What do you do if you're considering a mid-career change in sales?

My mentor says this - With over two decades of experience in B2B sales, I can attest to the pivotal role of choosing the right negotiation style. It's not just about closing deals; it's about nurturing long-lasting partnerships. Collaborative negotiation stands out as a cornerstone, fostering trust and cooperation, ideal for building enduring client relationships. Yet, in some instances, competitive negotiation tactics can secure immediate wins, especially in fast-paced markets. However, I've found that compromise negotiation often strikes the perfect balance, particularly when concessions are inevitable. The key lies in adaptability—knowing when to employ each style based on the unique dynamics of the negotiation and the overarching goals.

I would say start by evaluating your current skill set and it is relevance to sales. Reflect on your people’s skill and decide to work with a corporation that has the same values and principles you have.

I recognize their paramount importance in the dynamic field of sales. These qualities enable me to build strong relationships, bounce back from setbacks, and influence others effectively. Moreover, my industry knowledge is a valuable asset. If I remain in the same industry, I'll leverage my expertise to navigate familiar terrain adeptly. However, if I transition to a new industry, I'll identify transferable skills and commit to learning its intricacies. With sales encompassing diverse sectors like B2B and direct consumer sales, pinpointing where my skills align best is pivotal for success.

Antes de tomar qualquer decis?o, avalie se o problema está na sua carreira ou no seu ambiente de trabalho atual. Testes de perfil e a análise de recrutadores podem te ajudar a ter mais clareza sobre seus próximos passos.

a) It's a great thing to do especially if you have been with the same company for a while. You might be losing on what's really happening in the world as you get used to 'a process'. Thus, firstly, simply look at it optimistically b) You want to look for a role that challenges you because that's how you will get out of your comfort zone and 'upgrade' yourself. If you shift to a company with similar services, good, but if you shift to a different industry, WOW! you are pushing yourself for good (trust me) :) c) Ask yourself, if you didn't know what you know about sales, how would you now approach it in 2024? It's important to have fresh eyes as the world is very different now Vs when you started pal!

Thorough research serves as the cornerstone when contemplating a career shift. Explore diverse sales roles & industries, aligning your passions & proficiencies meticulously. From inside sales, leveraging virtual channels for persuasion, to outside sales, fostering personal connections with clients, each avenue presents unique opportunities & challenges. Networking with seasoned sales professionals offers invaluable insights into daily routines & organizational cultures, aiding in informed decision-making. It provides a nuanced understanding of the demand for sales expertise within your target industry. This approach, refined through extensive immersion in the sales realm, facilitates a seamless transition to your next professional endeavor.

Research roles when deciding on a career change, explore various opportunities and identify where your passion is, sales position vary from different types of sales.

Researching roles is essential when contemplating a career change. Explore various sales positions and industries to identify where your interests and skills intersect. Sales roles encompass a broad spectrum, from inside sales involving phone or online sales to outside sales requiring in-person client interactions. Each role presents unique expectations and obstacles. Networking with industry professionals offers valuable insights into job responsibilities and organizational cultures. Additionally, it helps assess the demand for sales professionals in your target industry. #SalesRoles #CareerChange #Research #Networking

Your resume is your personal pitch, use proper skill and education to the role. Tailor each resume to match the role you’re looking for.

Your resume communicates your qualifications and your brand—who you are and what makes you different—to employers and recruiters. In a tough job market, you need a resume that helps you stand out in a sea of applicants. Ultimately, the purpose of a strategically targeted, polished resume is to get you an interview. Your resume is one of the most important documents you will ever create. It is a gist of your skills, experience, and accomplishments, and it can make a difference between getting an interview. That's why it's so important to keep your resume updated. Remember to update your resume every six months to a year. This will help you stay on top of your changes and make sure that your resume is always up-to-date. Use AI tools smartly!

When updating your resume for a sales position, it's essential to infuse it with authenticity and personality. Highlight your transferable skills and relevant experience in a way that feels genuine and reflects your unique strengths. Use action verbs to vividly describe your achievements, showing your impact with real-world examples. Don't be afraid to inject some personality into your resume while maintaining professionalism. Remember, it's not just a document; it's your story and your chance to connect with potential employers on a deeper level.

I would recommend learning and seeking opportunities to gain experience before transitioning, volunteer for sales tasks or pursue a sales certification to learn more about the industry.

1. Look for a company which challenges you to get out of your comfort zone and learn new ways of selling 2. Have 'Day 1' mentality as if you were 21 yeards old because the sales world has changed so much from door to door to AI driven sales models 3. Trust yourself

Networking is crucial in any career change, build a solid based network, because it is not about who you know, it is really about who knows you and what you do or can do.