So, today was... interesting.

For starters, my would be fish fry didn't work out courtesy of some bad oil in the fryer. It didn't look the part, but the overriding smell of vinegar all but confirmed it. Lucky for me, I was able to throw together something basic and get out the door and head to work with a full stomach.

Work today was enlightening. I was able to get in contact with my immediate supervisor who was 10x better to work with than the other one. She actually defined the parameters of the job which was intriguing. I'm essentially a franchise of one. Not only am I selling phones in a retail setting, but I have the independence to attract customers and facilitate those sales in any way I wish! I'm already brainstorming ideas!

I also have to keep one eye open. There's another sales rep who works for a rival company and sells phones for different carrier. Without getting too technical, I sell prepaid services you buy a card for and he sells more expensive postpaid services (classic ATT, Verizon) that you bundle stuff with. The other guys knows his product, believes in it and works hard for the sale. One of his ways of working hard for the sale: trying to steal customers from me the second they ask for space. I turn my back for one second and he's sidling up to them trying to sell his product annoying them to the point they walk away. He did that three times today. It got to the point where I had to stand between him and my customers, blocking his view and access.

Of course, if that wasn't working, I was only too happy to send him customers from his carriers that had big issues to resolve in what I guess you could call "malicious compliance." If the customer isn't interested in my stuff, my bosses don't want me getting involved in their phone business. Understandable, and I don't want to lose my job helping the competition. If the competition is there and technically has the ability to help them, why not send them his way and get him out of my hair for a little bit? Also, I made an interesting discovery overhearing some of his interactions. He can sell, but has no follow-through. Some very important technical and logistical questions were answered with what amounted to "I don't know." in sales speak.

I'm pretty sure I've got him sized up!

Tomorrow, I start making plans for my "franchise!" I'm actually looking forward to it!