Sales

Description

The sales industry encompasses activities that assist in selling a product or service to businesses or consumers. It involves various strategies and techniques to identify potential customers, understand their needs, and persuade them to purchase. Sales roles are crucial in driving revenue and building customer relationships across multiple sectors, including retail, technology, pharmaceuticals, and more. 

Something Cool

Sales is absolutely critical to getting a product or service to market.  You could be an amazing writer but never get you book published if you don't have sales skills.  Learning some form of sales will help you so much in life.

Types of Companies

• Retail Sales: Companies that sell products directly to consumers. Examples: Walmart, Amazon, Target.

• B2B Sales: Companies that sell products or services to other businesses. Examples: IBM, Salesforce, Oracle.

• Pharmaceutical Sales: Companies that sell medical products and pharmaceuticals. Examples: Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Merck.

• Technology Sales: Companies that sell software, hardware, and IT services. Examples: Microsoft, Apple, Cisco.

• Financial Services Sales: Companies that sell financial products and services. Examples: Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, American Express. 

Further Education & Credentials Required

• High School Diploma: Basic requirement for many entry-level positions.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Often preferred for higher-level sales roles, especially in B2B and technology sales.

Entry Level Roles

• Retail Sales Associate

  • Description: Assists customers in finding products, provides information about products, and completes sales transactions.

  • Skills Required: Customer service, communication, basic math skills.

• Sales Coordinator

  • Description: Supports the sales team by managing schedules, preparing sales documents, and handling customer inquiries.

  • Skills Required: Organizational skills, communication, proficiency in office software.

• Inside Sales Representative

  • Description: Sells products or services via phone or online, manages customer accounts, and follows up on leads.

  • Skills Required: Communication, sales techniques, CRM software proficiency.

How To Learn More

• Talk to someone doing the role you want.  Check out my writings on The Gift of Asking for Help, Mentors and Networking 101 on The Search page to learn how to do this.

• Ask you preferred AI assistant. 

  • Better understand your own skills and where you will be successful at Roles.

  • Check out my writings on various industries and departments at the Industries page.

  • Already know what you want to do but are looking for guidance on how to find a job within that industry?  Check out The Search for advice.