I wrote this article on my way back from San Antonio, Texas after attending my company’s annual sales conference. I decided that since most of us attend some event like this for training, awards, meetings etc., it would be relevant to talk about how to stay healthy during these types of functions.

By healthy I mean more that just physical. At these events your career, emotional and mental health are at stake as well. As I have matured in my life I am viewing these events very differently than I did when I was young. When I was young I viewed sales conferences as a big party and a chance to reunite with all the buddies made during previous events.  

My first big conference occurred when I was with ARAMARK and we got to go to the luxurious Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. Our company put on an amazing conference for us and we were treated like royalty. I had a blast while hanging out with my buds as that is really all that I cared about. Back then I did not consider the impact and the ramifications of my actions.  But it is important to understand that during these functions your actions could move you towards a promotion, bigger pay checks or, if you are not careful, end you up on the street. 

7 Tips for Staying Healthy at Your Next Sales Event

1)     Eat healthy: This can be a big challenge as these events tend to be continuous feedings. In San Antonio, for the first time ever, I pushed away from almost every dessert that came my way. I felt incredibly empowered by not giving into my sweet tooth and very proud of my accomplishment. I calculated that I turned down over 3,500 calories in desserts alone (this would have equated to a pound of weight gain.). Choose the healthiest foods at those mountainous buffets. Stick with fruits, vegetables and grilled chicken and shy away from the bacon, sausage and fried foods.

2)     Exercise: Most every facility your company chooses will have an exercise room - use it! Exercise and healthy eating will keep you from nodding off during your seminars and allow you to get more from your sessions as you will be more alert and focused.

3)     Get Enough Sleep: There will be a lot going on and you will be tempted to stay out late with old or new friends. Develop the self-discipline to go to bed early and get enough sleep. There is nothing more miserable than sitting in sessions when you are tired and worn out and trust me your misery will show. One trick I use is to agree with myself in advance the time I will be back in my room. By setting my target time before I go out, rather than leaving it open ended, I almost always keep that promise.

4)     Stay Positive: Positive people exude energy which draws people to them. Many times while at an event you may find out bad news about compensation plan, competitor threat, or your companies weaknesses. It is natural to want to complain and whine in the presence of your peers. After all, you are in the same boat. However, no one wants to be around a whiner or someone who is always negative. In fact people try to get away from those who are always stuck on the downside. If you need to vent, find a safe place like a friend or spouse that is not at the conference and make sure your conversation cannot be overheard and misconstrued. If you have a positive bent no matter what comes your way your peers and managers will take note and it will help you towards promotion.

5)     Drink in moderation: Alcohol is responsible for most of the major problems at sales conventions. Salespeople are a very thirsty group and often get themselves into trouble by drinking too much. Once you have had too much to drink, your judgment is clouded and you may lose control of your actions. It is also very important to take notice of your sales culture at your organization as well. The corporate culture at Aramark and Grainger was much rowdier in comparison to the culture in the health care industry and Kimberly-Clark. Behavior at the industrial companies that was acceptable would be considered highly offensive in health care.

{sidebar id=10 align=left}6)     Network: When you are at a gathering of your peers the best of the best are in attendance and it is critical that you utilize these resources to invest in yourself. If you see a representative who is a top performer in an area where you are struggling, go up to them and introduce yourself and ask for pointers. Top Sales Professionals love the attention and like to brag so utilize this opportunity to find out how these top people are winning. Network with the managers or departments you would like to move towards in your career. If you have the opportunity to share your dreams and visions you may win the heart of a manager who will want to help you grow and succeed.

7)     Learn: Make your trip worthwhile. Pay attention in the sessions. Sit up front so you won’t be distracted. Take notes. The things your company is trying to teach you will help you become more successful. Take it seriously. Even if you have been around for a long time you can still pick up something new. My rule is never pass up free training.  Bonus Tip: Have fun!  

Stay Fit – Sell More