I often hear from people interested in breaking into sales and business development.
The conversation typically starts something like this:
Me: "What makes you think you would enjoy the work?"
They: "I love being around people."
Me: "What makes you think you will be successful?"
They: "I know a lot of people."
Me: "How have you been able to, in your current role/responsibilities, prove that your network has worth?"
They: "It really hasn't been a part of my job, so I haven't tried, but I think/know I could if it was my job."
STOP. RIGHT. THERE.
Many of us know people. That's not enough.
It’s how you engage the people you know with something they need from you because they can't get the same level of service, value, or product from someone else.
It's how you choose to spend your time with people who find value in how you go about your work, and show appreciation for what you bring to the table, so to not waste your time.
It's how you elevate from the idea that sales people nip at the ankles of everyone for any piece of scrap they can find, so to remove any negative connotation about what sales is or is not.
It's how you are constantly assessing the caliber and quality of the people you hold relationships with, so to continue growing with like-minded strong performers in their fields.
Before considering a pivot into sales:
📌 Sales is not easy.
📌 More is not always better.
📌 Value your time or no one else will.
What advice would you share to someone seeking a pivot into a career in sales?
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