I'm in sales...
Why do I cringe when I type that? Sometimes I hesitate to even mention the word "sales" when introducing myself and what I do to someone new. I might use other words like "Consultant" or "Business Development" to minimize the blank stare I often receive from my new acquaintance, who might now think, "what's this guy going to try and sell me?"
People often conjure up the stereotypical "used car sales guy" image in their mind or remember a time they got burned by a sleazy salesperson way back when. Or, perhaps they are just fed up with all of the calls and e-mails that clog their inboxes during the day from people trying to sell them a new whatever. I get it!
Thick Skin
Over the course of my career (almost 20 years now) I have come to understand that the role of “sales guy” (or girl) is a very critical role within any organization. It takes a special breed of person to successfully do this job and you must have thick skin. Sales is a process that takes time and if you are all about instant gratification, this won’t be the career for you! Do you love typing e-mails and leaving voicemails that go unanswered? Do you enjoy hunting down new prospects, learning about their business and convincing them over the course of several months if not years that your solutions are best for them? Then please join the party!
Win-Win
The sales role should be embraced by both clients and colleagues. If you approach sales from a consultative point of view, clients will come to rely on you for your expertise and understanding of their business. Sales professionals bring new solutions to the client’s challenges often helping them take a step up in their career. They win and so do we.
People in sales are also the ones they call when they are looking for a new job (or were suddenly laid off) because salespeople are often widely connected in their industry. If you're the client reading this, please keep that in mind the next time you don't return a call to a salesperson you've gotten to know. You never know when you might be on the other end of that line hoping they pick up or return the call.
Below are some interesting and compelling reasons why people should love their sales professionals from salesman.red and I thought it was worth sharing and for me to constantly keep in mind too.
5 Reasons People Should Love Sales Professionals
1. We keep everyone else employed – We bring in the revenue that allows everyone else to have a nice, cushy, chilled job.
2. Nothing gets done without sales – If you’ve ever sat in a meeting without a sales professional present you’ll understand that it’s generally the sales guys that make the decisions and move things forward.
3. We might end up being your boss – 20%+ of the fortune 500 CEO’s started their careers in sales (this is second only to those who started in finance).
4. Sales is a company’s security – If people are worried about being made redundant in difficult economic times remind them that it’s the sales team, not product features, benefits or promotions that help business survive through tough times.
5. We probably earn more money than you – When it comes down to it, you work a job to get paid. Whatever other people’s thoughts are about the profession of sales, don’t worry about it too much. Rest in peace at night knowing you likely earn more than double what the average person earns in your country (UK – B2B ‘profesional sales’ averages ￡52k a year vs average pay of ￡24k)
More work to do
I have to say, I enjoy being in sales. I'm a people person and enjoy building relationships. I take my role very seriously knowing that my efforts help our clients succeed, our company grow, provide jobs for others and provide for my family. Companies don't stay in business because they get the work done. They stay in business because there is always more work to do. That, my friends is a great feeling. That is why "I'm in sales!"
I'd love to hear from other sales professionals...What continues to motivate you? Why do you enjoy being in sales? As a client, what was it about your salesperson that really stood out to you? Why do you continue to work with them? Please reply below in the comments section.
Eric Schultz is the VP, of Business Development at SGK, Inc. is a Brand Performance Company where they Create, Activate and Protect brands globally.