I don’t know what your views of the sales profession are. They might be good or they might be bad.
You may hear salesman and think “car salesman”. You might hear salesman and think “Steve Jobs”.
Sales is one of those rare professions that can encompass the entire job spectrum. The good through the bad.
Keep in mind that my goal is not to discourage you from the sales profession. Quite the opposite.
This site was created for the purpose of helping people get into and be successful in sales. But for career choice, reality will set in eventually. I want to make sure that happens before it’s too late.
After all, there are times when sales is the most rewarding (mentally and monetarily) profession out there. You have salary, commissions, business expenses, company laptop, etc.
And at times it is the most stressful job you’ve ever had. You have quotas, activity based pay, territory reviews, contract negotiations, etc.
No matter what, if you choose to be in the sales profession you have to understand that the good comes with the bad.
A Quick Test
Take a moment and think….SALESMAN…ok what came to mind? Was it good or bad? Your first thought may be one of a few reasons sales is not the right profession for you.
And that’s ok. Don’t be hurt. There might be many professions you aren’t the right fit for. Such as:
- Cat Behavior Consultant
- Bride Kidnapping Expert
- Shredded Cheese Authority
- Hotdog Choreographer
- Ex-moonshiner
If you’re wondering; no I am not that creative. I got those ideas here.
And although those are unrealistic jobs that you probably aren’t the right fit for, there is someone out there who is…apparently.
I’m not going to lie. There are times when I question being a sales person. I think “Is this what I really want? Is the money worth it? Can I handle the pressure?”
This is not uncommon for most sales professionals. If they say anything to the contrary I call bull shit.
6 Reasons You Might Not Be Right For The Sales Profession
You don’t like talking to people you don’t know. Sorry but this is pretty much required for anyone in sales. Inside sales takes inbound leads from people they don’t know and may never meet. Outside sales are on the constant hunt for prospecting leads at networking and trade shows events.
You don’t like high pressure jobs. If quarterly quotas, territory reviews, or minimum targets aren’t your thing; sales may not be your ideal profession. Even as a software sales executive in a very high demand industry there is a lot of pressure to attain a sales goal every month. And I promise you, that pressure comes from the very top. If that’s something you can’t handle, sales is a no go for you.
You prefer sitting behind a desk. Yeah…although the average salesperson will tell you that they spend too much time at the desk, in front of the computer, looking at reports; the truth is that sales is not a desk job. If you prefer to be in an office and in front of a computer most of the time, sales will not be ideal.
You like processes and steps. As many so called “sales pros” as there are out there with sales processes as simple as 1-2-3, there are just as many failing sales professionals. Sales is not always that easy. I too talk about 5 step processes, or 9 top tricks. The thing is that these skills take time to develop. With practice and persistence can you effectively use every tip I provide…maybe. Does everyone live that long…no.
You don’t like rejection. Not taking rejection seriously is a big part of being successful in sales. I prospect everyday. And I get rejected EVERY SINGLE DAY. Do I take it personally? No of course not. Do I call back? Absolutely!
You don’t have strong internal drive. I know it’s hard to admit this one. But luckily for you no one has to know. I believe that the meaning in life is to find something you love and then to find someone to pay you for it. If there is not a burning desire inside you to prospect, sell, negotiate, and close; sales may not be right for you.
There Are Varying Degrees Of Sales Jobs
Remember what I asked in the beginning of this post? When you think SALESMAN what comes to mind? Is it good or bad?
One of the reasons is might be bad is because you don’t know the full extent to sales. Keep in mind that many of the sales jobs you might be thinking about are very transactional. They are very process oriented, have low value and high replacement rates (easy jobs to fill), and are very low risk.
This is the kind of position I had when I was a sales representative for RadioShack. It was a retail sales position that sold to a warm clientele. They came in looking for something specific. RadioShack did not require me to sell. It required me to take orders.
On the contrary, the sales position I am currently in is much more consultative and requires me to learn enough about my clients to fix their problems using my available products. In all honesty it is a higher paying job (wage and commission) but requires a much higher level of technique and risk.
What Do You Think?
Is sales right for you? Do you think you have what it takes? Want a cliff hanger?
I think you do.
You’re here aren’t you? As I mentioned in my very first article, this site was created for people just like you. New to the sales profession and in need of a little direction.
Even if you decide that sales is not the direction you want to go. You’ll be one step closer to your dream job.
Here’s to your success,
~ Johnny Bravo
Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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