I have handed over my sales network. Now help me let go.

Hi Aunty B,

I need some help please.

I have just agreed to let a statewide sales business take charge of my sales and distribution network.

They met all my criteria and share my philosophies in my particular industry.

But I am a little fearful of losing control and being out of the loop when it matters. It has taken me years to build the brand and I do really need to go to the next level. Can you offer some insight into maintaining an approach that won’t be alarmist and will offer more support structures to ensure we are on the same page, always?

Cheers

Dear Cheers,

I can’t give away your identity but just letting you know I love your wine! Look, I don’t want to be alarmist but you are right to be fearful. Really fearful. This isn’t a case of you not being able to let go. You are passing the key part of your business into the hands of strangers. And this goes to the heart of… well your heart. No money? No wine. Tragedy!

What you have to do is set very clear KPIs and monitor their results very closely. Explain that at the beginning you are going to be hands on while you pass on your knowledge and build trust. The last thing you want to do here is be intimidated into thinking you should stand back and trust them to do the right thing and then there is slippage for several months which you then have to repair.

Lastly, always trust the evidence, not the talk. The figures say something? Don’t be convinced otherwise. Act sooner rather than later. Sorry I can’t tell you that you should step back and let them do the job.

And that you are a paranoid micro managing worrywart who can’t let go. This is one case where full on paranoia will serve you well. Mind you I feel guilty telling you this because you want to spend Christmas lunch leaning back in your chair after a few brandies congratulating yourself on getting rid of the bloody sales and distribution network while instead you’ll be worrying and wish you hadn’t.

Be smart,
Your Aunty B

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