No matter the industry type or company, practically every business depends on a reliable sales staff to promote relevant products and maintain working relationships with company partners. Without sales, a business will suffer. If you're interested in joining the sales industry either as an individual contractor or a member of a larger team within a company, you first need to ask yourself whether this career path is right for you.
Educational Requirements
Many companies today prefer experience over a degree when it comes to salespeople, but how do you gain experience if you can't get in the door? While a degree may not help you land a high-paying job right away, an educational investment could help you build the right network for the future. You could enhance your abilities while meeting new people who may come in handy when you set out to look for a job. Plus, many business schools offer internships and other networking opportunities that will enable you to build a broader range of job leads. In the business world, effective networking plays a significant role in your career potential.
Social Media Savvy
Are you up-to-date on the latest social media strategies and tools? Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, and other sites matter in today's business world, especially when it comes to sales. Successful salespeople understand the value of reaching clients on all platforms, and these social media outlets provide great opportunities for you to grow your client base.
If you're unfamiliar with some of these sites, spend some time researching. Sit down with marketing friends and have them explain the tricks of the trade so you can develop your online presence. Today's sales professionals utilize a wide range of social tools to enhance their professional image and sell products.
Valuable Traits and Abilities
Are you a "people person"? Extroverts are generally thought to be the ideal candidates for a sales team, and it makes sense. Human resources managers define an introvert as someone who draws energy from being alone and an extrovert as one who draws energy from being around other people. Extroverts exude personality and can make anyone comfortable, while introverts tend to shy away from meeting new people. In reality, people with either personality type can become successful as salespeople, provided that they sharpen their good qualities while improving their weaker traits.
The best salespeople don't actually sell: They present an opportunity to people with whom they've established a strong line of trust. Both extroverts and introverts possess the capability to operate in this way. Salespeople need to establish familiarity with their clients in order to make a successful career. If you're willing to hone your skills as a people person, then a career in sales may be for you.
