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Author: | PharmaVet
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| Date: | 09-27-06 08:03pm |
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Pharmaceutical sales training is challenging. However, despite the urban legends about people being sent home shamed and unemployed for mispronouncing one word, it's really not that bad. For most people, the most difficult part of training is getting through it without any career-limiting faux pas. If you just keep a few common-sense rules in mind, you should emerge from training relatively unscathed.
Go into it with a positive attitude, and even if your attitude slips at some point, keep it to yourself. If your colleagues are complaining about one of the trainers over dinner, keep your mouth shut and at some point find a way to say something positive in a way that won't brand you a suckup. The complaints always find their way back to the subject of them, and if you've gone on record with something positive you're less likely to be included in the list of gripers. Do everything they tell you, participate enthusiastically and freely but not TOO freely, and think before you open your mouth. Your district manager will be getting feedback from the trainers and wants to know you're engaged, positive, and not a loose cannon. Don't be THAT guy (or girl) who asks a bazillion questions. If you keep your mouth shut half the time when you have a question, someone else will ask it. You don't want to have people rolling their eyes every time you open your mouth. Don't be THAT guy who has been through everything and has advice for everyone. No one appreciates it. You know the guy in class who, when you ask a question, always has to jump in and answer you as though the trainer can't possibly explain the concept well enough? Don't be him. Don't ever be late, especially coming back from breaks. They'll make an example of you and it will find its way back to your DM. There's a special death stare reserved for people who return late from breaks. Arrange for at least two wakeup calls from the hotel, if they'll do that (most will). Also use the alarm clock in the room. Don't ever rely on one or the other. If possible, trade back-up wakeup calls with someone else in your class. Make sure to do some mindless stuff in the evenings to maintain your sanity. Watch reality TV. Take a novel and make sure to read a little before you go to bed. Whatever it takes to keep you relaxed and sane, do it. Work out, go for a walk in the evening outside (never alone -- but no shop talk). Socialize but remove yourself from the bar or party early. Especially if you're a woman. I know, double standard, but it exists. Have a drink or two if you like, but don't get drunk. You absolutely don't want to be THAT girl (this goes for guys, too) -- the one who, at national sales meetings for years to come, is the stuff of legends. There's one in each training class, and the stories never die. It's the corporate version of this one time, at band camp...
Don't spill your personal information to anyone. No one needs to know you're on antidepressants, have financial problems, or your husband wants you to get implants. In short, just behave yourself, don't do anything to embarrass your DM, work hard, and make friends. Do what they ask, do your homework, and do whatever you do to relax. Hang out with people, but don't get TOO identified with anyone until you figure out if they're going to be THAT guy. And always, always keep in mind why you're there.
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