Even Salespeople Hate Salespeople [Observation]

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Let’s Face It: Nobody Likes a Salesperson

At least, that’s what we’re led to believe. Even salespeople don’t like salespeople, if morning networking breakfasts are any indication.

Imagine this scenario: twenty-five people around a big table, anxiously awaiting their turn at a sixty-second ‘infomercial’. One by one they each stand and begin their pitch with something like this: “Hi, my name is Joe. Don’t hate me, I sell life insurance.” “Hi, I’m Debbie. I’m a REALTOR®, but I’m not like all the others.” “Hi, my name is Gord. I’m a mortgage broker...but I’m one of the good ones.”

I’ve been there. I’ve seen it with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears. I might have even said it!

Even salespeople are embarrassed to be salespeople!

Public Perception

What’s worse, the public feels the same way about us! Pick a category:

  • Car salespeople
  • REALTORS ®
  • Mortgage Brokers
  • Insurance agents
  • Builders
  • Plumbers
  • Computer salespeople
  • Electronics


People will say that all “insert profession here” are scumbags. On and on it goes. Nobody likes us!

Why is This the Case?

Industry pros will often, and rightly so, point out that a few bad apples spoil the whole bunch. I believe this is true. Over time, people have had enough bad experiences with people in each of these professions that they tar and feather the whole lot of us.

Is it fair? No.
Is it real? Yes.

Can You Pick a Good One?

Yes, it is possible, but it will take research. You definitely have to do your research!

At the end of the day salespeople are just people. We have families, we have mortgage payments, hockey camps to pay for, and problems to deal with. We put our pants on one leg at a time, just like everyone. Salespeople are in the business of delivering a service or product in exchange for money. What we do is valuable and the world needs us. Choosing wisely is key to ensuring a good, or great, experience - vs. an unpleasant one.

Everything in this world is bought and sold, that is just the way it is...

How to Find a Good One

The good news is that it’s getting easier for consumers to share information. That’s great for companies and people with a good reputation, but bad news for scumbags. Everyone wins. Take the time to ask around, talk to friends and family members and get a recommendation...but don’t stop there. Do your own homework. Here are some suggestions for how to find a great service provider:

  • How active are they in their community?
  • Google+ local reviews
  • Yelp reviews
  • Quality of Facebook Page
  • Quality of interaction on Twitter
  • Testimonials on their website. (Do they look legit to you?)
  • Industry partners - who is willing to stand by them?
  • Interview them over the phone or in person. Ask about their experience and customer service approach. Don’t get stonewalled.
  • Are they a member in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and local Chamber of Commerce?
  • Obtain references and interview them.
  • Have they won any industry awards? Do their peers respect them, or are they embarrassed to be associated with them?

Good salespeople and the companies that employ them have nothing to hide and will allow you to shop without pressure!

If they are confident in their track record and what they have to offer... this will be reflected.

Good luck and happy shopping, and remember, hug a salesperson today, we aren't all that bad... well some of us anyway!


President of First Foundation Residential Mortgages and First Foundation Insurance. Live in Edmonton but cheer for the Riders. I have lots of kids. Follow me on Twitter @gordmccallum

Learn more about Gordon McCallum