My name is Trecek. Rob Trecek.

I like my martinis shaken, not stirred.

I’m in sales.

And darn proud of it!

Manpower, Inc., recently published its annual list of hard to fill jobs. For the third consecutive year, Manpower said the most difficult position to fill is the quality, professional salesperson.

I’ve been in sales for almost 20 years. Over those years, when I’ve mentioned the profession I’m in you could almost see the “thinking bubbles” appearing over people’s heads as they conjured up images of an Old West elixir salesman or a shady, less-than-honest used car salesman.

Salespeople haven’t been depicted well in American movies. I cite Tin Men, Glenn Gary Glen Ross, The Big Kahuna, Tommy Boy and City Slickers, just to name a few. It’s gotten to the point where our fraternity doesn’t want to be called “salespeople” anymore. We hide behind titles like market specialist, financial consultant, account executive, and business development managers.

I believe the image of the professional salesperson is changing for the better, though. Manpower’s annual report reinforces that. After all, everything in business starts with a sale.

Today’s professional salespeople are much more than closers. We are part consultant, psychologist, philosopher and business resource. Being passionate about your company, asking pertinent questions, being an attentive listener and being a solution provider is what professional sales is all about.

So to my fellow professional salespeople, I say walk tall and be proud. You are a rare breed, hard to find and a huge sprocket in the world economy!

I must be off now. I need to fend off the Dr. Nos, Mr. Bigs and Goldfingers out there who would stop me from attaining my goals!

Trecek. Rob Trecek.

Johnson Direct LLC

800-710-2750

The comments expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of Johnson Direct, LLC.