Technical sales is a rewarding career path that combines technical knowledge, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. But how can you get started in this field if you don't have the relevant experience or qualifications? Here are some tips to help you break into technical sales and land your dream job.
The first step to becoming a technical sales professional is to learn the basics of the product or service you want to sell. You don't need to be an expert, but you should be able to understand the features, benefits, and use cases of your solution. You can do this by taking online courses, reading blogs and books, watching videos, or attending webinars. The more you learn, the more confident and credible you will be when talking to potential customers.
Simply go to the field once you study. Technical Sales requires deep learning into the product and, also, into sales technics. It is all about studying what and how to sell and, in the same time, go to the field and put in practice everything you learned.
To break into technical sales, start by learning sales fundamentals and gaining technical knowledge through courses and workshops. Gain practical experience with entry-level sales or technical roles to build your skills. Networking is crucial, so connect with industry professionals and attend events. Demonstrate your skills through projects or internships, and stay informed about industry trends to remain relevant. This combination of education, practical experience, and networking will prepare you for a successful career in technical sales.
Look for entry-level positions specifically in technical sales, such as sales development representative (SDR) or sales engineer roles. These roles often provide training and mentorship opportunities while allowing you to gain experience in technical sales.
Breaking into Technical sales requires a passion for technology and its advancements in my opinion. How to get started? Gain knowledge: Learn about the industry you want to get into, research the landscape, understand the application of technology within your sector, do online courses, webinars or whatever suits your learning style. Build your network: Build your personal and professional network so that you can keep up to date with industry professionals and engage with them if required.
The second step to breaking into technical sales is to build your network of contacts and mentors. You can do this by joining online communities, attending events, reaching out to people on LinkedIn, or asking for referrals. Networking can help you find opportunities, get feedback, learn from others, and showcase your skills and enthusiasm. You never know who might be able to help you land your first technical sales role.
Building your network involves engaging with professionals in your field through various channels. Attend industry conferences, workshops, and networking events to meet peers and experts. Utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry leaders and join relevant groups. Participate in forums and discussions to showcase your knowledge and interest. Seek mentorship opportunities and consider volunteering for industry-related projects. Effective networking is about creating genuine connections, offering value, and maintaining relationships, which can open doors to new opportunities and insights.
The third step to breaking into technical sales is to create a portfolio of projects and achievements that demonstrate your technical and sales skills. You can do this by working on personal or freelance projects, volunteering for a non-profit or a startup, or participating in hackathons or competitions. Your portfolio should showcase your ability to identify customer needs, present solutions, handle objections, and close deals. You can use tools like GitHub, Medium, or YouTube to share your work and get feedback.
Creating a professional portfolio involves compiling work samples that showcase your skills and achievements. Start by selecting your best work that highlights your expertise and versatility. Include a mix of projects, reports, presentations, or any relevant work product. For each piece, provide a brief description that explains the context, your role, and the impact of your work. Ensure your portfolio is well-organized and accessible, either through a website or a digital document. Regularly update it with new accomplishments. A well-crafted portfolio is a powerful tool to demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers or clients.
The fourth step to breaking into technical sales is to apply for internships or entry-level jobs that match your interests and skills. You can do this by searching on job boards, contacting companies directly, or using your network. Internships and entry-level jobs can help you gain valuable experience, learn from seasoned professionals, and prove yourself as a valuable team member. You can also use these opportunities to expand your knowledge, improve your skills, and build your reputation.
3 Steps: 1. Choose an industry - something up and coming where you see a future - Cyber, Fintech, AI etc. 2. Map out the top 10 companies in the industry to work for - look for recent investment rounds, landing huge deals, starting new HQs. 3. "Spear headed attack" - in addition to applying with your resume, reach out to the hiring manager, HR manager and even a person who's in your desired role - People talk and it's seen as a good impression in sales.
The fifth step to breaking into technical sales is to keep learning and improving your skills and knowledge. You can do this by taking more courses, reading more books, watching more videos, or attending more webinars. You can also seek feedback, ask questions, join mentorship programs, or find a coach. The technical sales field is constantly evolving and changing, so you need to stay updated and adaptable. You also need to develop your soft skills, such as communication, negotiation, and persuasion.
3 tips: 1. Have a mentor who is where you want to be in 5 years - they should have successfully done your job and the next "stage", don't be afraid to ask people for coffee and advice - people like to share. 2. choose 1-2 "gurus" to follow and implement - 90% of the sales people "gurus" on Linkedin haven't sold a single product in their life aside from their "master course" - look for someone who did the job and is straight to the point without the fluff. 3. Implement what you learn - there are 1000 great Ideas, choose 1 and implement it - and that will help you grow 1% a day rather then just listening to more great idea theories.
The sixth and final step to breaking into technical sales is to showcase your value to potential employers and customers. You can do this by creating a compelling resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile that highlight your skills, achievements, and portfolio. You can also prepare for interviews, pitch your solution, and follow up with your contacts. You need to show that you are passionate, knowledgeable, and capable of delivering results. You also need to stand out from the crowd and differentiate yourself from other candidates.
You will learn 90% of what you need from talking to your customers/potential customers. Utilize your companies existing customers, talk to people in the field and understand what they need and how they like to hear things - don't think your company or sales/marketing people know everything - they don't.