Meaning of Through The Looking Glass: Hiring Sales People by Run-D.M.C.

In the song "Through The Looking Glass: Hiring Sales People" by Run-D.M.C., the overall theme revolves around the challenges of hiring and building a successful sales team. The lyrics metaphorically compare salespeople to the "big bad wolf" in your neighborhood - not bad in a negative sense, but bad meaning good.One standout lyric that helps develop this theme is "A good sales interview is the opposite." This lyric highlights the stark contrast between hiring strategies for engineers and salespeople. It delves into the idea that while a technical interview for engineers might focus on problem-solving skills and technical knowledge, a sales interview requires a different approach. It suggests that salespeople need specific personality traits such as courage, competitiveness, and hunger, in addition to intelligence. This theme emphasizes the unique qualities that make a great salesperson and highlights the importance of understanding these distinctions in the hiring process.Another notable lyric is "Do you think you could kick my ass?" This lyric, taken from an interview between Dick Harrison, CEO of Parametric Technologies, and Mark Cranney, the greatest sales manager the songwriter has ever met, explores the idea of courage and intelligence in sales. It raises the question of whether someone has the courage to face challenges head-on and the intelligence to navigate difficult situations. By asking this question, Dick gauges Mark's ability to handle adversity and his overall resilience. This lyric suggests that a successful salesperson must possess both physical and mental strength, showing that the job is not simply about selling a product but also about overcoming obstacles and thriving in a competitive environment.The song also delves into the notion that a successful sales force might come from unexpected backgrounds. The line "To succeed at selling a losing product, you must develop seriously superior sales techniques," suggests that triumphing in a challenging sales environment requires exceptional tactics and strategies. It implies that individuals who have succeeded in selling difficult or unpopular products possess valuable skills and experience. This idea highlights the importance of looking beyond surface level accomplishments when evaluating potential salespeople. It suggests that those who have accomplished great things in unfavorable or challenging circumstances might be the key to building an exceptional sales team.Furthermore, the song introduces the concept of speed in hiring and firing salespeople. The line "you often can't afford to build out your sales force too slowly" acknowledges the competitive nature of the sales industry and the need for rapid growth. It implies that while slow hiring might be advisable for engineering organizations to ensure quality and avoid costly mistakes, sales organizations operate differently. Sales managers generally have little hesitation in firing poor performers, leading to a fast-paced environment where only the successful and motivated thrive. The theme of speed in sales reinforces the notion that a successful sales team requires quick decision-making, adaptability, and a focus on results.Overall, the song "Through The Looking Glass: Hiring Sales People" by Run-D.M.C. presents an unconventional perspective on the hiring and building of sales teams. It explores themes such as the importance of specific personality traits in salespeople, the significance of resilience and intelligence, the unexpected value found in those who have overcome challenging circumstances, and the need for speed in hiring and firing. By examining these themes, the song encourages listeners to reevaluate their approach to sales hiring and embrace the unique qualities that make a salesperson successful.