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There are countless opportunities for sales people in all industry sectors who are required to sell their company’s goods and services, either to other business people - business to business (B2B) or to the public at large - business to consumer (B2C).
Good sales people tend to be instinctive and outgoing and can make huge rewards when linked to commission based or part-commission based pay.
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Sales Executive Jobs
Is it for you?
Individual companies have their own categories for sales people but the entry level within this occupation would be as a sales executive. If your company is a manufacturer, an insurance company a car franchise – whatever it may be – you’ll be looking to build some sort of relationship with your customers – part networking, part checking, part supporting.
You’ll be anticipating their needs and encouraging the sale of as much of your company's goods or services as you can and there will be considerable administration work in filing, tracking and checking your leads. It can be hard going, but you can benefit directly from your own efforts and be promoted purely on your sales ability – and you’ll often be linked to a bonus or some form of commission.
Even though you’ll be part of a sales team, group or division – good sales people are easily recognised. And don’t forget, many sales jobs involve travelling, so a clean driving licence and the ability to hop onto trains and planes could be crucial to any number of lucrative sales positions.
Qualifications and Skills
Some jobs are very much about aptitude and pure instinctive ability. Sales is one of these occupations and firms that often recognise and reward the abilities of sales people who have started right at the bottom of their organisations and worked their way up. Although academic qualifications are less important than attitude and ability, degrees which relate to the nature of your industry or which show an affinity for a certain type of product will help enormously, such as maths and science for IT, Media studies for advertising and media sales, and of course, languages if you are selling abroad.
Most companies will initiate graduate training schemes, but equally you can take NVQs in sales from professional bodies possibly sponsored by your company. Either way, all companies will train you on their own need and products so that you understand their brand. One of the most recognised qualifications is the ISMM - Institute of Sales & Marketing Management which you can take either at the beginning of your career or later on to fine tune your understanding and progress your career.
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Opportunities and salaries
One thing is for sure, you’ll know soon enough whether you’ve got what it takes to survive as a sales executive – and whether you actually like it. The opportunities if you choose this career are substantial, as no matter how good a company is at marketing, advertising and brand building – indeed, no matter how good its products may or may not be – it is the sales executive who actually makes the sales and closes the deal. After a period as a successful sales executive, you could expect to be promoted to becoming sales manager, area or regional sales manager and eventually sales director.
Many of the biggest names in business have started out in some form of sales role during their careers. As such, salary guidelines vary considerably and may not actually look too high at the bottom end. You could start on as little as £18k and have a salary in the £45k range within three to four years. After that £50,000 - £100k for senior sales people are not uncommon. Remember, this is a commission led occupation and higher salaries will be dependent on sales targets.
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