It’s always a great feeling when you land your first sales job. As it’s the first job among many in your career, it could be said that the world is your oyster. However, make sure that you get in the right position as there are plenty of roles, all of which have their requisites. Some jobs in sales are focused on bringing in customers while others revolve around managing the existing customers. Some roles require you to focus on a single customer, while other positions necessitate the closing of multiple customers. Although every position has its requirements, in the end, it is the same end goal, which is to make a sale. Allow me to enlighten you as to how to go about the world of sales and more importantly, which specific role will suit you the most.
Understanding Various Sales Roles: Which One Suits You?
Out of the many roles in sales, some include Sales Engineer, Account Manager, or even Sales Manager. The scope is immense and they all require different expertise, which is why you need to be proactive in finding out yourself as well as how your expertise aligns with said roles.
Sales Executive
An Inside Sales Representative is also called an Inside Sales Executive, and they work from a central office and are responsibility for the sales of the company’s products or services to customers via telephone and email. In order to perform well in such a role, it is vital to have strong communication skills as well as people skills.
Outside Sales Executive
A travel agency or a real estate company needs personnel that will go out and meet the potential clients; hence outside sales. The position is very rewarding and allows you to travel as well as meet different kinds of people. However, the skills that will be beneficial for you in this position are resilience, as well as being sociable.
Account Manager
Account Managers cultivate relationships with clients. They also ensure customer satisfaction and assist with resolving all customers’ issues as they arise. This job also requires solid people skills, patience, and an aptitude for getting things done.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers are the ones who provide all the sales goals to every team member in an organization, Apart from that they put in every effort possible to achieve those goals. They have to be born leaders and have a smart approach to empower their team.
Business Development Representative
For a Business Development Representative, the goal is to seek out customers and sales opportunities. They should be ambitious, have the ability to conduct research, and be effective negotiators.
Key Account Manager
Key Account Managers are assigned to the most critical customers for the organization. They should know clients ‘operations sound communication and strong strategic thinking.
Sales Engineer
Sales Engineers deal with clients who are looking for technical products but lack the necessary technologies. They have to have overwhelming technical information and the ability to simplify complex information.
Sales Operations Analyst
Sales Operations Analysts do not deal with the wrong side of the sales instead they take a more structural and analytical approach. They should be good at analyzing data, pay attention to details, and assist in the making of key decisions.
Sales Consultant
Sales consultants are individuals who advise clients on ways of enhancing their sales processes. Good sales consultants must communicate effectively and use the consultative approach in assisting their clients.
Sales Executive
Sales executives are the most crucial individuals where everything to do with the development and all strategies aimed at sales growth are concerned. They need to be strategic thinkers and know a lot about the industry if not the most.
Which One Suits You Best?
Making a selection for the right sales job might sound like an overwhelming task. However, if you know what each role entails and more importantly what is required of the individual, then making an informed decision will be easier. Devote some time to reflect on your strengths, what you enjoy doing, and where you want to go in your career.
If you enjoy establishing solid relationships with clients, then Account Management could be ideal for you. But if you are more passionate about technology and talking others through complicated ideas, a goal in Sales Engineering may be good for you.
FAQs
Selling Products or Services Is A Requirement For All Sales Roles Isn’t It?
Not all sales jobs involve selling per se. There are roles such as sales operations analysts who sell less but rather analyze and enhance the sales process.
Are There Any Training Programs for Sales Positions?
Yes, a lot of companies offer especially for beginners.
How are Inside Sales Representatives Different from Outside Sales Representatives?
Inside Sales Representatives primarily work from the office and Outside Sales Representatives do field work, ie, they meet clients outside the office.
What are at least three core elements of Sales?
Sales involve three key things: Building relationships with customers, answering their questions, or closing the sale.
What makes a Salesman Successful?
A salesman should ideally possess five qualities: Empathy, Resilience, Communication skills, Persistence, and Knowledge.
What is Understanding in sales?
Understanding sales knowledge means knowing the products or services associated with the selling process. It comprises knowledge of product features or benefits and knowledge of selling strategies. This knowledge enables sales representatives to better address the needs of clients and close the deal.
Verdict
To conclude, there are several kinds of sales positions which points to the roughness in the character of people in these positions. It is important however to note that having an understanding of what each position involves is very crucial for career-wise decision making.
With this understanding, you can begin your sales journey and find the right position that matches your skills and interests.
