Reasons For Not Making Quota

Did you make quota this year?

If no, don’t use the reasons below, they’re pathetic, they’re beneath you, they’re not becoming of a sales professional, and sales managers shake their heads in disbelief whenever they hear them.

• My quota was unfair. It didn’t take into consideration my specific circumstances. When I think my quota’s a little unfair, it’s hard to get motivated to try.
• My quota was too aggressive. My territory’s unique; it’s unlike any other territory in our company. No one else has the challenges I do.
• I didn’t get enough training. I waited and waited but no one trained me to be better at my job.
• I lost a client I couldn’t have possibly foreseen.
• My biggest client’s business was soft (but they expect to rebound next year!).
• I didn’t get the support I need. My pricing department/marketing department/engineering department/special order department/manufacturing/boss didn’t come through like they should have.
• I lost time in the last month due to that regional meeting we had to attend. That really hurt, I had several deals that needed my attention.
• There’s too much change going on around here. Seems like some policy or procedure is always being revised.
• I haven’t heard back on those deals I was hoping to close at the end of the year. I’m pretty sure we’ll get them early next year, but you know how it goes.

And possibly the worst reason for not making quota: “I missed? By how much?”

Heard any far-fetched reasons this year? I want to hear about them, feel free to send them via email or the form below.