If you are new to sales, you may find it strange that everyone outside of your department seems to think you are evil. If you are an experienced sales person then you know the drill. Accounting, HR, Production, Customer Service, Administrative Assistants, they all seem to despise sales people. A frustrating reality for many sales based businesses but there always seems to be a substantial division between sales and the rest of the company.

Do you want to enjoy going to work every day? Do you want to be able to question your commission check without getting screamed at? Would you like to contribute in staff meetings without getting the evil eye? Ask for a report from your admin without a mumbling of comments as you turn and walk away.

I’ve spent time pondering this notion of hating sales people. I’ve been on both sides, I’ve observed and it comes down to one thing. You need to be the bigger person and do just a little sucking up. Trust me. It will be worth it when you enjoy going to work and people want to help you do your job.

Now I’m not saying be fake and pretend that these people are you best friend. I’m saying treat everyone according to this one philosophy; Treat Others as you wish to be treated. Easy as that.

Here is what I’ve observed. There are enough sales people that come in the door acting high and mighty, disrespectful and arrogant that many people in the company start to generalize that all sales people behave this way. Occasionally there is jealousy about the idea that sales people make all the money. Whether true or a misconception, it is often seen that the support team does most of the work and the sales people get paid for it. Don’t let the generalizations ruin what could be a positive and rewarding environment.

Treat others as you wish to be treated. Do you want them to help you when you need it? Be open to helping others when they need it. Do you feel disrespected? Be respectful to every person you work with. Do you want to be thanked for your hard work? Be sure to thank every person that has helped you get a deal or been helpful to one of your customers. Does it bother you when you pass people in the hallway and they look right past you and never make eye contact? Smile and say HI when you pass them in the hallway. Do you hate it when you depend on someone else and their part of the job is sloppy and unfinished? Be sure to be thorough in you paper work.

It’s simple really. Don’t give your coworkers a reason to dislike you. Be organized. Be gracious. Be happy. Be helpful. Life will then be good.