So, you’re ready to start your career in sales. Congrats! In this article, we’ll provide some expert advice on becoming a sales professional.
Why You Want To Start Your Career In Sales
Sales is a great industry to work in if you are a solid communicator, enjoy interacting with people, and thrive on workplace challenges. It’s a satisfying and exciting career path with many benefits. Even entry-level sales positions offer opportunities for continuous learning, professional growth, and limitless earning potential.
“When you treat sales like a profession and study the principles of success, the way attorneys or financial advisors study their profession, you will be able to translate those skills to anything you do” says Merit Kahn, CEO of SELLect Sales Development. “When you can demonstrate success in sales you will be able to write your own ticket in the industry of your choice. There is always a job available for the person who is masterful at developing or growing business.”
Tips for New Sales Careers
Starting any new career can be intimidating, especially when it’s sales. Fortunately, we’re the sales experts! So, if you’re considering a career in sales, here are five tips to help you out.
1. Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
To get far in the sales world, you must know how to play to your personal strengths, whatever they may be. When you focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses, you’ll feel more confident and productive. Therefore, any aspiring salesperson should ask themselves two questions: “What am I best at?” and “What can I improve?”
The answers will be different for everyone. For example, some people excel in sales calls but struggle in virtual presentations. Others are great planners but not-so-great negotiators. Regardless, you need to hold yourself accountable for improving your weaker areas. Otherwise, you will never grow as a professional salesperson!
2. Don’t Take Rejection Personally
You’re going to get rejected in sales…a lot. But don’t let it throw you off your game. Most of the time, a rejection in sales simply means that the product just wasn’t what your prospect was looking for. Or perhaps it was out of their price range. Choose to assume the best, not the worst. Rarely, it has anything to do with you as a salesperson. So, prepare yourself for rejection because it will happen. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight! Even the top-performing salespeople are turned down. Find out what other characteristics the best sales consultants have in common.
3. Listen More, Talk Less
Creating meaningful connections with your customers is the ticket to building long-term relationships. Conversations with prospects provide an opportunity to let your personality shine! But, you must master the art of listening. Hear the words your prospect is saying, observe their body language, and make them feel comfortable. Doing so will build trust.
Often, sales reps will let their egos get in the way of closing a deal. Avoid this by answering your prospects’ questions honestly. Don’t take over the conversation or assume you know what they want to hear. Instead, listen more and talk less.
4. Don’t Doubt Yourself
Don’t let doubt win; believe in yourself! This is a golden piece of advice in not only the sales industry—but life in general! As a sales professional, you will face new challenges constantly. Some people experience doubt and uncertainty in these difficult situations. Do not make this mistake! If you want to be successful, let your determination guide you. Never second guess your skills and abilities. Instead, focus on your goals and watch yourself become a top performer!
5. Take a Sales Training Course
There’s no such thing as a born salesperson. Top-performing sales reps may make their job look easy, but they’ve likely learned and developed their skills over time. Sales is an art that needs to be learned, practiced, and mastered.
One of the best ways to impress your future employer is taking a sales training course. This shows potential employers how seriously you’re taking your career in sales. Not only is training a great way to expand your sales knowledge, but it’s also a fantastic networking opportunity.
Several great options are available online, including our online sales program based on the SELLect Sales Methodology. In addition, we have a proven track record of sales coaching and training programs that help aspiring sales professionals level up their selling game. At SELLect, we don’t train theory…we train from experience!
Check out these sales jobs interview questions for additional tips.
Getting the Best Sales Jobs with Sales Training
Stop selling. Get SELLected. If you really want to land the best sales jobs, you need to develop your skillset. That’s where we come in!
At SELLect Sales Development, our experts will teach you the skills you need to sell effectively. In addition, our SELLect Certifed Trainers will focus on strengthening your mindset for success so you can consistently execute the techniques and skills you learned. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to a fantastic sales job! Contact us online today to find out how our sales development solutions can help start your career in sales.
Tags: Attributes of top sales people, sales, sales recruiting, sales tips Posted by