The Sales Survival Handbook: Cold Calls, Commissions, and Caffeine Addiction—The Real Truth about Life in Sales

by Ken Kupchik

Welcome to the world’s oldest profession . . . sales.

Working in sales, you have the opportunity to make more money and drink more coffee than you ever thought possible! You also get these bonus benefits: customers who lie to your face, quotas that change as soon as you hit them, management that puts soul-crushing demands on you to produce . . . and so much pressure you’re likely to experience PSSD (Post Sales Stress Disorder). Whether you’ve been in sales for a while, are new to the game, or just need a lift, this humorous yet practical guide shows you how to:

Overcome objections without tears ● Get out of a sales slump…legally ● Cold call without sedatives ● Beg for referrals ● Spot common types of customers, coworkers, and managers ● Decipher compensation plans ● Deal with the day-to-day ● Maintain a social life (mission impossible) ● And much, much more

The Sales Survival Handbook contains all the do’s, don’ts, quizzes, lists, and real-world advice you need to survive the agony and enjoy the ecstasy of your sales career.

208 pages, Paperback

Published September 7, 2017

Reviews

[Christian · Rating 1 out of 5]

If it is your first or second year in sales, you might find this funny.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first, I was amazed this book got published. Re-thinking it, this may be a good book for high school graduates / dropouts going into sales. A lot of strikingly obvious advices and stupid jokes, but could work for high school-level audience. The book does provide simplified sales intro with complete lifecycle view.

[Andrea Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious in the aspect that you have a office sales job, not so much on the retail floor - but none the less humerus. I shared it with my team for a good hearted laugh as we are a sales family who also enjoy each others company (in the office)

[Rex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives a nice insight into the life of a salesperson and is surprisingly really funny,

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect mix of humor and actual sales/career advice. I look forward to sharing this with the sales reps I manage.

[Nina · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the worst material I have ever read. I dont even feel comfortable referring to it as a book. I thought it was pretty bad from the start but continued to read it just to be sure. Should have listened to myself from the beginning. What a complete and utter waste of time. This book tries to straddle the area between real book and humor and fails at both. I wasted 9.99 on this book and wouldn't read it again if you paid me 999.99, it's that bad. The only reason I gave it one star is zero stars is not an option.

This is the worst material I have ever read. I dont even feel comfortable referring to it as a book. I thought it was pretty bad from the start but continued to read it just to be sure. Should have listened to myself from the beginning. What a complete and utter waste of time. This book attempts to straddle the area between real book and humor and fails at both. I wasted 9.99 on this book and wouldn't read it again if you paid me 999.99, it's that bad. The only reason I gave it one star is zero stars is not an option.

[Suraj Krishnan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I often do my due diligence before purchasing a book. However, purchasing this book was more of an impulse decision as it was suggested by one of my favourite sales writers on Quora.

As soon as you start reading this book, you will realise that you have made an awful choice since the writing is very amateur and shallow despite promising headings. The author, Ken Kupchik renowned for his sales humour uses it excessively, almost to the extent that we feel the entire book is a joke. There is no fluidity in the writing and the statements provided by Ken often tests the reader's patience.

The book has been written with no target audience in mind. The author claims that this book will be useful for sales new-comers and veterans alike, although the only person who can actually use this book is the author himself for him to review his writing.

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good, 50% humor and 50% general tips.
Definitely meant to be a light read. Don't go in too hard on trying to LEARN from the book, el'se you forgo appreciating the humor, which is literally half the book (every other sentence.) Learning-wise, it offers gentle reminders of the basics of sales, but nothing deep and profound. Overall a pleasant book with good takeaways.
That foreward by Jeb Blount, though--probably my favorite part.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Light Hearted Look at Sales

Overall covers a lot of the ups and downs of sales, various situations and what the life is like (yes I drink too much coffee). Trying to inject humor into the end of every single paragraph gets a bit old, but I did have some laugh out loud moments when he nails it.

[Ben Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was actually a gift from my VP, and I'm very appreciative of it.

Laughed the whole way through, but there are some great lessons about not taking everything so serious placed throughout. Recommend anyone in sales.

[Chris Couch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny, great introductory to sales. Not really a tool for advancement. But super funny

[Anton Sigurdur · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read, not much to build on and learn from but few laughs here and there.