Part-timers & Two-Timers!

I am working with an marketing organization that runs a great call center (morning Warriors!) and needs agents to run pre-set appointments for life insurance. Yes, you heard that right...pre-set...time/date and even know the name of the agent that is coming. They did an email blast in the region that said,  "Agents needed to run pre-set appointments." Simple enough concept...they have leads...agents needs leads...the makings of a great relationship...right?   Life (sales) is never that simple.   As you would imagine, the phone rang off the hook!  Between phone calls, emails and inquiries, over 400 people responded!  They asked me what the filtering criteria should be as they only needed 20 agents in order to provide the high quality opportunities that make it equitable for all involved;   Should we ask them about experience? Sure. Should we get a production history? Makes sense. Do we get references?  Why not.   The standard approach to selection would work if the pool of candidates was limited.  I recommended they tell potential candidates this is a full time position.  That appointments would be set 5-6 days a week/weekends and evenings. They began dropping like flies.   "I only wanted to work 20 hours a week." "Weekends?  I was looking for Monday-Thursday with 1/2 days on Friday." "I was hoping to supplement my income and do this on the side."   While the results are still being reviewed, I was amazed (but shouldn't have been) at the number of people who lacked the fundamental attribute to be successful in any business endeavor...  Commitment.   Hey, I get people needing to transition from their current career into sales and that it can be tough...but it takes commitment. I know people need to live a life of balance and not work 90 hours a week...but success requires commitment. I understand that the financial challenges are real (been there/done that!), but six-figure incomes can't be "phoned in"...it mandates commitment. Then there is that redeeming phone call from a candidate that says, "This sounds like the kind of opportunity I have been looking for.  I have been selling for 2 years with limited success.  I feel I have put in the effort but need guidance, coaching and opportunities to see people while I learn.  I am willing to go anywhere, anytime and will do whatever it takes to be successful.  I need this opportunity!" Reminded me of Matt from  Sales Crumbs from the Master's Table when he made his appeal to Leroy about needing help. It was sincere and heartfelt.   Snow job to get a job...could be.    I would rather take my chances on someone who can verbalize commitment and then let the process of monitoring, measuring and managing determine who says it...who means it...and who does it!   I also appreciate the people who told me of their lack of commitment...why waste their time, the marketing organizations time (and money...presets aint cheap!).  It's just a little disappointing that the industry is still filled with...   Part-timers and Two-Timers.   Until tomorrow, I wish you Money, Power, Success!