Day 5

I am struggling to absorb information while keeping up with the workload.

This web-based company has recently become profitable, and in fact is well situated to withstand turbulence: The product is deemed essential by most people.

We offer an innovative cost-saving solution that is even more attractive in hard times to core traditional companies who, in calmer weather, drift contentedly along.

I have provided free samples to a few personal acquaintances from ages past, who are now very experienced in sales and related fields. Perhaps I will be able to tap into their expertise from time to time.

So far this has been well received.

I am also getting to know my co-workers, a very impressive crew with varied and substantial skills in coding, sales, marketing, business development, and more.

Day 1

I'm hired!!

I have been made Manager of a division, although in fact I am the only person handling a technical niche product. My tasks will include:

. maintaining existing accounts
. emailing individual, personalized weekly updates
. learning our company's products and capabilities (R&D).

Also,

. researching the industry
. contacting potential clients

and - my main job - driving sales.

I have already started to receive and act on a stream of likely contacts that come to my boss's attention. We will meet every month to review strategy.

I have only a few weeks' sales experience (door to door), followed by many years in public service .. so I will be catching up on technology, the internet, and learning how to sell (mostly via email/phone).