Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Ed Rider · Accepted Answer

“Do whatever you can do to motivate yourself, not just today but tomorrow and the next day and the next day, going on forever. Stay motivated. You can put up with a lot of baloney if you’re motivated enough.”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Ed Rider · Accepted Answer

“One of the biggest things they do not take into account is how much it costs to travel. That’s a major expense. I mean, a hotel is going to be $79-$129. With gas right now, it costs me about $35 to fill up and I fill up about three times a week. 
“Then you’ve got to consider food, insurance on your vehicle, and what-have-you. You’re looking at about $150 a day to be on the road. If you have a sales job and they’re paying you a 7% commission and you’re spending $150 a day to be on the road, you have to be able to sell about $2,200 a day in sales just to get that $150 back.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Ed Rider · Accepted Answer

“If I had it to do over again, would I?
“The answer is yes, although it’s a lot different now than when I first started. When I started there were no cell phones. I spent more time in the phone booth than Superman did. Of course, it was 1972 dollars, but I was paying $8 for a motel and traveling for $100 a week and now it’s $150 a day. Other than that, you have to operate differently.
“Back in those days, we didn’t have the internet to be concerned about. That’s a big factor in this industry, to the detriment of many brick and mortar businesses and not just in our industry, but in every industry. You have to learn how to get the maximum advantage out of everything you do.”

Question 4

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Ed Rider · Accepted Answer

“I’m going to cheat a little bit and give you two words instead of one: faith and tenacity. Without either you’re not going to go very far.”

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