As a manufacturers’ representative, my job is selling. Like all salespeople, there is a thrill to selling that I find irresistible. I have always enjoyed selling products and services that I believe in.

While the thrill of sales is one of the reasons I enjoy my job, that is not the reason I enjoy my particular job. There are three main reasons I enjoy my particular job, which is selling manufacturing services.

1. Engineers.

My customers have something to manufacture. In turn, that implies that they design products. The designers are typically engineers. There is something very invigorating about being around the product design process. Engineers impress me as people who, for the most part, really find enjoyment and fulfillment in their profession. This is true of electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, test engineers, RF engineers, and every other type of engineer I interact with.

I consider it a privilege to be able to see the products that designers are bringing to market. I always treat my customers’ product designs as confidential, even when there is not a formal Non-Disclosure Agreement between us. However, there is always a thrill to seeing the products for the first time. It is even more thrilling when one or more of my manufacturers are selected to manufacture some or all of the the product. I really enjoy the interaction I have with designers.

2. Procurement Professionals.

I also admire the work done by procurement professionals. Sometimes this role is filled by a program manager. They play a key role in determining the supply chain players for their firms. They have a big responsibility to balance not only getting the best price possible, but also making sure that the suppliers they choose are up to the task and quality requirements. Some people consider the relationship between salespeople and procurement people to be adversarial by definition. I do not agree. I understand the role they play, and I enjoy the interaction with them.

3. Suppliers.

I also work closely with the companies that I represent. With each of the suppliers that we represent there has been a courting process where they have investigated Baselodge Group to determine if we are the kind of firm they want representing them in the marketplace. In turn we have done our due diligence to make sure the firms are quality suppliers who fulfill their promises. In the process of working on a regular basis with the sales and technical people at the firms we represent, I have developed not only close working relationships with these people, but also genuine friendships. It is this team aspect of my job that reminds me of my “glory days” in athletics and that provides a lot of joy in my daily work.

Conclusion

So, the bottom line for me is that I really enjoy my job because of the excitement of the product development cycle and the opportunity to work with professional engineers, procurement pros, and ethical suppliers who are bright and who enjoy what they do. Together we each play a role in bringing high quality products into the marketplace. In some cases these products make the world a better place. In other cases these products make life easier or more convenient. In yet other cases these products may just be fun. Regardless, it all adds up to an enjoyable role for me.