“I love to sail and there is nothing else I would rather do!” These words echo the sentiments of skilled sailors who navigate the seas with fervour and determination. But how do you perceive your journey with sales? Are you sailing with enthusiasm, dedication and a sense of purpose, or do you find yourself adrift, merely coasting along, yearning for a different horizon?
In the realm of sales, there’s a distinct difference between having a job and cultivating a career. A job may entail going through the motions, meeting quotas and collecting a pay cheque, while a career is a journey marked by passion, growth and fulfilment. Which path are you on?
Consider the story of John, a seasoned salesman in a global office automation company. Despite his years of experience, John found himself stuck in a rut, still serving as a junior sales representative at the age of 60. Day after day, he engaged in cold calling and chasing new business, all while harbouring limiting beliefs about the challenges of sales.
John’s mindset was one of resignation and complacency, as he blamed external factors such as competition, the economy and his company for his stagnant career. However, a pivotal moment occurred when the Global Sales Director, Peter O’Brien, paid a visit to the office and extended an unexpected invitation to the team for lunch.
As John shared his history with Peter, revealing that they had started their sales journey together over 40 years ago, the younger members of the sales team were puzzled. They couldn’t understand how Peter had risen to the position of Global Sales Director while John remained in the same role.
John’s realisation was profound: he had approached his career as a job, merely seeking to fulfil his duties and collect his pay cheque, while Peter had viewed it as a long-term commitment – a career path filled with opportunities for growth and advancement.
The story of John serves as a poignant reminder: life is too short to settle for mediocrity. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in sales, the choice between a job and a career is yours to make. Will you settle for the status quo, or will you strive for excellence and fulfilment in your sales journey?
Transforming your sales job into a meaningful and rewarding career requires a shift in mindset and approach. Here are some key sales coach steps to help you elevate your sales journey:
1. Embrace a growth mindset: Consult your sales coach and adopt a mindset focused on continuous learning and improvement. View challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to overcome.
2. Set clear goals: Define your career aspirations and set tangible goals to guide your journey. Break them down into actionable steps and hold yourself accountable for achieving them.
3. Seek mentorship: Surround yourself with mentors and peers who inspire and support your growth. Learn from their experiences and insights to accelerate your professional development.
4. Invest in self-development: Dedicate time and resources to enhancing your skills and knowledge. Attend workshops, read books and seek out opportunities for professional development to stay ahead in your field.
5. Stay resilient: Sales can be a demanding and unpredictable profession, but resilience is key to overcoming setbacks and persevering in the face of challenges. Cultivate a mindset of resilience and adaptability to thrive in any circumstance.
Ultimately, the choice between a sales job and a sales career lies in your hands. Will you settle for mediocrity, or will you strive for excellence and fulfilment in your sales journey? Remember, the path you choose will shape your results and define your legacy in the world of sales.
Looking to upgrade your sales job into a sales career? Our sales coach team has decades of real-world proven sales experience spanning across all the major industries. We also offer extensive sales training and sales management courses, live events and keynote events throughout the year. Get in touch today!
