What are the best practices in recruiting an outsource or CPG sales representative?

There are a couple of routes you can take. You can research people with the background you are looking for in LinkedIn, post a job to indeed, recruit on indeed, network or hire a recruiter. There are pros and cons to each. Let me know if you'd like to chat about these options. I have experience doing all of the available options.

Most small brands use outside brokers as sales reps. The type of broker you need varies greatly depending on the volume you are looking for and the capital you have to support expansion. You will need someone to actively manage the brokers to get their best performance and that person should be either internal or contracted if you don't have the expertise in-house. Please let me know if you'd like any recommendations. Happy to jump on a call.

Hello!

Thank you for your question.

As you have stated that you are starting small it does make sense to recruit student / interns. They do cost less in sum then an outsorcing partner or a regular sales employee. Also they will usually stay for around 3 month. That means that you can get more people bringing input to the table in a shorter period of time with lesser risk of choosing the wrong talent. Often start ups convert the highest performing interns into regular employees.

On the flip side it is very important to hire for character and soft skills only and train your interns quickly and effectively on how to sell (or have them trained). Though there is tons of valuable material available for free online.

I hope this has given you an alternative approach.

If you ever have any question or want to elevate your sales the next level, Im looking forward to talk to you in more detail.

Keep up the hustle!

Yours,
Max