When an inexperienced founder/manager hires a direct sales team, the sales team sets to work on selling the founder/manager instead of the customer base. This

When an inexperienced founder/manager hires a direct sales team, the sales team sets to work on selling the founder/manager instead of the customer base. This made me spit out my coffee. I've never heard it expressed that way, and it's a hilarious image, but come to think of it I've observed that situation more than once. Can anyone recommend some resources for learning to manage direct sales teams?