SECTION 1
CHOOSING A SALES CAREER
The chief business of the American people is business.
Calvin Coolidge, Jan. 17, 1924
Why Sales?
So, you need a job, or were just offered one, and you want to find out
if a career in sales is right for you. People choose a sales career for
a variety of reasons. Whatever the reason, the most basic requirement,
which can't be taught, is that you should be a "people person." Because
a salesperson interacts with many people, you must like people to
succeed. A good sale offers the thrill of a challenge, financial
rewards, and, of course, pride in a job well done.
Salespeople interact with their customers. Although there are many
similarities in people, there are also differences. This makes meeting
new customers exciting. Your conversations vary daily. Selling is also a
continual learning experience. I like that and so do most salespeople.
Selling affords the opportunity to exchange ideas and knowledge. A sales
career has an abundance of customers as well as colleagues.
A career in sales offers a challenge. The customers are a challenge.
They demand the best quality for the least amount of money. Colleagues,
on the other hand, offer competition. This is another type of challenge,
and of course, good salespeople are always challenging and competing
with each other. Setting new sales records, establishing goals, gaining
accomplishments, and earning money are all a part of career selling.
Since everything is bought or sold, a sales career is financially
rewarding. The only limits are those set by the salesperson. In many
instances, the sky is the limit. Selling, therefore, is a high income
career.
I saved one of the best reasons for last: when done honestly, the buyer,
as well as the seller, profit. Both benefit. Both enhance their
lifestyle. Both profit from the sale. There is always a sense of pride
that a customer has after a purchase—for example: buying a car, a
home, or any item that fulfills a need or provides comfort. Salespeople
also share that sense with them, because both were part of the selling
process.
Who Sells?
Everyone sells. Everything you can imagine is sold—even politics,
religion, and relationships.
Effective political campaigns are always in need of finances. Candidates
and their supporters must sell the voters on the fact that their
programs meet the public's needs. The candidate also has to convince the
electorate that they can lead and serve. So, as you can see, winning an
election and serving the public require the ability to sell yourself.
Religious leaders must also convince their congregations of their
ability. The church needs money to exist and to operate their programs.
In addition, the leaders of all religious groups sell their spiritual
messages to their members.
Both business and personal relationships need salesmanship to be
successful. Both need to find common ground. First, the individuals need
to become familiar with each other and get to know one another's
interests and preferences. Next, the ability to negotiate and compromise
are required.
Whatever the relationship, negotiation and compromise are valuable
tools. When you think about it, there's a little salesmanship in
everyone.
Summary
Section 1: Choosing a Sales Career
A sales career offers:
· The challenge of selling your product and competing with your
colleagues.
· Financial reward: in sales, the amount of money you make is based on
your ability to sell your product.
· Pride in a job well done: Buyer and seller both benefit from the
sale.
Everything is bought and sold. Proven sales techniques are used to sell
everything—not only goods and services; but also ideas, concepts and
ability. A good salesperson must like to talk, listen and learn from
customers to be successful.
Continues...
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment