If I’m hired I’ll be full-time sales in the Microsoft section of their hardware space.
What makes this a big deal is I haven’t worked since 2016. Suffering from mental illness (anxiety and panic disorder) and taking care of an elderly family member, I’ve been out of the workforce for 8 years.
I’m extremely nervous. I turned 41 last year, and I don’t want to be a NEET anymore. I’ve had nightmares about working again with all the stress and anxiety that comes with it, and now I’m thrusting myself head first into that reality.
I feel like being employed again will give me a huge boost in self confidence, but I’ve also never been this scared in my entire life.
It’s an interesting position. From the Microsoft lens, It’s a sell down approach. It’s showcase Surface first, then premium oems from like hp or Dell or whoever you prefer, then your everyday pc. With that in mind, read your customer. If they tell you I just check email, just take them to value pcs. If they say they need Photoshop, perfect lead in to Surface. Just showcase Surface whenever it makes sense.
From the Best Buy lens, it’s sell warranties and attach stuff. I’d say 80% of management in Best Buy doesn’t give 2 shits about the vendors. Be it Microsoft or Apple or Google or whoever. Just sell warranties and credit cards. Your KPIs are your lifeblood.
When I was overseeing the program, I told my specialists to listen to their bosses first. Microsoft funds your position, but Bestbuy prints your check at the end of the day. A happy boss is a happy job. If you’re in a location that has a Microsoft rep that visits on a weeklyish pace, be their best friend. You will hopefully learn 10x more from them, then Bestbuy training programs. When you are settled in a bit, you may be asked to train some of your associates. It’s nothing crazy, just make sure they are attaching Office to ANY machine, be it a pc or Apple or Chromebook. Drink a little Microsoft kool-aid, mix it with Bestbuy expectations, and you’ll be golden.
I left when Windows 11 was coming out. I hated 11, but I knew I had to train it and sell it. Whatever your opinion about anything is, put your Microsoft glasses on and just be honest. Don’t talk shit about competitors like Apple or Chrome, just be authentic to yourself. Keep in the back of your mind that your position is paid by Microsoft, but your #1 job is to have that customer leave informed and happy, so they come back to you and your store. Take a deep breath and just do what’s right for the customer.
If you don’t mind, what general location are you working in? It’s been a couple years but I might still know someone on the Microsoft or Bestbuy sise.