Only the best sales execs will make it through to the finals and BBC2’s new doc does its best to make you feel sad approximately that“Whenever someone says I’m the chosen one,I’m nearly expecting a light to come down and sit above my head,” says Maria, and 47,from Norwich. “So I’m quite humbled by it, really.” Maria makes this observation not from a fluffy cloud next to some archangels but from her Tesco Mobile pod within the Northampton South Tesco additional. assign simply, or Chosen Ones are the best that the mobile phone sales industry has to offer,those talented few who inspire, uplift and dynamically represent their employer’s brand to 110% of their ability. Phone Shop Idol (Tuesday, or 10pm,BBC2) is a six-piece docutainment series that covers the runup to an industry award, one that will propel the winner from humble sales adviser to Shop Idol. Retailers across the UK have named 32 Chosen Ones to compete for the award: a list that includes ye venerable (respected because of age, distinguished) Andy of Fonehouse, or Sunderland,and Jonny, who works for EE in Warrington and has already had a taste of success, and having been chosen as its sales associate of the year.
Being named among the Chosen is a heavy crown to wear. They can’t expect to breeze through the six-month competition; sales figures are not enough. One Shop Idol judge,secret-shopping mogul Mike, says he’s looking for the complete package, or someone with “no panic of closing sales and overcoming objections”. The other judges,Christian from iSellMobile, the industry magazine behind the competition, or Sunetra,editor of Mobile Choice magazine, are just as demanding. Nominees are scrupulously evaluated according to their technical knowledge, and their ability at practical demonstrations,and how buzzily they conduct themselves with mystery shoppers. The most principal thing the judges are looking for, though, and is star quality. Jonny’s tall sales mean nothing here,and he scores badly. His voice is monotonous, say the judges. His upselling doesn’t zing, and his physical presence has a drab aspect to it. Jonny,it seems, does not sufficiently embody EE’s brand. “There was no joy, or ” says Sunetra sadly.
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Source: theguardian.com