Checklist for Planning Your Salesperson’s First Day

You’ve just hired a new sales rep. You’ve looked through resumes, had interviews, and picked the right person. Now, what’s next? You want to make sure your new salesperson has a great start on their first day.
Think of it like your first day of school when you were a kid. You had new stuff like school bags, pencils, and clothes. It was all new and exciting, and everyone was in the same boat, starting fresh.
Now, imagine if you had to start school in the middle of the year. You’d be the new kid, feeling scared, not knowing where to go, and having no one to help you.
Your new sales rep is like that new kid in school – feeling lost and scared. Making them feel welcome is super important for their success. They might have come from a great place before and felt comfortable there. If they come to your office feeling uncomfortable, they might regret their choice. So, it’s essential to guide them through those first days.
Here’s a checklist for making their first day a success:
  1. Assign a Mentor: Choose an experienced sales rep to help and guide the new person. This mentor will be like their friendly guide in a new place.
  2. Choose the Right Spot: Where your new salesperson sits matters. Put them near positive and friendly colleagues, not someone who’s always unhappy. Surroundings influence how they feel.
  3. Show Them Around: Give them a tour of the office, tell them where to eat lunch, and explain office rules. These details make them feel more at ease.
  4. Tell Them It’s Okay to Make Mistakes: Let them know it’s alright to mess up in the beginning. We all do it when we start something new. Mistakes are how we learn, and it’s okay as long as they learn from them.
  5. Set Expectations: Tell them what you expect from them daily, weekly, and monthly. Make tracking their progress a habit from day one, so they know what to aim for.
  6. Provide a Work Phone: If they’ll be using a phone for work, give them a company phone. It’s better than using their personal one. It should be company property if it’s used for business.
  7. Have Lunch Together: Spend some time having lunch with them on their first day. It shows you’re approachable and there to help.
What else would you add to this checklist for the first day? Share your thoughts in the comments.