I'm often asked what type of person makes the best siding/roofing/window salesperson The learning curve on these products is shorter than it would be for full-service remodeling projects. So someone who is sales-oriented rather than construction-oriented can do well selling them. Someone good at generating his own leads will enjoy more success here, because the need for exterior products can be spotted by just driving down the street or knocking on doors.

Mark Robert Halper I would seek good prospectors who are accustomed to excellent sales frequency. The key is to find a person who is used to a sale every few days, someone addicted to the sales process, who doesn't depend on walk-in traffic and can get a yes or no from the prospect. People experienced in automobile, insurance, and cemetery plot sales would be my first choice; furniture and real estate sales, my second.

Be prepared to give direction and feedback. If you don't have time to manage someone who isn't good at managing his time, you'll both be disappointed.

--Phil Rea is president of Phil Rea and Associates, a firm offering sales consulting, motivational speaking, and a monthly newsletter. (866) 441-7445; [email protected].