Sales stereotypes?

So I have been at this for almost 20 years and I know that most stereotypes (right or wrong) exist because there is some truth to them.


Here are a couple to start off the conversation. I hate it when everyone thinks that all sales people are hardcore alcoholics and lazy fucks that spend all their time just talking... I for obe don't drink and feel that I outwork 80% of the folks in my company - not to mention that we get to live with a target on our head all the damn time.


Another is one is golf thing... I love the sport but couldn't save my life if it depended on it... I make for a fun caddy at best. I have never golfed or been asked to golf with customers and the stereotype that we spend our time on the gold course smoking cigars just drives me nuts.


So have it - good or bad - what stereotypes irritate you and or the ones that you actually find 100% spot on and relate to.

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Sandbagger31
Member
6
VP Sales
Worst one to me - You only went into sales because you weren't qualified for anything else.

It pisses me off when people think Sales people are broke losers. We work hard(most of us), are usually pretty bright, great on our feet, and work under the most stress in the org. We typically outearn every other department. Just sick of the thought that sales people are losers.ย 
Hannibal
Opinionated
0
Senior Account Executive
๐Ÿ’ฏ
Salespreuner
Big Shot
0
Regional Sales Director
+1000!!!!
funcoupons
WR Officer
5
๐Ÿ‘‘
Annoying:

We're all slimy cheats that will lie to get the deal done no matter what. I know WAY more ethical, caring, and decent salespeople than assholes.

That sales is an easy job for people who aren't good at anything else. Yeah right, 99% of people couldn't make it one day on the sales floor.

True:

We're hypercompetitive.ย 

We're hard on/critical of ourselves.ย 
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
3
Senior Account Executive
That sales people sleep around a lot...

And to be honest, it's not a totally inaccurate stereotype...something that I, for one, distain.ย 
JuicyKlay
Celebrated Contributor
0
AM
Maybe precovid - not nearly as much anymore.ย 
Hannibal
Opinionated
0
Senior Account Executive
I usually go to sleep around 11-1am and I am usually up by 6-630... I admit I have 3 kids so I have other priorities but I am with you brother, such have a BS stereotype.
paddy
WR Officer
2
Director of Business Development
Definitely do spend a lot of my time talking, major downfall sometimes and a generally accurate stereotype for a lot of sales reps
looper1010
Celebrated Contributor
0
Solutions Specialist
That most come from a sporty background.ย  I'm one of the few that don't have a sports background but a lot are from there plus frats/sororities.

And drinking, lots of drinking...
ExtremeVibeChecker44
Arsonist
-1
Inside Sales
Come from a greek life background as well. I think that kind of work-hard / play hard type tends to thrive in sales (probably extroverted and normal, kind of person you'd like to have a beer with, etc).
Chep
WR Officer
0
Bitcoin Adoption Specialist
Sleazy salespeople because it makes people so hesitant on the phones sometimes.
sellingsellssold
Politicker
0
SDR
Lazy all the way, get what needs to be done fast and efficiently so that you make money and can get out of the office early and go enjoy some alcohol.ย 
TrooperJim
Personal Narrative
0
VP of Sales - Central
Wow, these comments hit hard. I despise when people tell me that my job is "easy".ย 

In sales, there will NEVER be a time where you can just work your day, close your laptop, and go home. We are on call 24/7, vacation or not, because we need to earn that extra cheddar.

I get it, I am not out there saving babies and putting out fires... but i'll be damned if you think this job is easy.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
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๐ŸฆŠ
Our job is never truly easy.
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