Seven Practitioners on Why Sales is a Great Career
“Sales Is Like Running Your Own Business!”
“My dream job
Will not be a job.
It will be my passion.”
from My Job. My Passion by kspaeth
About two years ago, I asked seven Sales Leaders to help me underscore why Sales is a great career choice. Because, for me, it was not a purposely chosen career.
I ended up in Sales because a leader I was reporting to thought that after several 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. It stuck.
Today, in all my conversations with sales leaders, this is one of my favorite questions: Why did you end up in Sales?
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 and personality. 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:
High Earning Potential: As long as there is no commission cap in place, your income can soar. The limitless earning possibilities make sales an attractive choice for those motivated by financial success.
Versatile Career Trajectory: Starting as an entry-level salesperson, you can progress into management positions, leading teams and shaping sales strategies; pivot into business development or move into General Management.
Personal and Professional Growth: Regularly engaging with diverse individuals enhances your communication skills, empowering you to connect with strangers effectively. Moreover, the dynamic nature of sales necessitates quick problem-solving, which sharpens your critical thinking abilities.
Transferable Skill Set: Sales equips you with a set of highly transferable skills that can open doors across verticals and to other career paths.
Networking Opportunities: Sales roles provide a unique chance to establish a vast network of contacts across different industries. This network can be invaluable for future career prospects, collaboration, and personal growth, as it connects you with a wide range of professionals and potential mentors.
Personally, I have seen all of those.
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 – SaaS Revenue Leader)
“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 – Director of BD)
“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 & Sales Coach)
“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 – Head of Sales)
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