Rainmakers and Your Business

I find it interesting when talking with other business owners, sales managers, and sales executives, that Rainmakers are seen as equivalent to "Super Star" Sales People.

Historically, to the Native Americans, the Rainmaker was most valued when there were droughts and fields dried up. Today, that is still true in the business world. When sales slow down, and leads dry up, the powers that be want someone who can make it rain - or pour revenues.

When you are looking to hire a Rainmaker, you should ask yourself:

Do you want this person to bring in new business only? Or do you want them to build on existing relationships as well? Often, the Rainmaker is challenged by the Hunt. They get bored and start looking for greener pastures when they are asked to Farm; they see paperwork as a necessary evil at best.

How important is it that the Rainmaker work as part of a team? Some Rainmakers can work alone or as part of a team. Others do far better when they are given the details of what you want done and then left alone to get the job done. During the interview, ask questions that elicit details of times the person worked as a member of a team. Watch for clues that the Rainmaker felt like the other team members "held them back".

Check back later for more questions you should ask when hiring a Rainmaker.

Read more articles on hiring Rainmakers here