Do Millennials Make The BEST Sales People?

Millennials could easily be compared to Marmite, either you like them or you don't! Some people do believe that this generation are different and are having a huge impact on the world today where as others don't want to stereotype or group people together.

Millennials can often be seen as either high maintenance and lazy or digitally advanced and savvy. To be fair the same could probably be said for sales people, either you love them or you hate them. They're either pushy and arrogant or informative and helpful.

Could it be then that perhaps Millennials may make the BEST sales people...?

Let's look at the common attributes associated with millennials:

1) Millennials are ENTREPRENEURIAL

Over 50% of millennials that have been surveyed hoped to start their own business one day or already had done. On top of that over 90% of millennials believe that being an entrepreneur is a mindset and not just something limited to someone starting a company.

This passion for business and entrepreneurial thinking is a huge advantage if they are working in sales and is often a key attribute for success in sales. Working in sales is the closest thing to running your own business, your actions have a direct link to what you achieve and earn.

2) They live and breathe in the DIGITAL world

One of the key attributes associated with millennials is their knowledge and understanding of digital and technology. Millennials are the generation that have been bought up on rapidly evolving technology and social platforms.

With 78% of sales people who use social media outselling their peers this knowledge of social, digital and tech has a huge advantage for them. Customers are now giving away so much information and so many buying signals on social media and significantly stronger sales relationships can be built by utilizing that.

3) Millennials are far more ADAPTIVE

It's been found that millennials adapt twice as fast as the rest of the world to new technologies. With the sales landscape changing along with the way in which customers buy this ability to adapt quickly is crucial.

This ability to adapt also has a huge impact on being able to mirror your prospects and customers. The most successful sales people are able to change the way they engage to mirror the people they speak too.  

4) They BELIEVE in what they're selling

Millennials are more interested in making a difference than selling a product and so are far more likely to believe in what they're selling. Instead of going with the stereotypical aggressive sales approach they are more focused on being seen as an expert or thought leader and guiding customers to the right solution.

You see more and more sales relationships with millennial sales people being built on trust, understanding and respect. They're not worried about whether or not the customer buys but about finding the best solution and building long lasting relationships.

5) Millennials want to understand the SCIENCE of selling

Millennials have been bought up in the information age where content and data is thrown at them each and every second. This encourages them to look at their jobs in a far more analytical way which is great for sales.

By breaking down sales processes, understanding trends and utilizing technology to enhance it they stand a much greater chance of succeeding. They're not afraid to challenge the status quo and will always look for faster more effective ways to achieve results.

In summary.....

All of this may not always mean that millennials make the best sales people, there are plenty of millennials who aren't good sales people! However the attributes that are associated with millennial workers are certainly very transferable to the sales profession and if followed could certainly create some of the best sales people in the industry.

One of my biggest passions at the moment is to transform the perception of sales people. I do not believe that sales people are in any way like the stereotype that they are perceived as. Modern sales people are passionate professionals who are focused on helping people and businesses.

When you look at the above attributes they represent this change and they represent what sales people should be.

What do you think? Do you agree? I'd love to know your thoughts, please do write them in the comments box below.

If you enjoyed this post please take time to read some of my other recent posts.

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About the author: Dan Disney is the founder and owner of The Daily Sales, and writes regular posts and blogs on Sales, Social Selling, LinkedIn, Recruitment and Sales Leadership . If you work in sales make sure you check out The Daily Sales, It's the number 1 place on social media for hilarious sales memes, inspiring sales quotes and informative sales blogs.