Sales is a career sector that attracts many. Socially rewarding, goals-driven and often lucrative, it also surprises many. If you’re confident, a fast learner and have a Blarney-style gift of the gab that would shame Mrs Brown, sales is definitely the career for you.
And why shouldn’t it be? With opportunities in insurance, cars, advertising and real estate among many others, the market is eclectic and ever evolving.
But what, you ask, if you’re tired of the same old thing, the nine-to-five, the office board with everyone’s monthly targets, the ever-revolving conversations about ABC, churn rates and lifetime values?
It’s time to think outside the box. It’s time to see what else is out there for you. And it could be time to go for something a little different.
One sales sector that is booming is IT. If you know your ROM from your RAM and can communicate about computer systems, telecommunications, and social media, there are organisations who could use your sales skills to help them. Some will even provide IT training to complement your existing talents for selling.
We all know real estate sales is a big jobs market, but have you given any thought to selling what’s inside the house instead? You don’t have to be as cute and cuddly as John Amabile or seriously sassy as Kelly Hoppen to find your niche here.
Homeware products, home refurbishment and interior design sales is an expanding market – so if you have an eye on a more colourful sales career and an interest in design, even if it’s simply a penchant for watching 60 Minute Make-over, get out there and sell people a new direction in life by helping to boost their Feng Shui.
Then there’s advertising and media sales. The big money television, magazine, newspaper and online website agencies need people with a keen understanding of advertising combined with that sales experience and ability.
We all know about the travelling salesman; the travel broker sector, on the other hand, offers interesting specialist roles, such dealing in cruise ship holidays or student travel breaks. Maybe you have experience of these things yourself? Well, there’s a whole host of organisations just waiting to get you on their books.
Oh, and speaking of big ships, there’s a big market opening up for freight/logistics and ocean sales right now, with big corporate names currently looking for those with expertise and sales skills to get on board.
And, finally, have you thought about saving the planet? You don’t have to be Superman to swap traditional energy and energy saving sales jobs for ones in renewable energy. We’re all trying to make the world that big bit greener, so why not do your part and get paid in the process?
Almost all industries deal with sales. Isn’t it time you took yourself out of your sales comfort zone and dared to be different?