KEY POINTS:
What was your first job?
I moved to Perth after uni to try to get an engineering job in the oil and gas industry. That didn't happen, so I sold books door-to-door on commission. I was 22, broke and I needed the money. It was enough for beer money and to fill the car with gas - maybe a couple of hundred dollars a week. I only lasted three months.
How did you get the job?
Through the paper. If you had a pulse, they hired you.
Did you enjoy it?
I hated it and promised myself I'd never ever be a salesman again - though I sell a few dairy products nowadays.
I didn't believe in the product and I didn't believe in the company. It was like a pyramid scheme and you had these terrible meetings each morning to wind you up to sell.
What did you learn?
That you have to be passionate about the product that you are selling. Soon after that I went back to New Zealand and started working for Fonterra.
Now I'm selling something I believe in; I'm selling goodness. It's very different from trying to peddle cook books.
What was your boss like?
I don't remember. But the star Australian salesman once came to one of our meetings. He was presented, like, "this is who you could be if you worked really hard". He had this red sports car and he was the biggest prat.
Why did you leave?
Perth is just a big sandpit; I got my car stuck in the sand and it was weighted down with books. I had to get four guys from the mechanics to help me get it out. I was hungry, hot and sweating. I got out that day.
Any advice for someone starting out?
The more experiences you can get, the more things you put your hand up for, the better. Don't have any preconceived ideas, just get stuck in.
