A job in sales is not one size fits all. There are several streams you can fall into that may be better suited to your personality and career goals.
One of the many great things about a job in sales is that there is a lot of room for growth and to try new things. It’s very likely that the first company you work for will not be the last. In fact, most people don’t stay at their first job and bounce around to different companies throughout their career.
If you are just getting started in sales or are considering entering the industry, here are some things to know about your potential career and how to make the most of it.
Where to Start
It’s likely that you won’t be landing sales manager jobs right at the start of your career. In the sales industry, you will have to work your way up and gain the skills required to succeed.
For your first job in sales, you may not end up at your dream company or in your ideal niche, and that’s okay! As long as you think the role will help set you up for other positions that will align with your goals and skill set then it is worth taking.
When you’re just starting, ask questions, learn from your mistakes, ask for feedback, and perform your job to the best of your ability.
Know What You’re Working Towards
To make any forward direction in your career, you must know what it is that you’re working towards. For example, if you want a job as a manager, look at what that role entails and observe the people who currently have that role.
What is their work ethic like? What are their daily tasks and responsibilities?
As you gain confidence in your first position, consider asking your superior if you can shadow someone who has the role you want so you can learn what you need to do in order to get that promotion. Make your intentions to move up clear to the people you work with so they can help you get where you want to be.
To have success, you have to first define what success looks like and means to you. By setting goals and having a career path in mind, you can take actionable steps to get you to that place and grow in your career.
Stay Motivated
Working in sales is not easy, and you will be dealing with rejection a lot of the time. While this can undoubtedly feel discouraging at the start of your career, you can’t let it get in your way.
A good salesperson knows how to bounce back from rejection and jump into the next call with a clear mindset and a determination to give it their all.
This will come with time and gaining confidence, but having a clear goal in mind for the progression of your career can also keep you motivated when it feels like you aren’t getting anywhere.
