We’re trying to hire outside sales reps across Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio, and the “nobody wants to work” problem hits different when you’re the one posting the job. We lay out what cold calling looks like right now, why job boards feel like pay-to-play, and why we’re testing AI agents to keep MetroTrade growing for our members.
• why we’re hiring and why we can’t cover every city ourselves
• what MetroTrade feels like for members and why local relationships matter in B2B barter
• why cold calling burns out fast and why “email me” becomes the new default
• how we broke the territory into seven districts and why reps need to live locally
• why overseas and out-of-state applicants do not work for outside sales coverage
• what we learned about the legal and practical limits of internships
• the real monthly cost of sponsored job ads on major platforms
• the math on W-2 salaries plus overhead versus 1099 commission roles
• why an AI sales agent helps with scraping, lists, and fourth follow-ups
• how we want to integrate AI with our CRM to track touches and avoid duplicates
Maybe let me know, you know, comments or whatever, write in.
What do y’all do out there? Be good or be good at it.

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Thanks for listening to The Trading Post Podcast!

Find all our important links— https://linktr.ee/traderstu

This episode of The Trading Post is proudly sponsored by Press X 2 Play Games, Metro Trading Association, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Exciting news—I’m featured as The Trader at the Trading Post in Press X 2 Play’s upcoming video game! Learn more about Press X 2 Play at pressx2play.games, discover how Metro Trading Association helps businesses grow through barter and trade, and explore the magic of the Michigan Renaissance Festival.

Questions or guest suggestions? Email us at thetradingpostwithtraderstu@gmail.com

“Whistles In The West” was written, recorded, and produced by Durracell, exclusively for use with Trader Stu’s platform.
The track is protected under U.S. Copyright (filed and registered), and rights to use have been granted specifically to Trader Stu for content and promotional use related to his brand and media presence.
For additional licensing, custom audio, or to inquire about future collaborations and performances, contact:
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