Dear 22-year-old me,
As you prepare to step into the professional world, I know you are filled with enthusiasm and ambition but also bogged down by the unfamiliar professional path that lies ahead. Fear not as I have just the thing for you.
Having amassed substantial professional experience over the years, I have realized a few important things I wish to share with you about a career in sales.
Yes, sales! I know it surprises you but sales are where you shine, so embrace it!
I know sales seems like a challenging career choice, but it is a branch of business closest to life in its ups and downs and is thus capable of imparting invaluable life lessons.
Here are some key lessons I have learned along the way and now impart to you; may they help be your guiding light in this amazing journey:
1. Be patient:
Sales will test your patience. In sales, unlike your life at present, you will not be able to see immediate results from your efforts. While efforts are paramount in sales patience is equally important too.
Always remember, sales is a big-picture game where you learn from each failure and rejection and use it to fuel your next pitch. Don’t wait for immediate results and focus on using setbacks to build resilience.
2. Set achievable targets:
I know you have big ambitions, and it is great, but you tend to take on too much at the same time. Working extensively in this branch of business I have come to realize that ambition without direction is a waste.
Always remember to set goals for yourself and make sure the goals that you set are achievable. Do not let your targets become a source of anxiety and stress. Break down your long-term goals into smaller short-term goals.
Achieving your small-term goals will not only be easier but will also give you the motivation to keep moving forward.
3. Persevere:
I know you think sales is not the field for you and believe me when I say you will feel the same on many occasions in the future. You will doubt yourself and say things like “This is not for me” and “This field does not align with my personality”. But you must continue to push through these moments of self-doubt.
Entering the field of sales will be a blessing in disguise as it will push you out of your comfort zone and force you to work on yourself. It will help you become more confident, present yourself more clearly, and put your thoughts across more concisely and convincingly.
Persevere through moments that feel like a trial by fire because these are the moments that will help you break out from your cocoon and help transform you into a beautiful butterfly.
4. Learn to handle rejection:
I know failure is tough and sometimes a rejection feels like the end of the world. But sales will teach you how to handle rejection gracefully. It will teach you to stay strong in the face of failure and stay motivated to reach your goal.
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going”
This mantra is the go-to for any person in this branch of business. So don’t let rejections bring you down. Keep your eye on the prize and keep pushing forward. Choose to count each rejection as a stepping-stone to success rather than a failure.
Remember, every ‘no’ just brings you one step closer to a ‘yes’.
5. Build relationships:
Just like in life, sales too are built around relationships. Focus on building a relationship with your customers and partners. Always try to identify their needs and never forget to listen. Effective listening conveys that you care about your customers and helps win their trust.
In sales, it is very important to actively work on building stronger relationships with your clients and partners, so step out of your comfort zone and don’t back down on any opportunities to create new relationships.
6. Develop resilience:
In sales, you will be knocked down multiple times, and though there may be times when you feel like giving it all up remember to always bounce back. Adapt yourself to face the challenges thrown your way and use them to become stronger and more resilient.
You have much to learn as you move ahead in this journey. The lessons that you learn here will not only help you out in your career path but will also prepare you for the challenges of life.
Every failure and every success will be a part of your story and be the fuel for your growth. So, as you embark on this new adventure of your life remember to embrace all the setbacks and never lose sight of your target.
Let sales be your training ground for life.
With determination and unwavering spirit,
Your Future Self
