As sales executives we have witnessed a profound shift in corporate America. Today, it is all too common to see smart, capable, high performing sales pros being dismissed due to mergers, acquisitions, changes in direction or some other reason beyond their control.
In response to this, some displaced reps will enter the “gig” economy- jumping from one consulting project to the next while others will assume independent manufacturer’s rep jobs- constantly feeling the limits and frustrations of having just one brand to represent and one market in which to sell. What’s more, neither of these alternatives offers true self-governance, pride in ownership or a pathway to professional or personal expansion.