Are you interested in inside sales as a career? Inside sales can be a very rewarding job if you so choose. What is the difference between inside and outside sales positions? If you think the difference is staying out of the sun, read on and discover if or why an inside sales job could be for you.
With inside sales you will need to not only sale a product or service, but be a representative for it as well. You will most likely be required to be on call to serve your current or potential clients in the event they have a question or issue. You will need to study your product or service very hard, and be able to meet the needs of the customer on demand. You will most likely do very little traveling with inside sales so you will get to enjoy plenty of 1 on 1 time with your office. If you would rather be more independent; travel more, handle your own scheduling, etc, than you may want to look into outside sales.
No matter what type of sales job you feel would suit you most, know that in sales, you basically get back what ever you put in. In sales, you can make as little or as much as you want. Most companies offer great benefits and starting salaries with little or no limit on income potential. In sales, Hard work will definitely pay off.
Good luck with the hunt!
By: Joe Regan
Archive for October, 2009
Inside Sales Jobs: A Job Worth Seeking?
October 29th, 2009Make Your Sales Job Successful
October 29th, 2009
Do you have the desire to work as a retail salesperson or promoter? Do you want to learn how to get plenty of signups or sales? This article can help you.
Over ten years ago, I worked as a window display demonstrator for a magnetic window company that was based in St. Louis, Missouri. The company made magnetic windows that were installed on the inside of people’s existing windows to stop drafts, noise, water and damaging sunlight from coming through. I was eventually promoted to a trainer who taught new hires to do the demonstrations at local stores. I will teach you how to present yourself as a demonstrator or salesperson in the retail field.
Be knowledgeable about your product. Read your company’s product information and rehearse your presentation frequently. Always think of answers to questions your prospects might ask. Be creative when you are asked an unusual question. If you give poor presentations and cannot think quickly, you will not be successful.
Always smile at your sales job. If you stop smiling after someone rejects your sales pitch, others might think you are someone who gets discouraged easily.
Keep all necessary materials at your work station. I put ice inside my display booth to give the windows a cold, frosty appearance and feel to reinforce window drafts my prospects might have. I kept a “6×9″ clipboard that contained lead-generation sheets on the booth. You should use a small clipboard to avoid making prospects think they will have to give or fill out a lot of information. I also kept customer discount coupons on hand to give everyone signing up for an in-home window inspection.
Be receptive to everyone. I once ignored a child who came up to my display booth because I was too focused on finding potential homeowners to talk with. When I approached the kid’s mother as she came by, she said, “I’m not going to listen to you because you wouldn’t talk to my kid.” I should have quickly showed the kid the booth.
Employ a good approach to encourage plenty of people coming your way to stop and listen to your presentation. Your approach should combine enthusiasm with respect, proximity and clarity. Approach shoppers with a smile on your face and make your pitch with firmness. You will have more trouble getting people to stop if your voice is too weak or soft.
If your product is a window, you could meet a shopper with a small window sample from your booth and say, “Good morning, Madam. Have you seen our magnetic windows? Feel how light this is.” “It is light,” she will probably say. Using an approach like this in which you are friendly and get the prospects directly involved is necessary to build a rapport and make your prospects more willing to give you the opportunity to do your presentation.
Once you begin your presentation, you must qualify your prospect. I usually began my presentation by saying, “Put your hand on this (frosty) window. Feel how cold it is.” After the prospect affirmed the window was cold, I said, “Our magnetic windows keep out cold and hot air. Do you feel any drafts coming through the windows in your house?” I mentioned the word ‘house’ to make sure the prospect was a homeowner.
Present all the features and benefits of your product. Ask your prospects questions regarding your product and listen to them. If the prospect does not display interest during your presentation or does not have problems that can be solved by your product, thank him or her for listening to you and start approaching others.
Do what it takes to overcome objections. For example, if my prospects said they were not ready for an inspection when it was time to write a lead, I said, “You’re under no obligation. Let me give you this discount coupon so that when you are ready, you will save a lot of money. What’s your last name?”
Offer your prospects flexibility. As I scheduled an appointment with prospects who agreed to let my company come inspect their windows, I would say, “Would 5:00 PM or 8:00 PM be a better time for you?”
Take advantage of special shows. Events such as home shows will bring you many prospects looking to buy your product now.
Follow these steps to have more success with your sales job!
By: Todd Hicks
Sales Jobs Interview Techniques – Secure Sales Jobs of Your Choice
October 28th, 2009
From the moment that you spot a job to the time that you go for the interview, there is a pattern that needs to be followed to ensure that you maximize your chances of landing the job. There are a separate set of techniques for the interview itself. But that part comes later.
An employer looks will classify each and every CV into two categories based on how it has been posted.
There is the employee who understands what the company is looking for, highlights those points in the CV, teams it up with a nice and effective covering letter and then submits it.
Then there is the second type who simply posts it and hopes to be picked for the interview. It is an obvious fact that employers prefer the first type.
The interview
Now that you have come to the more difficult part of a sales interview, here are some Sales Jobs Interview Techniques.
• You need to understand that the first part of the interview will be an HR manager.
• While some may complete this interview over the telephone itself, there are others who may even give you a form to complete.
• This may be followed by an IQ test or a psychometric test. This is a time sensitive and is used to judge your decision making ability.
• Take your time and answer each question. Do not ponder over each one.
• Being a sales interview, you can expect some straight sales questions.
• How would you sell me a shoe? It is aimed at looking whether you can understand the needs of the buyer.
• There might be other questions like how many leads can you make in a day?
• The following rounds will determine how you relate to your business and the customer.
• You must be careful about what you speak.
• Good listening skills are a plus during any interview.
By: Rama Krishna
