I interview John Kolencik who owns Matrix Impact about how to hire the next great salesperson. John encourages us to use simulations in our interviews to improve our hiring process.
John’s first recommendation is make the simulation as real as possible. He insists that the interview must be taped. We are trying to determine if this candidate is coachable. Multiple simulations should be used to determine coachability and aptitude.
Here are John’s Top 3 Items to focus on in the interview.
1 Learn what the candidate thinks the most important thing in selling is. The three A answers that John is looking for are:
1 Listening
2 Questioning
3 Building Relationships
2 What is their commitment to customer satisfaction? Is it in sync with yours?
3 Find out about their work ethic. There is no one question for this. There are many layers to the questions and they are peppered throughout the interview. Here are some of the questions:
1 Tell me about high school and what activities were you in?
2 Did you have a job in high school?
3 If they went to college ask them how did you pay for college?
4 What activities were you in college?
5 Can you tell me about your first job?
I talk about my old boss from Serta’s favorite question to ask in an interview. John shares a story about how one of his customers almost hires a professional bass fisherman who was gone eight to ten weeks a year!
I ask John, “How do we get our salespeople off to a good start?” John’s answers are enlightening and at times surprising. Don’t miss this interview! If you have questions for John call him at 216-347-6729 or go to his website at matriximpact.com.
Wishing You Success!
Pete
Vegas Market Must Haves - The Power of Split Head Smart Beds: Episode 154
How To Win In 2024! - Sean Hathaway: Episode 153
The First-Time Manager Sales - Mike Weinberg: Episode 152
Building a Company That Wins Today - Lee Salz: Episode 151
ASK PETE!: Episode 150
Owning Your Own Business - Bill Russell: Episode 149
How To Bootstrap a Mattress Store - Tyler Rich: Episode 148
Winning The Battle at Retail - Stew Segura: Episode 147
Taking Action and Making Changes to Thrive in Challenging Times: Ask Pete! Episode 146
Bedding News Now Update! - Alex Milstein: Episode 145
Nothing Stops Me - Patrick Tinney: Episode 144
Customer Empathy - Chris Hood: Episode 143
Unlocking The Potential Of Your Comfort! Ask Pete Episode 142
Selling in Today’s Digital Landscape - Nate Morse: Episode 141
Hired in Sales, Now What? - Bryan Charleau: Episode 140
Caring Is The Salesperson’s Cheat Code: Ask Pete! Episode 139
Right Now Leadership - Kyle Gillette: Episode 138
Fix This First! - Robert Indries: Episode 137
Ask Pete: Authenticity and Reviews - The Secrets to Maintaining Credibility in the Digital Age: Episode 136
The Golden Key to Sales Success - Guy Daines: Episode 135
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Right About Now with Ryan Alford
The Marketing Secrets Show
The Agile Brand™ with Greg Kihlstrom
B2B Agility™ with Greg Kihlström
MarTech Podcast ™ // Marketing + Technology = Business Growth