What do you do if you're laid off in the sales development field and need to stay positive and resilient?

Not everyone is good at sales so don't beat yourself up. The self confidence, communication skills, relationship management and presentation skills among others cut across various roles. Pick up the lessons and experience and move on!

Staying positive is key to bouncing back. First, allow yourself to process the situation and acknowledge your emotions. Next, use this time to reassess your career goals and update your resume with recent accomplishments. Network actively within your industry through LinkedIn, professional associations, and virtual events to stay connected and uncover new opportunities. Continue honing your sales skills and knowledge by engaging in relevant training or certification programs. Remember, each application and interaction is a step forward. Maintain a routine to keep your days structured and set small, achievable goals to keep your momentum. Finally, lean on your support system for encouragement and perspective during this transition

The same thing you do with sales. Work through rejection, see the positive opportunities that are before you, get back on your feet and believe in a positive future!

Stay Positive. Here’s what differentiates positive relational energy. Physical energy diminishes with use. Running a marathon exhausts us. We need recuperation time. The same is true with the use of mental and emotional energy. We become fatigued and need to recover. The only kind of energy that doesn’t diminish but actually elevates with use is positive relational energy.

Reflect deeply. Take time to reflect on your sales development career. In times of crisis, many of us ponder existential questions about health, security, purpose, career, family, and legacy. You can apply tools from classic organizational strategy and other realms to help you find answers to the seven questions above and make better decisions. Self-reflection can guide you toward a career path that aligns more closely with your interests

Start by assessing your career path: What have you enjoyed most in your roles? What skills have you developed? Where could you improve? This introspection can help clarify what you're looking for in your next position or if a career pivot is desirable. Reflect on feedback you've received in the past—both positive and areas for improvement—to identify key growth opportunities. Also, consider the broader industry trends and how they align with your interests and skills. This reflection will not only help you find a direction that is truly rewarding but also strengthen your position and confidence as you step into new opportunities.

Continuous improvement is key in this competitive age. It is said that even if you are in the right lane and keep sitting there without doing anything, others will over take you. Upgrade yourself with a course/ program after carefully and truthfully assessing your skills gap. You don't have to force yourself in the sales space if you are not cut out for sales and neither do you enjoy the learning process. Go where your efforts will yield results for you to be celebrated

Begin by identifying the most in-demand skills in your industry, such as digital sales techniques, CRM software proficiency, or data analysis. Look into courses, webinars, and workshops offered by professional bodies or through platforms like LinkedIn, Coursera, or Udemy. Engage in self-directed learning projects that allow you to apply new skills in practical scenarios, which can also enhance your portfolio. Consider obtaining certifications in new technologies or methodologies to further validate your expertise. Networking with industry peers can also provide insights into emerging skills and trends. This approach will not only sharpen your skills but also enhance your resume, making you a stronger candidate for future opportunities.

In the fast-paced world of sales development, staying current with industry trends and tools is crucial. Use your time off to update your skills or learn new ones. The dynamic nature of today’s industries often leads to learning-and-development materials becoming outdated rapidly, necessitating resource-intensive updates. Generative AI technologies like Salesforce’s Einstein GPT are designed to continuously update and adapt training materials.

Start by updating your LinkedIn profile with your latest skills and experiences. Connect with former colleagues, clients, and industry contacts; let them know you’re seeking new opportunities and would appreciate any referrals or advice. Attend industry webinars, virtual conferences, and networking events to meet new people and stay informed about current trends. Participate in industry-specific online forums and social media groups to increase your visibility and engage with potential employers. Consider informational interviews with professionals in roles or companies of interest to gain insights and make further connections. Effective networking can open doors to new opportunities and provide crucial support during your job search.

Relationships, relationships, relationships! Explore past friends, clients, colleagues, and acquaintances, tell them what kind of role you are looking for and would appreciate any help or referrals they can give you.

This same scenario played out with me. I immediately contacted my clients I had established a great professional relationship with. I successfully networked into a new position.

Begin by reflecting on your achievements and the skills you've honed during your career. Construct a coherent story that highlights your resilience, adaptability, and continued commitment to your professional growth. Emphasize any learnings or positive outcomes from your layoff, such as pursuing further education, enhancing specific skills, or volunteering. Frame your layoff as a stepping stone that provided you with an opportunity to refine your goals and strengthen your expertise. This narrative will not only show potential employers your proactive attitude but also demonstrate your capability to overcome challenges and thrive in changing environments.

In the 4 months that I have been unemployed, I have done many things that have been talked about including updating and learning new skills, surrounding myself with strong people, and trying new things like painting. I also found a Coach that has helped me shift my mindset, track my successes, and keep a gratitude journal. I have changed the color of my lenses from dark sunglasses to rose-colored glasses that Mel Robbins talks about. This has been a huge shift in what is possible for me. I am excited to see what is now in my future that I would have never been able to find without these months of self-discovery. I am thankful for this time.