Let’s admit it. We all fear rejection. Whether this rejection comes from a relationship or a job position, we all hate to hear the word “no.” This fear of rejection is one of the many reasons why people are afraid of a career in sales. Other reasons may be the fear of coming off too pushy or feeling unprepared in your strategy. But these fears should never hold you back from pursuing a career in sales.
There are many reasons why sales may be the perfect path for you. Do you love competition? Do you love to win? There is nothing better than the feeling of closing a big deal. Your hard work will make a real difference and the thrill of victory is rewarding. Because income is often based on performance, a sales career offers more earning potential than almost any other career out there. You are hired to increase revenues, and employers often motivate their sales team in the form of income. In this way, a sales team is critical to a business. Every business that sells a product or service has a high demand for effective salespeople to drive revenue, so job security is always high. In addition, a career in sales is often combined with a flexible schedule. While this ranges between positions, many outside sales positions are benefitted by flexibility in their day-to-day schedules.
Now that you understand why sales is a great career option, it is important to discuss how to get over these preconceived fears of selling. How do you do this? First, understand that it is normal to hear “no”, especially at the beginning. But rejection is a good thing when you learn to view it in a healthy way. Rejection becomes a learning opportunity; step back, evaluate your performance, and find areas for growth. Second, improve your confidence by prioritizing product knowledge and sales skills, like listening and communication. Like anything else, the more you sell, the easier it gets. Lastly, focus on the value that you are offering; if you genuinely believe that you are helping people, selling will not feel like a task. And selling is fun! Sales can create strong relationships and connections in your life.
There are many different opportunities within the world of sales. Some of the top sales industries right now include technology and software, healthcare, insurance, medical, and financial services. So, stop finding excuses, and take that next step in pursuing a successful sales career. Make an appointment with a Career Coach today to begin talking about your career exploration!
Photo courtesy of Andrea Piaquadio.
