Know-How Exchange : Career/Training

For all of my career, I've been an instrument technician, but have been selected many times (based on personality and abilities with people) by the companies I have worked for to represent them for demonstrations, trade shows and even strategic planning sessions. After rising quickly to the lead production/repair tech position with my current employer of approximately 2 years (high-tech materials analyzer mfg) I was again tagged for trade-show performance, once with the North American Sales Manager, once with both the division VP and Marketing Director. After these shows, they all asked me to go into sales for the Western US, a previously uncovered and undeveloped territory. Also a HUGE territory! Flattered, and heavily incentivized, I accepted the challenge as of November 2008. I am developing contacts and making sales calls, but would appreciate some advice regarding reading or training materials I can study to become the sales professional I know I can be, but lack the knowledge to become in a short time-frame. You all have given others such pertinent and timely advice, I ask humbly that you share some with me. Thank you!