Is my boss expecting too much from me too soon?

Nathaniel_Essex

Hi all,

I recently started a new role 2 weeks ago as an account manager. My main objectives are to find new business partners (other companies), develop the odd ones handed to me and get them to introduce business to us.

I done a similar role previously for a year and it's fair to say I'm quite new to this level of seniority, being the only one in my position and being paid £50k. My first week felt like a wasted opportunity. I was introduced to most of the team but there was no real intro, induction or training specific to my role.

From my second week, my boss kept asking me (a lot) "how are the sales going?". I identified a few targets and was getting meetings booked with a couple old contacts but nothing particularly special. I still felt/feel I haven't been shown the ropes and don't feel too comfortable approaching people at the moment.

I've asked to shadow in on a few meetings, each time I've been told yes but either been forgotten about or he's changed his mind. Recently we had a joint meeting to go to which my boss arranged. Whilst on my way there I get a call saying he's not attending and I should do the meeting myself.

I handled myself well at the meeting but could not agree anything as I have little to no idea what I can offer, accept or do in such a deal. He calls me after the meeting and ask me how it goes but sounds disappointed I did not get a mega, let alone any, deal agreed.

I'm just left scratching my head a little. For such a role, am I just expected to get up and get on with it with little to no training? Haven't been shown the CRM or any intranet functions, been given targets, examples of how deals are done and the process amongst a lot more.

My previous role, I was told what my targets were, was given two weeks training around the systems, sales pitch and processes. Was told what the maximum discounts we could do and how a typical deal is structured.

For a role paying what this role is paying, is it typical not to be given an induction as mentioned is the previous paragraph?

UPDATE - Hi all, just a bit of an update. So I have been working here for a bit longer. As some people here suggested, on my salary I should just be getting on with things and I have been doing so. I think the main problem is is my boss is one of those people who is all over the place and has 0 time management skills.

It affects me because we are working on this new sales route together. For example, I have agreed a number of deals quite early on but they need his sign off which he never gets around to doing. I am happy about meeting new prospects myself but he is insistent on being part of the meetings. Problem is he has already on a number of occasions cancelled meetings last minute, does not respond to diary invites or does not put things in his diary so when I do book things it ends up being double-booked.

I feel that my performance is explicitly linked to his.

xapprenticex

at 50k they will expect you to hit the ground running.

TELLIT01

xapprenticex wrote: »

at 50k they will expect you to hit the ground running.

That's my thought too. You haven't gone into a junior role where mentoring would be expected. You say you did a similar role for a year, but then say you're quite new to this level of seniority. Did you possibly over-egg your experience in your CV? This could be the outcome.
You can't expect to be spoon fed the information you say you need. You need to be pro-active and ask for it. At least then you have a defence if sales/lead expectations aren't met.

getmore4less

Nathaniel_Essex wrote: »

I've asked to shadow in on a few meetings, each time I've been told yes but either been forgotten about or he's changed his mind. Recently we had a joint meeting to go to which my boss arranged. Whilst on my way there I get a call saying he's not attending and I should do the meeting myself.

I handle myself well at the meeting but could not agree anything as I have little to no idea what I can offer, accept or do in such a deal. He calls me after the meeting and ask me how it goes but sounds disappointed I did not get a mega, let alone any, deal agreed.

What lesson have you learnt from this?

I wait for your answer before suggesting some

robatwork

Your post stopped making much sense after para 1 can you try to rephrase? Perhaps I'm being harsh and English isn't your first language

Nathaniel_Essex wrote: »

Hi all,
From my second week, my boss kept asking him (a lot) "how are the sales going?". I identified a few targets but apart and was getting meetings booked with a couple old contacts but nothing particularly special. I still felt/feel I haven't been shown the ropes and don't feel too comfortable approaching people at the moment.

Who is "him"? What do you mean "apart"?

Nathaniel_Essex wrote: »

I'm just left scratching my head a little. For such a role, am I just expected to get up and get on with it with little to no training? Haven't been shown the CRM or any intranet functions, been given targets, examples of how deals are done and the process amongst a lot more.

This means your boss is rubbish

Nathaniel_Essex wrote: »

My previous role, I was told what my targets were, was given two weeks training around the systems, sales pitch and processes. Was told what I'd the maximum discounts we could do and how a typical deal is structured.

For a role paying what this role is paying, is it typical not to be given such news induction as mentioned is the previous paragraph?

No - you need induction even if you're on £500,000.
This company sound clueless.

Ozzuk

The company does sound clueless, but also at 50k you should be showing more initiative. You should be arranging meetings with whoever you need to get the information from, you should be sending your manager a list of all the areas you need to be familiar with and ask for his support whilst you do you own groundwork.

If this is a 50k OTE role then it might be different, but if that is your basic then time to knuckle down and push for the answers you need. Upwards managing should be one of your skills at this level.

Good luck!

surreysaver

I'm inclined to agree with the others. At £50k you need to show your own initiative, and rather than whinging about a 'wasted first week', you should have spent that first week accruing the knowledge and arranging your own training rather than expecting it to have been handed to you on a plate.

trailingspouse

You've talked the talk - now you have to walk the walk. And the longer you leave asking questions the harder it will be, so do it now.

Well done on your promotion. Now get that finger out, and get on with it.

jobbingmusician

Why not plan your own induction, identify the people within your own company you need to meet to find out how their roles interface with yours and ring them and ask to meet. Or take those people out to lunch - they might even have some leads for you....

motorguy

xapprenticex wrote: »

at 50k they will expect you to hit the ground running.

+1

If i'd just bought in a £50K a year sales guy, i'd expect him to be on sales like a dog with a bone

Wobblydeb

I think there's a balance to be struck here. Yes, you should be showing initiative, but equally the business should be making an effort to help you become an effective sales person. Unfortunately I think you've landed at a rubbish employer. The fact that you're an account manager without targets speaks volumes. :eek:

As others have said, it isn't all about your line manager spoon feeding you. Are there other sales people? Who seems keen to help show you the ropes? You've identified what you need to know, now start asking around.