on the golf course. Shot a 74!

Regards,

The 15x15 Guy

 

[Anonymous]

Another Monday. Sigh. Wait. If I'm a "15x15" guy then today can feel just like yesterday! Now there's spring in my step! I have a goal! My dream of getting paid to do nothing! Just like my manager! Ignorance is bliss. Freedom through sloth! 15 x 15 lives on.

 

[Anonymous]

As nice as the "15 x 15" work style for a rep may sound, it certainly didn't last for me. The overwhelming guilt nearly destroyed me. I'm so relieved and yes, happy, to be out of pharma and actually doing productive work again that requires me to show up and accomplish something. That's been a huge boost to my mental health.

 

[Anonymous]

Bumped

 

[Anonymous]

As nice as the "15 x 15" work style for a rep may sound, it certainly didn't last for me. The overwhelming guilt nearly destroyed me. I'm so relieved and yes, happy, to be out of pharma and actually doing productive work again that requires me to show up and accomplish something. That's been a huge boost to my mental health.

I'm with ya. If the guilt becomes overwhelming you gotta find a way out since that is no way to live. My integrity told me playing the 15x15 game was no way to spend my life and Merck was not worth my mental or physical health. Much happier in sales without the need for babysitter management.

 

[Anonymous]

As nice as the "15 x 15" work style for a rep may sound, it certainly didn't last for me. The overwhelming guilt nearly destroyed me. I'm so relieved and yes, happy, to be out of pharma and actually doing productive work again that requires me to show up and accomplish something. That's been a huge boost to my mental health.

I hear ya on that one...I finally got out of pharma because I was so out of alignment in terms of the values and ethics I was raised with, and how the pharma business operates...

I just barely eak out a living on Ebay now, but I am so much healthier and happier now that I am out of the crazy, toxic pharma industry...

FU MERCK!

 

[Anonymous]

I hear ya on that one...I finally got out of pharma because I was so out of alignment in terms of the values and ethics I was raised with, and how the pharma business operates...

I just barely eak out a living on Ebay now, but I am so much healthier and happier now that I am out of the crazy, toxic pharma industry...

FU MERCK!

That you are surviving on your terms is huge. I didn't say easy, but the value to you is worth more than Merck ever paid you and I am sure you know this. Hang in there and work your tail off to live life on your terms according to your values and ethics. After this month's election results, while I don't work for Merck, I certainly feel way out of alignment with my country's values and ethics but like you, refuse to comprimise my own.

 

[Anonymous]

Jim Welch needs to read this entire thread.
You want to know why things aren't happening?
Read this Welch, and try to understand it, and believe it's a real deal.
Not much hope in that though.
Not with him.
On second thought, the CEO ought to read it.
Imagine if we had a truly engaged sales force that believed in their work and company?
And belonged to a company that measured sales instead of all these feel good item?
Read up Welch.
Learn.