What do you do if your self-employed sales career is filled with risks and rewards?

1 Know your market

Before you start selling, you need to know who your target customers are, what they need, and how you can solve their problems. Research your market, identify your niche, and understand your value proposition. This will help you craft your sales pitch, tailor your offer, and differentiate yourself from other sellers. You also need to keep up with the trends, changes, and opportunities in your market, so you can adapt and innovate accordingly.

2 Manage your finances

As a self-employed salesperson, you have to deal with irregular income, expenses, taxes, and cash flow. You need to plan your budget, track your income and expenses, set aside money for taxes, and save for emergencies. You also need to invest in your tools, training, and marketing, so you can improve your skills, reach more prospects, and close more deals. You may also want to consider getting insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits that you may not get from an employer.

3 Build your network

One of the most important assets of a self-employed salesperson is your network. Your network can provide you with referrals, leads, feedback, support, and opportunities. You need to build and maintain relationships with your existing and potential clients, as well as with other professionals, experts, and influencers in your field. You can use various channels, such as social media, email, phone, or events, to connect and communicate with your network. You also need to provide value, trust, and reciprocity to your network, so you can grow and sustain it.

4 Set your goals

To succeed as a self-employed salesperson, you need to have clear and realistic goals. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. They should also be aligned with your vision, mission, and values. Your goals will help you focus, prioritize, and track your progress. They will also motivate you to overcome challenges, learn from failures, and celebrate achievements. You should review and update your goals regularly, and adjust them as needed.

5 Manage your time

Time is a precious resource for a self-employed salesperson. You have to juggle multiple tasks, such as prospecting, selling, servicing, marketing, and administrating. You also have to balance your work and personal life. You need to manage your time effectively, so you can optimize your productivity, efficiency, and quality. You can use tools, such as calendars, planners, or apps, to plan your schedule, set your priorities, and avoid distractions. You also need to delegate, outsource, or automate some tasks, so you can focus on your core activities.

6 Keep learning

The sales world is constantly evolving and changing. You need to keep learning and improving your knowledge, skills, and abilities. You need to stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in your industry and field. You also need to seek feedback, coaching, and mentoring from others, so you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, and work on them. You also need to explore new opportunities, challenges, and markets, so you can grow and diversify your sales career.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?