So my plan was to have a sales career and build a business along the side because the skills I'd be learning in sales would be easily transferable and the money would help support me. I've made huge progress so far but another obstacle has arrived.

I do B2B, software sales. This is my first ever career.

I sucked in the beginning and I think I've done a pretty good job of progressing, unfortunately compared to my peers I'm not as talented so I've been told that if I don't exceed my number this month I'll be fired.

My biggest problem is that I don't know why I'm not booking as many appointments as my friends. They all seem to find it easy, I assume it's because they have the type-A, extroverted sales personality and they've all had past client-facing experience.

I know the next step for me is to focus on exceeding my numbers, but I'm in an emotional state of confusion.

The 2 sales books I've read (fanatical prospecting and Zig Ziglar's Closing secrets), along with the numerous blogs, training and advise I've received have not helped me.

When I ask for guidance from the higher-ups, they help me on the technicalities e.g. "you should phrase it this way" or "just copy the standard messaging". I appreciate their help because they're always so busy but it doesn't help me understand the philosophy/foundations of their sales methodology (which they can't even describe, it's like asking a singer how they are able to sing so well - it's difficult to break down unconscious strategies).

If I miss my number, I'm going to find a job that can help me build my sales skills. If that doesn't work, I'm not sure what I'll do. Plus the pressure of having to support my family is killing me internally, I don't get why my parents didn't set things up so they could have their own money as they aged. However, that's life.

If anyone has any advice on what kind of sales job I can get that will ALLOW me to develop my sales skills (e.g. not fire me if I miss my number), please let me know. B2C would be nice because I suspect it might be easier but it's unlikely to make a massive difference. I know i need to get better.