Interview tomorrow at 12:30...vibes, prayers and catcalls welcome

[Amerigo Vespucci]

I have no intention of giving up my company, but...

...the 2009 / 2010 economy has kicked my ass to the point where tomorrow I will be interviewing for a sales position in a company that does what I do.

The difference?

I am a sole proprietor, this is a company with a bigger and broader client base...a greater opportunity to sell to more people.

Because I am a sole proprietor, I am also my "sales force"...I stated that in my cover email...and got an almost immediate response, requesting an interview tomorrow.

If you look at the job description, it is almost like they copied and pasted my resume.

In sort, they are looking for me. I don't say that out of arrogance. I say that because for the last nine years I have devoted myself to the study and practice of professional sales.

The mom and pop businesses are killing me. They're afraid to spend, they want deep and unrealistic discounts..."small business" may be the heart of America but right now "small business" is an unrelenting pain in the ass.

I'm not giving up. This isn't a surrender. This is called "getting back on my feet financially until I can afford doing my own thing again 24/7."

My company will still exist, nights and weekends, and I intend to make my clients aware of this.

Wish me luck, folks...not for it to happen, but for me to embrace it enthusiastically and completely, and as a necessary step in the current economy.

:toast:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear Amerigo Vespucci...

Now you know there will be NO catcalls from me. I have mixed feelings about this, but obviously you must do what you must to survive.

I'm sure you will get the job; they will be damn lucky to have you on board!

I'm wishing you all the best, babe. All. The. Best!

:hug:

:toast:

[Amerigo Vespucci]

3. I have mixed feelings too, CP...

...but fortunately I know I would be good at this, and it only needs to happen until I am back on level ground.

It will mean no more DU posts in the daylight hours...no more visiting clients during daylight hours...no more anything during daylight hours except doing the job.

In return, I can pay my bills, and I don;t plan on doing it forever.

:toast:

[Redstone]

2. My God, do I "know your pain" exactly. I've been fighting the same decision

myself, though given that I'm closer to 60 than to 50 years old and have had my company for almost 20 years, my reputation in the electronics field is a bit outdated...

Best of luck to you. I've had offers that seemed enticing, and I cannot say that I'd have been better off taking one of them.

Do what you think is best. Notwithstanding the virtues of being self-employed, there is indeed something to be said for a steady paycheck...

Redstone

[Amerigo Vespucci]

4. I think the difference is people who do this...

...and cut the cord to their own business. I don't intend to do that. If I get this job my first move will be to contact every client I have and say "I am still here for you."

As a matter of fact, I called one client today and asked her to be a reference. She said "I understand completely. And I hope that we will be able to make you busy enough so that you can get back to this full time."

It's a strategic move, not surrender. I'm giving up a few hours a day in exchange for money. I am not giving up the business I built over the last nine years. I fully intend to celebrate my tenth anniversary in June 2011.

:toast:

[Redstone]

6. So, you want to have a job and keep your business? If you can do so, please

accept my sincere best wishes and my hopes for the best outcome for you.

That's a hard road to travel, and a hard dollar to earn, and I do hope indeed that you can make it work.

Redstone

[Amerigo Vespucci]

9. I'm 54 years into a hard life

And I fully intend to do both. As I mentioned elsewhere in this thread, I already have one client...one of my "Top Ten"...fully supporting this.

I intend to get this job, if at all possible, make some money, and return to my own thing 24/7...but I will not abandon my company while doing so. I will make it work.

[Call Me Wesley]

5. Good luck and good vibes.

Haven't seen any of your websites, but have seen your photos, and if I ever have to deal with food pictures, I'd hire you in a heartbeat.

Here's to being on the road to do your thing again. :toast:

[Amerigo Vespucci]

7. Thanks...

...that's the plan, it's a stop-over: Wipe the windows, check the oil, dollar gas, back on the road to my own thing.



:toast:

[Tripper11]

8. Strong vibes and much luck your way Amerigo!

You, me, us them, we all deserve a break.
Knock 'em out!!!
SOunds like with the confidence you have you'll nail that interview.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

10. Thanks Tripper...

...I can help them. I know it, they know it (or they wouldn't have requested an interview). In exchange, they'll give me money, and when I have enough, I'll go back to doing my own thing 'round the clock.

:toast:

[Haole Girl]

11. Sending good vibes...

[Amerigo Vespucci]

13. Thank you Haole Girl!

:toast:

[Old Troop]

12. Best of luck Amerigo.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

14. Thank you Old Troop.

:toast:

[Dash87]

15. Good lucks!!!

:hi:

♥

[Amerigo Vespucci]

16. Thanks Dash!

:hi:

[FarLeftRage]

17. Much good luck and plenty o' positive vibes...

I know you will do fine in the interview.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

21. Thank you FarLeftRage...

...I am very fortunate in that interviews don't case me any anxiety. Also, I've got some strong credentials, so can just relax and have a nice conversation.

[rurallib]

18. Break a leg - er - uh - good luck!

Hope they tell you right away.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

22. Thanks...in my experience, they tell the people they want right away

I've been on both sides of the hiring fence. A lot of factors are involved...size of the company, how many sales reps they plan to hire total, the caliber of people they've spoken to so far. We shall see.

[applegrove]

19. Best of luck!

[Amerigo Vespucci]

23. Thank you applegrove!

:toast:

[foxfeet]

20. Good vibes for success coming at you!

Earlier in life, I went through an 18-month period of unemployment. It's awful. I wish you the best!

[Amerigo Vespucci]

24. Thank you foxfeet!

The big adjustment for me would be working "regular" hours...it is not unusual for me to get up at 3:00 AM and work on a Website until sunup. That would have to change. Re-setting the body clock can be a challenge, but one that will come with this particular opportunity.