So you’ve just graduated, or finished working your first job out of high school and you’re devising a plan to become the next Jeff Bezos. A family friend recommended you have a look in to becoming a sales rep, he seemed to be doing pretty well and thought you’d be a good fit… “you’re good with people” he said. All of a sudden, the image of an unwanted telemarketer stops you in your tracks; the traditional image of a smarmy used car salesman flashes through your brain. Maybe that’s not for me you decide… I’m not that type of person. But what about all the business people you admire and aspire to be like, people like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, and Warren Buffet… aren’t they salespeople, or were at some point in their career?
Gone are the days of the pushy, loud, and brash salesperson we’ve come to know through popular culture. Why? Because customers know better! In today’s ‘microwave era’ we’re flooded with information and able to find out whatever we really need to make a buying decision. In fact, a recent B2B buying study indicated that 94% of buyers conduct research before even speaking to a sales rep. However, interaction with salespeople is still the most influential activity in a B2B customer’s buying journey, so it’s even more imperative that salespeople are informed, and able to understand customer needs. As a result, a newer breed of sales professionals has been born, the new generation of sales reps are intellectually curious, intelligent, consultative, and driven by a desire to improve the status quo through a passion for their product and solution.
Sound more like you? Here’s why you should consider a career in technology sales:
Longevity
It’s a great time to be in involved in technology for obvious reasons. While a number of industries and jobs are downsized and made redundant, the technology industry is growing. The emergence of new technology players paved the way for a mass of careers in sales. Aaron Levie, the sneaker wearing CEO at Box recently told audiences “If you want a job for the next 10 years work in IT. If you want a job for life work in cyber security
Salary
With a technical skillset, drive and intelligence you could earn very well. Coupled with on target earnings most technology sales jobs remunerate more than twice the median for all other professions (Based on recent findings in US market).
Travel
Field sales gives you autonomy, and opportunity to travel around the world. I met a sales leader last week who was in town for a couple of day after flying in from USA, on his way to Singapore. It can be pretty gruelling, but it’s being paid to travel and talk about a product you love can be pretty satisfying.
Discovery
You’ll have the opportunity to meet interesting people and learn about their businesses, become a thought leader in your area of specialisation, and ultimately help businesses solve problems.
Some of the most satisfied, intelligent, and thoughtful people I’ve met have been salespeople, and most importantly it’s not so difficult to get in to technology sales. If you’re curious, driven, and want to have an impact why not give it a go. You might just prove yourself wrong!
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Halcyon Knights Founder/Co-CEO
