The start of sales training is always a big day for our newest employees. Our sales training program typically begins 6 weeks into employment, once the employee has worked in operations and understands CT’s processes and procedures for ensuring excellent service.
Three of CT’s newest employees recently began sales training and share details on this exciting next step in the growth and development of a logistics sales representative at Corporate Traffic Logistics. We sat down with each of them to ask them about their experience so far with our training program.
You were able to shadow and work with some of the senior logistics professionals on some of our biggest accounts during your operations training. What was that “on-the-job” training like?
Macy: The “on-the-job” training was overall super insightful and helpful. Learning under Bayley Cashion, my manager at the time, along with the others on my team totally prepared me for the fast-paced and lively environment. It provided me with the knowledge and experience to manage freight, work among my new colleagues, communicate with dispatchers and drivers, and get a true feel of how working at CT is!
Doug: Rodney Vitek was my manager during operations training. He was incredibly supportive and taught me so much. We would learn different aspects of our systems, but it was great to have him assist me with any questions or concerns I had. He engaged me in many different activities, and we got to know one another on a personal level as well. He had high expectations but never made me stressed; he wanted to see me grow and succeed.
You began sales training in the first week of January, how has the transition been so far?
Ryan: I feel like the transition has been very smooth so far. I was able to in this first month get my first customer and I feel like that was a direct result of how I was trained here at Corporate Traffic. I think that one of the most important things I have learned so far is that one of the most important things in this industry is relatability. People want to do business with people they think are knowledgeable about their product/industry and people they can relate with. I think as I continue to grow more confident in what I am doing daily and continue to keep learning more, my book of business will continue to grow as a direct result of that.
What elements of training have best prepared you for the work you are doing now?
Macy: The element of training that best prepared me for the work I’m currently doing is how to talk sales! As broad as that sounds, certain things can reel in a prospect and you dive into that in the training. Another element that has helped prepare me is how to organize my schedule to the best of my ability, like the use of spreadsheets and calendar reminders!
How has the on-the-job and classroom training given you the background knowledge and confidence you need to transition into sales?
Ryan: The on-the-job training was important in showing me what is expected of me daily. From helping with tracking and tracing and booking loads, on-the-job training is key to learning what needs to be done every day. I learned about the importance of customer service and how it is important to always be clear and upfront with our customers and carriers. Hiding from either is not going to do anything for us as a company, and both will appreciate the honesty from us upfront. Also, during the on-the-job training, I learned a lot from Nick and the other people around me on how to build loads and how to talk with carriers when we are trying to book a load with them. The classroom training is important as well because without learning the terminology and a general description of what each application we use does, the job I would be doing right now would be extremely confusing and would be much more difficult. The classroom training was important in giving me more confidence in sales because without all the tests and assignments that we were doing testing our knowledge of the industry, I think I would have been underprepared for sales. This job is very detail-oriented and without first knowing the basics, it could be easy to fall behind quickly.
Spring Job Fairs are coming up soon. What advice would you give upcoming grads regarding looking for a career in logistics?
Doug: Keep an open mind! There is a whole world of different jobs and people always “have” to find the perfect fit. Many people end up missing out on great opportunities because of this thought process. Logistics is over-looked with amazing upside, a lively office environment, and the ability to be as successful as you want. Hard work goes a long way here; the sky is the limit.
Macy: Some advice I would give to upcoming graduates, regarding looking for a career in logistics, is to put yourself out there because you never know what a potential job position you weren’t especially looking for could bring to you! I know our crew that will be attending the upcoming Spring Job Fairs are super excited to meet you, so bring that same energy and more!
What has been your favorite moment so far at CT?
Doug: My favorite moment(s) so far has been the Friday Wheel Spins. Getting to celebrate everyone who closed a new account and cracking open a beer is always a great tradition on Friday. Getting happy hour started early!
Ryan: My favorite moment so far at CT was getting my first load. It was exciting and you kind of get an adrenaline rush once you can get that first yes.
What do you like most about working at CT?
Doug: Everyday is a new opportunity here. There are great days and hard days. Fast-paced days and slower days. It can seem so smooth and easy but always takes a hard turn and has many challenges. I love that. Challenges mean that you have a chance to learn more about yourself and develop solutions. You come in every day with a fresh slate and can work hard to build the company up but also yourself. Hard work can be grueling but so rewarding when accomplishing your task.