How can I afford it? (An article for Salesmen)

pic: Daniel Kwok’s adidas Banshee since 1998

Some advice on how to afford new “stuff” you have always wanted.

See this shoe? I have had it ever since the late nineties... still using it. Yes. I know it is time to replace it. But how can I afford it?

There are a few things in my “Things To Buy” list. I want a PDA hand-phone, a new digital camera and a new shoe. On top of that, I would be looking into furnishing a new apartment later this year.

If you so happen to be in Sales (selling for a commission), then you might probably want to recalculate your earnings to reflect your “wants”. Being in sales is a great help for people who want to earn more for their time. And by aligning your “wants” to your commission, you will have the biggest motivation anyone could ever receive.

Calculate backwards

Lets say you want to earn $20K this year. Calculate backwards how much you should sell just to achieve $20K. This new figure is your Personal Target. From there, plan your sales accordingly by quarter, by month and by week. By calculating this way, you may notice that your personal target may be higher than the target your company has set for you.

Does your personal target exceed the target set for you?
Not to worry. Your company has told you not to fall short of your target, but never to stopped you from surpassing it. Just go for it! Let next year worry for itself. Who knows, just by exceeding your sales target you will be promoted to Sales Manager and never worry about sales targets anymore? After all, if you can achieve and surpass your company’s targets, you deserve greater challenges, bigger responsibilities and a higher pay check than what you are receiving.

If it is too much, review your “wants”. Perhaps you do not need it after all? Are there any other alternatives?

Look for other cheaper alternatives.
My adidas Banshee has been coming apart at the seams. At $200 bucks a pair, I have figured that I can still use it after it comes back from the cobbler. I could probably use it until the end of 2006.

Borrowing things from people who are able to lend it to you is also a cheaper alternative. Renting is also an alternative.


What if I don’t do sales or don’t receive a commission?
In your own time start analyzing avenues in your workplace that allows you for a higher income.
1) Analyze your company’s mission and vision to see if you can align your growth accordingly.
2) Analyze your company’s hierarchy to chart your own growth. Perhaps even help create a new department (which you will head) or innovate a new range of products that will grow into a cash cow.

Never allow yourself to fall into the “overtime” trap. Overtime is never a long term strategy. If getting yourself promoted means studying for a Masters in your field, working on extra projects, improving on work conditions around your workplace, or even learning to manage others, do that.

Work on things to accomplish apart from your day-to-day work. You are paid your salary to perform your day-to-day work. You will not receive anything more unless you start taking on your boss’s work. Then, you can receive his salary too.

The secret in affording what you want.
The secret is working hard to accomplish things that will either get sales for you (if you are in sales) or get you promoted. Working hard alone does not cut it. Working hard with a purpose can and will bring you to a higher plane in your company.

Keep On Running!

Concepts and ideas are borrowed from friends and my working environment.