A good first day in the field

I promoted our services on a university campus today. The actual customer work took about three hours. What filled the rest of the day? I arrived at eight and waited 50 minutes for the experienced colleague accompanying me. Then came an hour eating and walking with him, and another hour listening to him lecture me from above. I had been excited to begin, but soon felt uncomfortable. Within ten minutes of meeting him, I doubted he would be good at sales: he complained constantly and sighed as we walked. Even so, I exceeded my target before 4:30 p.m. I thought about updating him, then decided to check out and go home.

The day went well, but it showed me where I need to improve:

1. I asked for WeChat contacts without preparing my pitch.
2. Specialist questions could throw me off course.
3. Printed examples of projects for different majors might help me explain things on the spot.
4. I need to tailor my pitch to each major.
5. I should record each contact’s name, degree, major, and interest before leaving.

The gap between expectation and reality: selling on campus was less fun than I imagined, and gaps in my subject knowledge drew questions.

Tomorrow I will:

1. Choose a department I like and prepare for it.
2. Learn at least five specific products the company offers.
3. When asked about pricing, add the contact and move the discussion into a group rather than answer on the spot.
4. Add notes and labels to each contact when I can.
5. Decide whether to print materials, which ones, and what preparation they require.