Product knowledge and even sales skills can be taught but a live list of contacts can’t, and are top of the wish-list when employing field salespeople, says Pet Trade Solutions owner Lynda Ward.

“Contacts are a key element in any salespersons armoury," says Lynda, whose business has been recruiting salespeople for the pet trade for the last 15 years. "A good contacts list can add up to £10k to the base salary offered by employers.

"It can be very difficult for enthusiastic and skilled sales people to break into our industry as most employers will give preference to those with those all-important contacts.”

So what is the answer? Lynda says: “There are exceptional salespeople who are quick to build a repartee with customers but the knack is in identifying the right people to join the trade.

"Having myself been in sales in the pet industry for over 20 years enabled me to build Pet Trade Solutions recruitment success on my own experience of sales and marketing roles, my extensive contacts within the industry and also understanding the type of person who has that special skill of quickly building sound relationships.

"We have to bring new people into the pet trade as people retire or (for some strange reason!) leave and it is critical that companies don’t waste their money, time, effort and sometimes reputation in selecting, hiring and training the wrong people.”

Lynda is always happy to personally advise on any aspects of recruitment and marketing strategy and can be contacted on 07946 743784 or at lyndaward@pettradesolutions.com