What does one do when the eyes tire of peering into microscopes? When the petri dish runs dry and the white coat feels like an unfashionable frock? This could mean a serious rethink and a move into…..sales. And why not?

A survey by G&S Discovery market research found that six out of 10 reps are “very” or “extremely” happy with their employers, even though more than 40 percent felt their compensation wasn’t fair or competitive. Getting off on talking technology obviously has its attractions.

For those needing to escape their drab cages, The Scientist offers advice on making the successful leap to selling expensive gear: Chat up those reps who visit and polish those people skills. Being brainy isn’t enough. One must know how to schmooze and seduce.

Says Doug Jarvis, lab-rat-turned-technical-sales-consultant: The people who often do well in sales are “outgoing, [have] skills to interact with people at all different levels. Someone who’s not timid. Someone who can go with the flow and deal with the ups and downs of the job.”

Now, if only more ceo’s had the same skills.

Take a peek at The Scientist and check out one rep’s routine.

Hat tip to OnPharma [tags]Sales Reps[/tags]