10 RED FLAGS Indicating Sales May Not Be For You!

We all begin our sales career with high hopes and dreams of unlimited income.

I recall in my first few months being quite a challenge selling copiers in a commercial territory. I learned the hard way that there's a reason they say "sales is the highest and lowest paying profession on the planet"...but I persisted and wouldn't change a thing looking back.

That said, the sales profession isn't for everyone.

If you're a hiring manager or someone on the fence about being a B2B salesperson, here are 10 RED FLAGS indicating sales may not be for you.

1. Lack of Empathy: If you struggle to understand or connect with other people's perspectives and emotions, it can be challenging to build the trust necessary for successful sales relationships.
2. Resistance to Rejection: Sales often involves facing rejection and objections. If you can't handle rejection well or take it personally, you may find the constant setbacks discouraging.
3. Inability to Listen: Effective salespeople listen more than they talk. If you find it difficult to truly listen to others and understand their needs, it can hinder your ability to tailor solutions effectively.
4. Unwillingness to Learn: Sales is a continuously evolving field. If you're not open to learning new techniques, product information, or industry trends, you may struggle to stay competitive.

"Sales is the highest and lowest paying profession on the planet"

5. Discomfort with Networking: Sales often requires building and maintaining a network of contacts. If you're uncomfortable networking or initiating conversations with strangers, it can hinder your ability to generate leads.

6. Lack of Persistence: Successful salespeople are persistent and resilient in the face of challenges. If you give up easily or lack the drive to follow up with leads and overcome obstacles, you may struggle to close deals.

7. Dishonesty or Lack of Integrity: Trust is crucial in sales. If you're prone to exaggerating or bending the truth to make a sale, it will damage your reputation and erode trust with clients.

8. Poor Time Management: Sales requires effective time management skills to prioritize tasks, follow up with leads promptly, and meet deadlines. If you struggle with time management, you may find it difficult to juggle multiple responsibilities effectively.

9. Difficulty Handling Pressure: Sales can be high-pressure, with targets to meet and quotas to fulfill. If you're easily overwhelmed by stress or struggle to perform under pressure, it may not be the right fit for you.

10. Lack of Passion for the Product or Service: Genuine enthusiasm for what you're selling can be contagious and persuasive. If you're not passionate about the product or service you're selling, it will be challenging to convey its value convincingly to potential customers.

Now that you know what RED FLAGS to look for, hopefully this either motivates you to join the sales profession or refocus your talents in an area that is better suited for you!