User Power
Value/Post Ratio
526%
- Feb 19, 2016
- 57
- 300
- 30
What industries would I recommend choosing/avoiding?
I'd recommend any b2b where residual prices are included in your commission (think ad agencies, office supplies), environmental services, and car sales*. I'd avoid print marketing, copier sales, energy sales, or office phone service.
*Side note on car sales: the money is great but the hours suck. It's very much a single man's game. Best way to build sales chops and set aside some cash though!
Advice on making the most of the job.
Digest as much educational sales material as you possibly can while working the job. Test different techniques, scripts, followup routines, and don't believe anyone when they say the have the "one way." Parts of Jordan Belfort's straight-line system work well for me, but some parts don't feel natural with my cadence. Some of Chet Holmes' ideas work well for me, some don't. Use your job as the testing ground to build YOUR method.
What should you look for when applying?
A base salary (at least temporarily), residual commissions, and reviews from current employees. Companies that rely on outbound sales know how to make young salespeoples eyes glaze over with wonder when they list benefits like "flexible schedule, 401k, unlimited income potential!" Usually, when you see that in a job listing, the reviews tell a different story. "You won't make $40k a year unless you work 7a-7p AND show up on the optional saturdays" - 80% of sales job reviews.
How to get your foot in the door with little experience.
Most people think sales jobs suck. Businesses are always trying to fill their sales roles. Send in an application and a resume. Follow up. Be persistent. Show them that you understand the value you provide as a person within their organization. Selling yourself is your first sale, and the way you handle that first sale will often outweigh the "sales experience" section of your resume.
Never sold a thing in your life, but follow up in person, polished and sharp as a tack, ask for the owner by name, and thank everyone for their time? You'll get a call back.
Been in sales your whole life, but show up sweaty with your shirt unbuttoned and call the receptionist "honey?" No one's gonna call you.
Hope this all makes sense. Best of luck!
I'd recommend any b2b where residual prices are included in your commission (think ad agencies, office supplies), environmental services, and car sales*. I'd avoid print marketing, copier sales, energy sales, or office phone service.
*Side note on car sales: the money is great but the hours suck. It's very much a single man's game. Best way to build sales chops and set aside some cash though!
Advice on making the most of the job.
Digest as much educational sales material as you possibly can while working the job. Test different techniques, scripts, followup routines, and don't believe anyone when they say the have the "one way." Parts of Jordan Belfort's straight-line system work well for me, but some parts don't feel natural with my cadence. Some of Chet Holmes' ideas work well for me, some don't. Use your job as the testing ground to build YOUR method.
What should you look for when applying?
A base salary (at least temporarily), residual commissions, and reviews from current employees. Companies that rely on outbound sales know how to make young salespeoples eyes glaze over with wonder when they list benefits like "flexible schedule, 401k, unlimited income potential!" Usually, when you see that in a job listing, the reviews tell a different story. "You won't make $40k a year unless you work 7a-7p AND show up on the optional saturdays" - 80% of sales job reviews.
How to get your foot in the door with little experience.
Most people think sales jobs suck. Businesses are always trying to fill their sales roles. Send in an application and a resume. Follow up. Be persistent. Show them that you understand the value you provide as a person within their organization. Selling yourself is your first sale, and the way you handle that first sale will often outweigh the "sales experience" section of your resume.
Never sold a thing in your life, but follow up in person, polished and sharp as a tack, ask for the owner by name, and thank everyone for their time? You'll get a call back.
Been in sales your whole life, but show up sweaty with your shirt unbuttoned and call the receptionist "honey?" No one's gonna call you.
Hope this all makes sense. Best of luck!