Sales Is a Great Career Choice
Because “Sales Is Running Your Own Business!”
“My dream job
Will not be a job.
It will be my passion.”
from My Job. My Passion by kspaeth
For me, Sales was not a purposely chosen career. I ended up in Sales because a leader I was reporting to thought that after eight years in Product Management and Supply Chain, it was time for yet another experience. It started in a Sales Management role, and only later did I go through the school of hard knocks as an individual contributor pounding the pavement. And it stuck.
Today, in all my conversations with sales leaders, this is one of my favorite questions: Why did you end up in Sales? Why not a career in a more reputable profession?
The answers obviously vary, and they rarely indicate a purposeful path:
“My family/parent/grandparent was in Sales.”
"When I left school, there were very few job opportunities, so I took this one.”
“I needed money, and this was the fastest way to 6 figures.”
“I started working retail when I was 16 and loved it.”
"Doing middle school fundraisers, I realized I enjoyed talking to people.”
While there are multiple ways of getting into Sales, the key to a successful career is the joy and happiness you still experience after twenty or thirty years. And that takes the right person.
Because Sales requires grit, resilience, and a thick skin. It is an exciting and challenging career that will help you grow personally and professionally. It can be extremely rewarding.
In a recent article by Leslie Le, she highlighted a few reasons Sales is a great career:
High Pay: Unless your employer places a cap on commissions, the sky is literally the limit. You can bring in well over $100K/year in the right Sales role.
Clear Career Path: As an entry-level salesperson, you’ll be able to move into management roles or shift laterally into business development.
Personal Growth Opportunities: You’ll grow both your professional and interpersonal skills in a sales role. Talking to strangers every day will help you improve your communication and problem-solving skills.
Always in Demand: Sales jobs are always available and are forecasted to continue growing. Mid-level sales manager roles are growing at a 7% rate, and that's without accounting for entry-level positions.
Transferable Skills: Once you land a job in Sales, you can do anything. You can use your communication skills to go into customer service, or your product knowledge to go into marketing.
Personally, I have seen all of those, but they seem to apply to other careers as well. Lawyers or Doctors can likely check the same five boxes. Those reasons, though, lack the passion that must be part of sticking to a career that comes without glamour and reputation.
That’s why I asked sales practitioners why Sales is a great career choice:
“It’s the highest paid hard work there is and the easiest low paid. For the main part there is a direct correlation between what you put in and what you get out. You are highly accountable, but your success is tangible and rewarded.” (Paul Hunt – CRO)
“There are so many reasons it is great (for the right person). If I had to sum up in one word why a career in sales is a great choice, that word would be EMPOWERING. It empowers you to solve problems and help companies/people with your solutions. It feeds your competitive spirit and empowers you to be in control of your own success. Happy selling! Be empowered and, most of all, have fun!” (Pam Walker – MD, GM)
“I have many reasons…certainly the money directly correlates to effort, and being money motivated (to some degree) is something I look for when hiring a salesperson. The bigger thing for me is the ability to personally impact change at an organization and the people of the organization. Walking around an office and knowing that the good work we do (as sales) provides jobs for many others is very fulfilling for me. That is a big driver for me. I also love that each day has a new challenge…the competition, the high of winning, negotiating and solving problems…all keep me interested every day!” (Steffan Kilmer – VP of Sales)
“Sales is running your own business! As a salesperson, you are an entrepreneur. You are directly in charge of how much money you make. The coolest part about the industry is it not only changes your life from a financial aspect, but you change the lives for others as well. I personally think the greatest feeling is knowing you made an impact on someone else's life.” (Evan Sommerland – Founding Team & Sales Leader)
“Sales is a great career because it's fun, encourages creative continuous improvement, and can be a great financial leveler. The lovely thing about sales is that the profession is so diverse so you are sure to find a job that matches your unique strengths where you can surpass 6-figures, before you hit 30, even without a college degree. Sales requires grit, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a desire to help others. If those are traits you value, sales is a great career choice.” (Leslie Venetz – Founder & Fractional VP of Sales)
“A professional and successfully progressing salesperson will always have a career because nothing happens in our economy until something is sold.” (David Wire – Founder & Interim BD and Sales Leader)
“I think sales attracts people who are curious; they want to help people solve problems; and they want to accomplish hard objectives. Finding this type of individuals is not easy. Hence the $$$ because when you get a good one, they are worth their weight in gold.” (Alan Gunn – Partner & Sales Coach)
“A great fit for those who can effectively articulate a solution, establish rapport (enjoy building relationships) and for those who are highly motivated, energetically and financially!” (Courtney Santonastaso – Sales Executive)
[Mic Drop]
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Leslie Ye – 7 Reasons Sales is Still a Great Career (& 7 Reasons Why Not)
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