3 Simple Ways For Pharmaceutical Sales Rep to Stay Connected When Traveling

Traveling is a part of pharmaceutical sales rep jobs. So much so, some reps spend less time 'in the base,' like a week or so, and spend more time outside.

I know ...

I was in that situation when working with a diagnostic company two years ago. I was away most of the time troubleshooting machines, maintenance, and selling, and staying connected to companies happening is a considerable challenge!

Not every part of the country (Malaysia) is well connected ...

In fact, the part that needs my service the most is always hard to reach.

Oh! I don't mean 'telephone' connection, but an internet connection. I remember, at one time, the company repair engineer did a 3G video call with his senior while repairing a machine. How I wish I could do the same with my rural hospital clients.

But today, things look much, much better. I did utilize some of the available technology features to stay connected and save myself from downgrade comments from my supervisor ...

... And you can too.

Here's how to stay in the loop when traveling (and selling):

• Portable hotspot

I'm using Samsung Galaxy S2 phone.

My carrier is Celcom, a Malaysian telco under Axiata group.

The beautiful thing about the phone and carrier is that I can use my phone as a portable wi-fi spot. As long as there's a 3G connection, a sound signal - three bars and above, I can pair those two devices instantly.

I can connect to the company's website and the all-important Microsoft Exchange, to send and receive e-mail. I used to carry a digital token around, a security card with alphabets and numbers, but with a simple online portal, all that is needed is a password.

• Broadband

There are two types for two devices:

One looks like a thumb drive and mainly meant for laptops ...

... Another is a card, integrated into devices like the iPad.

Both heavily depends on the extent of telco broadband coverage. Proper coverage means smooth operation. But as of right now, when night comes, every broadband services act in concert - slow and sleepy!

That's why I put them under portable hotspot because I use the latter more.

Broadband at night is totally irritating.

• Third party connection

It could be a hotel's Wi-Fi ...

... It could be an Internet cafe ...

... It could be your friend's place.

Whatever they are, they belong to someone else, and you need to ask their permission - officially or not :)

In my area where I cover, certain places do have hotels and internet cafe, but the connection could hardly pass as satisfactory. Most are pretty unstable.

Imagine, while downloading reagent barcode, sponsorship registration form for customers, or submitting a form requesting for travel advance, the screen suddenly displays:

'No connection. Please check your...'

Picture that for a moment.

And the worst thing is, outstation salespersons are seen as 'not working' because they did not check e-mail or synch their report.

Whatever!

A product manager on leave left an automatic answer through her e-mail that read:

"I'll be away for business and cannot be reached by phone. Please contact xyz during my absence."

Hmm...in today's the wildly connected world, I'm amazed to see such a message.

But hey, only the pharmaceutical sales reps could not broadcast such a message.

Other than them, knock yourself dead sending those message.

I agree that staying connected while traveling is becoming easier with today's technology for pharma sales reps, but just be wary of its consequences of potentially being used against them.

It is a double edge sword.

PS. You definitely have to be connected when doing your online search for pharma sales jobs.