WHY SALESPEOPLE SHOULD BE TEAM PLAYERS

Salespeople are stereotypically seen as lone wolves, independent and competitive. After all, their job is to hit targets, close deals, and bring in revenue for not just the company, but themselves.?

But while all these attributes can work, staying too individualistic can lead to burnout, missed opportunities, and job dissatisfaction in the long term...

That's why savvy salespeople know that being a team player is essential for long-term success.?

Here are four reasons why teamwork will enhance your performance and overall satisfaction as a salesperson:

YOU'LL LEARN FROM OTHERS

No matter how experienced or talented you are, there's always something to be learned from your colleagues.?

When you work as part of a team, you'll have the opportunity to see how others speak to clients or go about new business. Through collaborating you can share best practices, and receive feedback on your performance. This kind of collaborative learning can help you improve your skills, expand your knowledge, and stay on top of industry trends.

YOU'LL SHARE IDEAS

When you're working alone, it can be easy to get stuck in a rut and rely on the same old strategies and processes.?

Of course, as a salesperson, it's all about being innovative and trialling new things based on your individual success, but when you receive input from your team, you're receiving far more innovation than doing it on your own.?

You'll have the chance to brainstorm new ideas, test out different approaches, and get creative with your solutions. By sharing your ideas and listening to others, you'll all be able to come up with more effective and innovative ways to achieve your company's sales goals, as well as your personal ones.

YOU'LL INCREASE WORK SATISFACTION

We all know sales is all about building relationships. Relationships with clients and customers... but what about relationships with your colleagues??

In a survey by?Wildgoose, 57% of people say having a best friend in the workplace makes work more enjoyable, 22% feel more productive with friends, and 21% say friendship makes them more creative.

Culture is key to feeling motivated and satisfied at work... even in a sales role that is hugely money motivated. Having friends at work is crucial to help manage stress, learn from others, and most importantly - have fun.

YOU'LL AVOID BURNOUT

Sales can be a stressful and high-pressure job, and when you're working alone, it can be even easier to get overwhelmed and burned out.?

Maybe you think things like:

• "Does anyone feel the pressure as I do?"
• "It seems like I'm the only one struggling with XYZ."
• "I wish I could just understand XYZ."

But when you're part of a team, you'll have the support and encouragement of your colleagues to help you through tough times, help you get unstuck, and relate to your struggles.?

Sales may be an individual job, but it can be one of the most collaborative and supportive environments when people recognise that they're all in it together.?

Whether it's issues understanding new systems, a slowness in the market, or pressures to hit targets, more likely than not, everyone is experiencing the same problems, and when you realise everyone is experiencing the same problems, you're less likely to get worried about being the odd one out.?

- Written by Shannon Matthews