If I was employing a Salesman and had a good track record in sales myself.
Before commiting i would work the stratergy myself.
The difficulty arrises if you are not a Salesperson because only 3% of the population have the natural ability
Ian i understand what you are saying about trying it out myself and i will be going out in the early days to help and get a feel for the response.
My track record (18 years in direct sales) would tend to suggest i am a more than capable sales person, but that does not have to mean that i particularly enjoy it!
Part of the reason i have got involved in Carpet Cleaning again is to get away from direct sales and more involved in the service industry. (wanted to work a bit more hands on)
Plus, If i spent 2 days a week out selling i would not have too much time left to clean the carpets!