The career in sales looks very glamorous to many people. There are so many sales people praising their jobs, and enough facts about millionaire sales gurus that it seems to be the quickest way to get rich. Even though a large percentage of the rich tend to be in sales it does not make it easy. For every one that succeeds, another hundred fail. I know that sales jobs are always easy to get, as the turnover is very high, and most operate on commission only models. There are so many individuals that held at least one sales job in their past, that it is an astounding phenomenon.
Now, I am not trying to turn you away from sales as I love to do it. It does not mean that I enjoy working for certain companies, or that I think many of them have systems that are fair to the sales staff. It is simply that we go through our lives selling ourselves. We do it anytime we want something from someone, as we have to sell them on the idea. Even when you are trying to find a job, starting with the resume the sales process begins. I do however think that in the profession of sales, many shoot themselves in the foot before even starting.
I have seen many new sales people come, tread water for a year, and leave. They like what they see in the offices of the top sales guys, and try their hardest imitate them right away. People go after the elephants and forget the bread and butter that keeps them alive on a daily basis. There are unrealistic expectations forced up them, by themselves and it overwhelms them to the point that they stop being productive. It is also that some thought it would be easy, and are just too lazy to do the work.
To me, all sales jobs tend to look like a current making its way downstream. Keep in mind that there is no safe side that we can pass to, but there are spots that are easier to swim in then others. This would be selling something that you are interested in or are excited about. Now, as you approach the stream it is a very interesting sight, some people are standing, few drowning, and some treading the water with a few swimming around with ease. Remember that this is a strong current, as the competition in sales is fierce. As it is your turn to go in, think about what your instinct tells you to do.
Most tend to think that they are better than the rest of those losers in the water, and start swimming right away. I know that for a while it seems easy, but without the right know how, and technique the initial boost of energy disappears fast. Do not feel bad, that was usually my fast reaction as well but I learned. First, get in the water and just try to stand. Observe the people around you and see where they are succeeding and where they fail. It is only after you feel comfortable enough that you should start to swim. In the beginning stop often and reevaluate your technique.
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