Going From 0 to 100: How to Get Started in Sales

Do you want to make a career transition into the lucrative field of sales, but find yourself at a loss as to where to start? Making the switch to a new career, especially one that’s vastly different, can feel daunting and overwhelming. However, with the help of this guide, you’ll have the resources you need to launch your sales career in no time.

1. Understand Your Options

When you’re just getting started in sales, the possible positions you could pursue can feel like a blur. To help you orient yourself, here’s a quick overview of the primary types of sales positions. That way, you’ll know what you’re in for long before you do any job searching.

The most iconic type of sales position is a Field Sales Rep — an employee who travels to meet customers, helps them identify the right product or service, and ultimately closes the sale. This kind of sales requires a lot of face time and is an excellent choice for a career in sales if you’re an extrovert. If you’re more of an introvert, however, then a phone-based Inside Sales Rep role might be a better fit, since it involves building relationships with customers over the phone. These reps can often close sales remotely over the phone, eliminating the need for face-to-face contact.

2. Equip Yourself With the Necessary Skills

In order to succeed in sales, you’ll need to possess certain fundamental skills. To start, excellent communication skills and knowledge of the fundamentals of product technology are necessities — you’ll need to be able to explain technical terms in a way that customers can easily understand. Additionally, you should strive to cultivate exceptional customer service skills, since problem-solving is an integral part of the sales process.

Another key skill to hone is your persuasive ability. A good sales rep should be able to clearly explain why their product or service is the solution to their customer’s needs. Hence, some reps choose to strengthen their strategic sales techniques and research the competitive landscape of the industry in which they’re working.

3. Take Action Now

Now that you’re aware of the basics of sales roles and the key skills you need to get started, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge into practice. Here are few actionable steps you can take to launch your sales career:

• Polish your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and experience as they relate to sales.
• Research leading industry players and related fields to get ideas for potential sales jobs.
• Reach out to former colleagues, HR professionals, and other contacts who might offer guidance.
• Network, network, network! Attend industry events and meetups, and join professional organizations related to sales.
• Audit online courses, such as strategy simulations and sales training courses, to bolster your knowledge and skills.
• Create a professional portfolio with links to your LinkedIn and other social media profiles.
• Utilize job boards to find potential openings, and start applying.

Conclusion

Making a career transition can be intimidating, but with the right preparation and resources, you can embark on the journey to securing a successful sales career for yourself. From understanding the types of roles you’ll qualify for, to arming yourself with the essential skills needed, to taking the necessary steps to get your foot in the door, sales and your future career have never been more within reach.