Territory What?

Is calling us territory managers as shallow attempt to make is feel empowered?
We’re told who to see
when to see them
how frequently to see them
which slides to show them
what words to use
the number of samples to leave

What is left to manage?

Not sure I’ll stick around for my 3rd year

 

Not if you’re smart.

 

The days of “managing” your territory like your own business are long gone. Computers and meta data analysis paralysis are here now. How do they come up with optimal details on doctors who haven’t seen a rep face to face in 4 years? There are thousands of them across the country. Podiatrists with cologuard OD 6? Lmfao! Sure you get a car and no time clock and decent pay for what looks like an easy job. But done right it’s a process of developing trust and relationships. The large group managers know it, that’s why the lock us out. The future isn’t what we do now. This used to be. A fun and rewarding career. Now it’s just a job. Practice the behaviors and check the boxes. Be a good caterer and don’t complain about the mega thousands of miles you drive now. Huge territories that cover whole states, overnight travel and long commutes into your territory are the norm. Promotions? LOL so few opportunities and posting without being asked to are a waste of time. If you are truly self motivated and organized go into commission sales in business to business and make some real money.

 

Great post. Sadly spot on. Most of us with years under our belt know its been over for a while but also know that no other industry would consider us based on our earnings and lack of any transferable skills so we keep living the lie. If you're under 35...I highly advise moving on to something worthwhile.

 

We do have an excellent skill! That skill is landing this job in the first place. Yes it is changing sooner than later but if you took advantage of these historically overpaid jobs and saved enough money you would be on a gravey train about now.

It was never about what you make it was always about what you keep.

 

True words. Been in 23 years. Not what it used to be. Wish I had saved and invested better but a divorce and other life events set me back. I love my customers and territory but these ‘managers’ are a pain in the ass. Lucky if you have a good one with the balls to push back once in a while. Those that have other options don’t hang your hat in pharma. I fear we are headed the way of the phone operator.

 

A little more or a little less regulation and everything could change. Who knows what’s coming when it changes on a political whim.

Public sentiment and media are mostly fake news. I haven’t heard people hating our industry or complaining about cost when our products save their lives or when we give it away for free.

Your lives and livelihoods hang in a political balance but keep voting for democrats and liberal republicans anyway, genius.

 

Are you kidding. The public hates the drug industry and see the "Drug Rep" as an over paid pill pusher. There is a reason why Offices and Hospitals are closing access. It's because there is NO VALUE of having a pushy rep and manager waste office time.

And those free samples are not free, they are built into the price of the product. Why do you think MDs give away handfuls when they can? Because patients can't afford the meds.

Finally, DM and Management, think about this. A DM is ENTRY LEVEL management. You get exactly what it is in most cases a Manager w/ an ego problem w/ an entry level job. I was in the Industry for 25 years and I can tell you I had probably 25 different managers and I can think of 2 that was worth their weight as a manager. Most of them ran around in their Brooks Brothers Suits giving out "needs to improve" and dinging you somehow on a workworth when the day went perfectly fine. I even saw 3 Managers either get demoted or moved out of the area because of poor managerial skills.

I was lucky to be w/ PFE during the great times of Viagra, Litpitor, Celebrex and a few other block busters but I can tell you that on my 25th year I decided the Industry is intolerable anymore w/ the child like behavior of not only management but the required robotic daily routine.

 

sorry to hear about your divorce and other life circumstances. its a predatory world, unfortunately. but, at least you have the mind to make a good post. I agree with you that this job is not what it was, and the corporate greed just stinks it up.

however,
companies are always going to need reps.
the thing is to stay away from public traded companies, as their loyalty is for the shareholder first, themselves (management), the brand, the doctors, and then the employees are 5th or 6th on the list of importance.

being flexible with the salary is very important in life, to get better sales opportunities with privately held companies that don't have a lot of turnover. those positions are out there, if you take the time to do the research and network.

 

Left and retired after 35 strenuous years. It only got worse more anal with control freak management from upper down to manager. Too stressful as I look back but luckily I survived and enjoying my retirement. No more Sunday night distress and life is pleasant.

 

God bless you! I’m trying to hold on to be in your position. I’ve got a while though because I’m only in my forties

 

i can’t tell if my manager leaves me alone because my numbers are great, or if my numbers are great because my manager leaves me alone

 

Read your thoughts in this sentence about 1,000 times, and you might consider other career options.

You don't have to live with this stress or fear. Its insane.

And, I hate to be mean, but it looks like money is what you worship.

 

Purdue is a great example of your ignorance. You’re a necessary evil and a number, a piece of meat to any company, private or public regardless of what you’re selling.
Loyalty? LOL. The almighty buck is God to ALL companies. It’s survival of the fittest in this world.
How old are you? 20 something? You’re very naive.

 

Survival of the fittest huh? That leaves you out broke unemployed janitor troll.

 

Still here after 28 yrs, Skippy.

 

Not really sure what you mean here but people need money to live. It’s not about worshiping money. The person was simply saying they are not in a position to retire and hoped to be able to one day. I thought that was the goal of the average person with a job is to be able to retire so why is that offensive to you? Why you felt the need to insult them is beyond me. Maybe you should take your own advice because you clearly lack empathy for any other living being.

 

Ha! That’s the philosophical dilemma we all face! I definitely perform better when my manager leaves me alone.