Are you being set up to fail?

Ever feel like you're being set up to fail in your sales career, Monica?

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You hear the horror stories, but how do you know if it's happening to you? The truth is, it’s easy to get caught in a situation that’s destined to go south. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back. I've coached and interviewed thousands of sales reps over the years, and trust me, I've made my fair share of career mistakes too.

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So, how do you know when it's time to get out? Let me walk you through the warning signs, starting with the big ones—what I call “Black Flags.” These are the things that, if you spot them, you need to exit stage left ASAP.

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Click the video below to learn more!

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The Black Flags:

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• Lies from Day One: If they’re not honest about the role, run. Whether it’s about hunting for leads or the scope of your responsibilities, dishonesty from the start is a huge red flag.
• Harassment or Bullying: No one deserves to feel worthless. If you’re experiencing this, talk to a mentor or coach—then, seriously consider your options.
• Missing Paychecks: Believe it or not, some companies can’t even manage this. If you’re not getting paid, it’s time to go. You’re in sales to make money, not live off hopes and dreams.

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Next up, the Red Flags—those subtler, but still serious signs that things might not be as they seem:

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The Red Flags:

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• No Success Stories: If no one’s closing deals, it’s probably not you—it’s the situation. Remember, you’re not here to perform miracles.
• Unclear Expectations: If they can’t give you a straightforward answer about your goals or KPIs, it’s a red flag. You shouldn’t have to guess what your job is.
• Unrealistic Expectations: Ever been told to close five $50K deals in 90 days at a company that’s never sold anything close? That’s a setup for failure.

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And finally, some Pro Tips for navigating these situations:

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• Have Empathy: Not every red flag means they’re out to get you. Smaller companies are often still figuring things out. Give them some grace, but don’t ignore the signs.
• Don’t Seek Landmines: Focus on the positives too. Constantly looking for what's wrong will only make it worse.
• Pressure vs. Poison: High-pressure environments can be great—they push you to grow. But if it’s toxic, it’s time to reevaluate.

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Before you make any major decisions, take a deep breath. Consult a mentor, think through your options, and don’t rush. You want to be moving towards something better, not just away from something bad.

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And if you’ve been in this situation before, learn from it. Ask the right questions in your next interview so you don’t end up making the same mistake twice.

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Keep crushing it out there.

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See you next Sunday!

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👊 JJJ