A discussion about sales, sales tips and advice, and about those who land the deal

Maybe.  But here's what I know for sure...he wrote a great reply to my take on the issue of workaholics which came up earlier today.

Here's what Christopher Richards had to say:

Seth Godin is right about a lot of things but not eulogizing those that
obsessively tinker with their designs or websites in the guise of so-called passion. That sounds like workaholism to me.

There is a difference between drive and being driven. The latter is
pathological and the former is life-enhancing. The reason sales people are driven by sales managers is that a salesperson can only be evaluated by activity and not results. You can't control results. I know this might sound heretical but many a seasoned sales manager knows that it is the activity, both working hard and smart is necessary but not sufficient.

The mistake is to think that the salesperson has control over the sale. There are many external factors, the economy, other relationships the customer might have, timing. The list goes on. Sales is a numbers game at its base. And then there is luck. You can do much to improve your luck but you can't control it.

A relaxed person is a powerful person. I think it was Norman Vincent Peale who said that. And if it was him, he was right. But a driven salesperson who is working out of a sense of fear is counter productive. So I do agree with Mr. Godin on that one.

By the way, I write SlowDownNow.org: The almost serious antidote to
workaholism so at least we can laugh about this horrible state of affairs sometimes.

Great comment (unlike some comments I could talk about).  Richards is a writer and business communications and marketing consultant, and offers some valuable services.  Take a look at his website if you're looking for an experienced communications consultant.