They say you don’t really have a business until it can run without you.
I, in general, agree.
If the business goes backwards without me then I didn’t do a very good job setting it up. If it grows a little slower without me, that’s reasonable, but if it goes backwards we have a problem.
Over the last few years I’ve spent countless hours calling leads, qualifying, presenting, and closing. I’ve learned an invaluable skill that not can only be attained by devoting the time and energy to hear just about every objection I could possibly think up.
But, that’s not the role I want to play in the long run.
It’s something I wanted to be known for, and I’m making progress on that, but the status quo has changed. I want to build this company and have it thrive without me and I know, especially with the help of Chris Gatterson and others, that it’s completely possible.
So, I’ve been having conversations with some wonderful people in the automotive industry and lucky for me I had a contact that has been a national sales director in the space for quite some time.
He offered to fly down to Houston to learn more about the Automotive Accelerator (Fountain Forward) and our position in the industry.
First of all, I continue to be overwhelmed by the praise we receive from people. They are incredibly impressed with what the team has created at Fountain Forward and often don’t think there is much to compete with it.
Second, he had some valuable feedback as to how we should proceed with putting myself out of a job.
You see, James really understood. He loves where the company is at but also sees what we can be and the limitations if I don’t replace myself in the sales role (or at least 80% for that matter).
The thing I desired most, to be a great salesman, is no longer the focus.
Keeping that “tool” sharp is not going to be an issue. Finding someone to ride alongside me for a while and eventually taking over sales is the next hurdle.
Overwhelmed? More than I’d like.
Taking time to breathe and figure out my next steps?
A work in progress. Just practiced as I wrote this.
Hopefully one day I’ll write a blog about how we’ve hired our first salesman.
God willing.
-Source Love Stevie