Face of a retiree after selling pharma pills in his life.
Ravi Speaks:
Retirement is a topic that’s often talked about but rarely embraced. For me, it’s the next step in my journey after spending four decades selling pharma products. As I look back on my career, I realize that there were many valuable lessons I learned along the way. In this article, I’ll share 27 of them with you, along with some personal insights. I never thought the day would come when I could finally say goodbye to the pharmaceutical industry. For four long decades, I’ve been peddling pills and promoting potions, all in the name of better health. But as I look back on my career, I can’t help but smile at all the strange and wonderful things I’ve experienced along the way. From battling regulatory red tape to navigating field managers’ politics, I’ve learned a thing or two about life and work. So, without further ado, here are the 27 lessons I learned from selling pharma products for four decades before retiring.
Lesson 1: Always listen to your customers
One of the most important things I learned during my career is the importance of listening to your customers. They are the ones who ultimately determine the success of your products, so it’s crucial to understand their needs and concerns. By doing so, you can tailor your products and services to better meet their needs.
Lesson 2: Persistence is key
Selling pharma products is not an easy task. It takes time, effort, and persistence. There were many times when I faced rejection and setbacks, but I learned to push through and keep going. This persistence ultimately paid off in the long run.
Lesson 3: Embrace change
The pharma industry is constantly changing, with new products and technologies being developed all the time. To stay relevant and competitive, it’s important to embrace change and be open to new ideas and approaches.This lesson I learnt very late since I served in one organisation the whole tenure of four decades.Had I changed just as it is done now a days-I would have surely developed more confidence in taking higher risks for doing something extra ordinary.
Lesson 4: Network, network, network
Networking is key in the pharma industry. It’s not just about who you know, but who knows you. So, put yourself out there and make connections. Who knows, you might just meet your next business partner or even a new friend. Networking is crucial in any industry, but it’s especially important in the pharma world. By building strong relationships with colleagues, customers, and industry experts, you can gain valuable insights and opportunities.I could not develop this also to a greater extent.The simple reason for this was my restricting to serve in one organisation through out.Now I realise that why people after they were ousted or retired from my organisation were just a misfit for the rest of the third world.One must go on changing the job or nature of the job and cling to the newer things as often as possible.
Lesson 5: Always be honest
Honesty is the best policy, both in business and in life. Being transparent and truthful with your customers and colleagues’ builds trust and credibility, which are essential for long-term success. This makes you a very strong principled salesman in your daily dealings as well.
Lesson 6: Stay up-to-date on regulations
Pharma regulations can be complex and ever-changing. It’s important to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest rules and guidelines to ensure that your products and services are compliant. This applies to almost every one if he has to survive in the highly volatile competition.
How to navigate regulatory requirements and compliance issues
The pharma industry is highly regulated, and compliance is a must. Stay up to date on the latest regulations, and make sure you’re following them to a T.
Lesson 7: Take care of your health
In the pharma industry, we focus on helping others maintain their health. But it’s equally important to take care of our own health as well. This includes eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest. We are always on the move and go to various places.WE are not sure of the stuff we eat at times,because we don’t go to nice places only but even to the far flung backward areas as well. Therefore we must take fullcare of our own health first.
How to manage stress and maintain work-life balance
The pharma industry can be stressful, but it’s important to find ways to manage that stress. Take breaks, exercise, and spend time with loved ones. And remember, work isn’t everything.
Lesson 8: Build a strong team
No one achieves success alone. Building a strong team of talented individuals is crucial for any business or organization. By working together, you can achieve more than you ever could on your own.The stronger the team the stronger is your power to perform. Being a manager in the pharma industry isn’t just about barking orders at your team. It’s about finding the right balance between leading and supporting them. Delegate tasks, but also be available to lend a helping hand.
Lesson 9: Embrace technology
Technology has revolutionized the pharma industry in many ways, from research and development to distribution and sales. Embracing new technologies and staying on the cutting edge can give you a competitive advantage.The onset of digitization has in a way changed the whole scenario of the world.
Lesson 10: Keep learning
Learning is a lifelong process. Whether it’s through formal education, professional development, or personal experiences, there’s always something new to discover and learn. You can’t be stuck in your ways if you want to succeed in the pharma industry. Keep an eye out for new trends and changes, and don’t be afraid to adapt and innovate.
Lesson 11: Stay organized
In the fast-paced world of pharma sales, organization is key. Keeping track of your customers, sales data, and other important information can help you stay on top of your game. Confidentiality and ethics are crucial in the pharma industry. Don’t be the one to spill the beans or cut corners. Always do the right thing, even if it’s not the easy thing.
Lesson 12: Be adaptable
The pharma industry is constantly changing, so it’s important to be adaptable and flexible. This means being able to pivot quickly when needed and being open to new ideas and approaches.
Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. The pharma industry is full of unexpected challenges, so you need to be flexible and adaptable. Roll with the punches, and keep moving forward
Be a Chameleon: One day you might be talking to a doctor about hypertension, and the next day you might be chatting with a nurse about vaccines. To survive in pharma sales, you need to be able to adapt to your audience and speak their language.
Lesson 13: Learn from your mistakes
We all make mistakes, but it’s important to learn from them and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
Lesson 14: Stay positive and Be proactive
A positive attitude can make all the difference in sales and in life. By staying optimistic and upbeat, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
Now on the other side following are some more lessons which are mentioned in a fun way sothat their seriousness is picked up in simpler terms.
Lesson 15: Learn to Love the Acronyms
The pharma industry loves acronyms almost as much as it loves big data. If you can’t decipher the difference between EMA and FDA, or AIIMS and AIAM, you’ll be lost in a sea of letters and regulations.
Lesson 16: Embrace the Power Lunch
If you want to get ahead in the pharma industry, you need to know how to schmooze with the best of them. That means booking fancy restaurants, ordering the most expensive wine on the menu, and making small talk about the latest clinical trials.That way building the relations with clients/doctors through doctor meet programmes etc.
Lesson 17: Learn to Love the Spreadsheet
Data is king in the pharma industry, and spreadsheets are your trusty steed. If you can’t manipulate numbers and create graphs like a pro, you’ll be left behind in the race to the top.
Lesson 18: Keep Your Friends Close, and Your Competitors Closer
You never know when you’ll need to collaborate with a competitor, or when they might become your boss. Stay friendly with everyone, and never burn bridges.
Lesson 19: Get Comfortable With Rejection
No one likes to hear the word “no,” but in pharma sales, it’s a fact of life. Learn to bounce back from rejection and keep pushing forward.
Lesson 20: Be a Master of Small Talk
If you can’t make small talk about the weather, sports, or current events, you’re going to have a tough time making connections in the pharma industry. Brush up on your chit-chat skills and keep the conversation flowing.
Lesson 21: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
No one knows everything, and it’s okay to ask for help when you’re stuck. Whether it’s a colleague, a mentor, or an online forum, seek out advice and guidance when you need it.
Lesson 22: Always Keep a Spare Tie in Your Desk Drawer
 You never know when you’ll spill coffee on your shirt or forget your tie at home. Keep a spare outfit in your desk drawer, just in case.
Lesson 23: Don’t Skimp on the Hand Sanitizer
 Pharma reps are exposed to all sorts of germs and bacteria, so it’s important to keep your hands clean. Stock up on hand sanitizer and use it liberally
24.How to effectively negotiate with clients and partners
Negotiating with clients and partners can be tough, but it’s an essential part of doing business in the pharma industry. Brush up on your skills, and don’t be afraid to haggle a little. It’s all about finding a win-win solution.
25.The significance of effective time management and prioritization skills
Time management is crucial in the fast-paced world of pharma. Make a to-do list, prioritize tasks, and make the most of your day. But don’t forget to take breaks and recharge your batteries.
26.The need for continuous learning and personal and professional development
The pharma industry is constantly evolving, so you need to keep learning and growing. Attend conferences, read up on industry news, and take courses to stay on top of your game.
27.The value of leaving a positive legacy and making a difference in the lives of others.
At the end of the day, it’s important to leave a positive legacy and make a difference. Whether it’s helping to develop life-saving medication or mentoring the next generation of pharma professionals, strive to make a positive impact. After all, that’s what it’s all about.
I hope these brief elaborations would surely help you learn the serious lessons in a fun way. My observations may not resemble your observations but the crux of the inference would surely be the same coming out. Let me conclude by saying the rest of my life after the retirement is surely the best of my life and I believe the learning about life would continue to put more challenges in the left over time to unfold.
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