Go for it. What do you have to lose? It's nice to be a senior tenured seller but if you're not making what you are worth and have no significant chance for advancement, time to try another gig. You can always go back to Radio if you don't like Cable.
If there is no place for advancement I say go for the new position with the cable company, but be weary I had a colleague who worked for Time Warner and he said the pressure there was overwhelming if you didn't produce results. If you have a good lead list and existing clients going in, maybe that would relieve some of that pressure right away.
More than anything I recommend you trust your guy pray about it and do what you feel is in your best interest.
I'm sure it depends on your area and the company...But, I would JUMP at it...as long as you don't have a non compete! The markets I have worked in, the cable reps have always KILL it, and have LOVED their companies.
Although it was different (even 10 years ago), but now very few of them ever switch to Network or Radio!
If they're handing you an active account list as incentive to move it sounds like more than your current employer is doing to make sure you stay.
This is almost a no brainer. You're at a "cluster", the money ain't great and little chance to advance. If this is truly a "local" cable company and they have a good reputation I think I would do it. Only you can make the decision, you know your capabilities. Are you self motivated? I am assuming a "rather heavy sales list" means a lot of good accounts with some already doing business with the company. I've never sold cable, but I would think it would be somewhat easier than selling radio. I'm also assuming the cable company is in the same or adjacent market and you are already established with the businesses in the area. You should be able to hit the ground running. Sometimes change is hard, even when your gut says you should do it. Good luck!
As many of the others have advised, give serious consideration to the move. However, there is a big IF out there. I live in a community of 26K and a service area around 65-70K. We have a competitive cable system here in town. However, fiber optics is shaking up the profession. We have a new firm here in our community and within two years will also offer television/internet/phone, etc just like the cable folks. Right now it's just internet and phone but small, local phone companies that have installed fiber optics are now getting into the TV programming business.
Just check out the move in total before you step off.
Sound like a good opportunity...just make sure you have everything in writing, regarding goals, and compensation. Along with expectations...3-month review, 6-month review etc. There shouldn't be any gray areas once you start!
Good Luck,
Bob D
This may sound a bit harsh and not knowing you I apologize if it doesn't but if you are a veteran in sales, isn't it up to you to earn as much as you want? If advancement is what you desire and it is with the cable company, that I understand. If you are moving from one sales position to another, regardless of "the list", you have to make it work.
I know I'm not in the majority here, by a lot. Personally, I could have never left radio to sell cable as I truly believed then and believe now that radio is still the smartest investment for advertisers, especially in the size of markets most of us are in.
I would agree with Georgia....it's all about survival. I know it's hard changing from something you love to do....I thought I would have a hard time changing from selling music formats to selling 24/7 Comedy....but it turned out to be the best thing that has ever happened to me...so you never know what's on the other side.
Good point. Utility companies are also getting into the cable, phone and internet business and they often control the fiber.
Joel's point is good. When talking to potential clients who are waffling between cable and radio, I frequently make the point that it's interesting how cable companies lure customers with hundreds of channel options, DVR's that give the customer the chance to skip all the ads, and then tell businesses it's a great place to advertise.
I have read the other posts and will step out of line a little.
I for one would NOT quit my radio gig to TRY cable TV.
You need to understand that everyone with a DISH will NOT see your client's ads! (photo to help that sink in - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0d/Berlin-neu...)
Also... I have a DVR... I have not watched a TV ad of any kind for three years! I buzz by them. I ALWAYS skip the first 15 to 20 minutes of a show so I can start watching late and buzz past the ads. Not because I don't like ads... as an ad guy... I actually DO like ads, but I don't have TIME to watch them... and trust me... MOST PEOPLE are skipping the ads on TV now.
If you want to make more $$... here is what I would do. Find a new client each week for the next twelve months. BUILD YOUR CURRENT LIST INTO THE LIST YOU WANT!!! Let the little ones go and nurture the bigger clients!
I hope you do the right thing... and only YOU know what that is!
(OK.... time for a personal confession.... I wanted more out of life too... so I bought my own station... trust me... I made MORE MONEY before, but I am having a BLAST now... and we're making a difference!)
John Small
owner-mornings-sales-janitor
www.MySunnyRadio.com
This RSC member wishes to remain anonymous, but he appreciates your help - thank you all for taking the time to share your thoughts!
