Is A Career In Sales Right For Me?

Considering a career in sales is usually not on the top of the list when asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” The stigma is that you don’t want to be “pushy” or you don’t’ want to be that “used car salesperson”.  More likely than not, you have dealt with “that” salesperson and think why would anyone want to do that? 

Yes, I will be the first to admit, sales is not an easy job, but it is extremely exciting and rewarding. For most companies, it all comes down to sales.  Without the help of a skilled and highly motivated sales star, business of all sorts will be busy figuring out how to keep their doors open.  Sales is the only career where what you put into it is what you will get out of it.  Compensation is often hinged on performance and the pressure to produce can be too much for some people resulting in quick turnover and instability.

Many people jump into sales without considering if they are really “built” for sales.  Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if sales is the right career for you.

Are you educated on what sales entails? 
It’s likely that you know someone who is in sales or have a friend who does.  Get introduced and take the time to sit down with them and pick their brain. Ask as many questions as possible to gage if it’s for you.  You can ask questions about the day in the life, the good, the bad, the ugly.  What are some of the challenges that they face day in and day out? What are some of their success stories?  There are many different kinds of sales careers so it important to examine your motives and what excites you.  

Are you disciplined? 
To succeed in sales you will need to have the motivation and discipline to keep moving forward. Whether you are in a slump or just closed down a record breaking month, you must keep going.  There is no rest in sales. If you are not talking to a prospect or taking care of your customer, believe me, someone else will.

Can you deal with rejection? 
If something does not go your way, do you put your tail between your legs or do you get fired up and even get more motivated?  Can you set aside your feelings of rejection to keep a potential buyer?  Sales requires confidence to be able to deal with rejection after rejection. 

Do you consider yourself social? 
The sales world requires you to build relationships with complete strangers in hopes to hit a common ground.  You will be doing this on the regular so it is important that you are somebody who not only likes to meet new people, but thrives in it.

Are you strategic?
This is important because sales cycles can take months that require patience or days that require high energy and enjoyment in a fast paced environment. You need to have strong organization and a strategy to attack each day.

Integrity.  Do you have it?
The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles will go a long way in sales.  Are you truthful?  Can you be open and have direct dialogue? Remember, people buy from people they like and want to know they can trust.

Companies put great amount of emphasis and faith in their sales teams to be successful and market their products and services.  Self-starters with competitive attitudes and excellent communicators can take advantage of high-income opportunities that the sales profession offers.  Having confidence in yourself and belief that you can become an expert in your space are all attributes to being on your way to the top.   If you feel that you fit the profile of a great sales person, it’s time to consider a career is sales.