How an experience in sales can positively impact career growth?

I have always been an introvert.

So, when I landed in sales as my first job after graduating from college, you could imagine my horror.

On reflection, however, it was one of the best things that could have happened in my career. A stint in sales made me a different person. I have had many influences over the past 30 years, but this experience fundamentally changed my thinking. And for good!

Since then, I have been an ardent fan of the idea that everyone must experience sales in their career at least once.

So, what 3 top things can you learn in just a year of sales?

1. Self-motivation.

2. Ability to “respond” and not “react.”

3. The art of showing up.

Self-motivation

I remember my first sale. After five months on the job with zero sales, I came back to the office with a cheque in my hand.

On that day, I told everyone what a great job I did.

Meeting targets is an emotional roller coaster ride. The reality bites after hundreds of calls and customer meetings, responding to lead status, and missing the quarterly target.

• You are alone. Your target is your target alone.

• You wake up, look into the mirror, and tell yourself — you are the best, and today will be better.

• You need to convince yourself and your customer why your product matters and why you matter.

• Motivate yourself and be you.

Ability to “respond” and not “react.”

There are many variables in sales. Price, features, and competition are the usual suspects. However, the customer’s mental state on any given day and influencers will also play a part in final decision-making.

Closing a sale is usually an emotional journey for a customer. The degree of emotion may vary by the nature of the product, but rationality has a limited role in the final decision-making act.

A good salesperson knows this. He/she will be careful during interactions and avoid adding unnecessary emotions.

• The salesperson must be measured and not impetuous. Any emotional response can lead to delays or cause the customer to move away.
  

• Be positive, energetic, and eager, but never bring emotion during a business transaction.
  

• Respond and not react.

Art of showing up

It took me 5 months to get my first sale, 2 months to get a small sale, and 3 months to close a bigger case.

In sales, past success does not guarantee future sales, and a string of failures is not an indication that the future can not be better.

• A good salesperson must be at it — the next day and the following.

  
  

• Come back with fresh ideas. Show energy. Be enthusiastic. Persist!
  

• No amount of rejection deters a good salesperson. There is no space for bitterness or malice.
  

• Focus on the end goal. Nothing else matters.

Sales experience will make you resilient, setting you up to become a great leader.