John "Mike" Sisk was a pharmaceutical rep's drug rep. Having had the pleasure to work with Mike for years, I was privy to one of the sharpest minds in pharma sales. Mike was an inspiration. Not because he was dynamic in front of a doctor ( he was reserved but thorough); not because he was one of those A Type go getters (he wanted you to underestimate him); or because he was a peerless brown-noser (a DM called him on a Friday PM and asked hi where he was. His response was "Where do you want me to be?"). He was an inspiration because, after 28 years in the business (a.k.a "the game) he knew how to survive in big pharma; a feet many people can't master. He also was kind enough to pass on this wisdom to young reps (yours truly among others) and grow a garden of drug reps who now repeat and respect this mantra and have developed successful careers in an ever-changing industry. Here are Mike's rules (to the best of my memory) Rest in peace brother. No you, no me. Ten Commandments of Being a Drug Rep 10- Go to Work 9- Stay Under the Radar 8- Always Get Your Paperwork in on Time 7- Never Fail an Open Book Test 6- Perception is Reality 5- Keep Your Numbers in the Middle 4- Stay off Lists 3- Don't Trust Anyone 2- Only Ask Questions if You Need an Answer 1- Always Take the Credit; Never Take the Blame
