The birds are chirping, the sun is (sometimes) out, and the air is (kind of) warm. It’s finally spring in Boston, which signifies the start of one of Boston’s greatest traditions: Red Sox baseball at Fenway Park. For one of Seismic’s sales reps, this used to mean the start of a recurring summer job as a Fenway Frank vendor. On the surface, “slingin’ hot dogs” and selling sales software seem to be two very different entities. But Seismic Client Development Representative Jake Leary shares the similarities between these two jobs, and how what he learned at Fenway has helped him in his current role at Seismic.
At Fenway and in sales, you are in charge of your own success.
When you start out at Fenway, everyone is on a level playing field (no pun intended). There are no preconceived notions that one person is more important than another. The same can be said for sales; you typically begin in an entry-level role just like everyone else. As expansion happens and more opportunities open up, your past effort and success are taken into consideration during evaluations. Fenway and Seismic don’t play favorites, and you’re responsible for your own fate.
Hard work does not go unnoticed.
When someone sees you exceeding your responsibilities, it is definitely brought to managers’ attention. On the other hand, if you become unreliable, you’ll be due for a discussion with your supervisor or boss. This is true as a Fenway Frank vendor and a Seismic sales rep; if you’re constantly surpassing your quota or going above and beyond your own duties for those around you, it is noticed and rewarded. Motivation comes from many places. I learned at Fenway that I never wanted to let the hardworking people around me down. When I saw them doing such a great job, it brought out the best in me, too. Whether you’re selling Fenway Franks or software, hard work is recognized and rewarded with both responsibilities and raises.
You have to use your voice and be proactive.
You make your presence known by the commitment to hard work. It can be cliché, but the more you put in, the more you’ll be rewarded. And that not only goes for Fenway or Seismic, but for anything in life. If you want to cruise through, then most likely you’ll go unnoticed. Anyone can blend in, but the challenge is standing out. If I were simply walking up and down the aisles at Fenway without yelling or verbally offering whatever product I was selling that day, chances are I wouldn’t be selling much. Additionally, keeping an eye out for interested customers became second-nature. It’s the same in B2B sales; knowing what a customer wants and typically “looks like” helps make that sale much easier.
A team mentality is a must.
In both of these environments, it is essential to work together. You are not here solely for yourself or for your own personal gain. You want to see not only the team, but the company, continue to exponentially grow. That will not happen with the success of one individual – it takes everybody working together and pushing to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves for that to become a reality.
Now, the next time you end up on Yawkey Way or in Fenway for a game, we hope you think of Jake when you buy that Fenway Frank or $9.50 beer. Those guys slingin’ hotdogs are working hard but having a blast, just like we are here at Seismic.
