Why Are Talented People So Afraid Of A Sales Job?

Err...Umm...Ahh!

I work in a sales-driven environment. If you have never worked in this type of setting, it will be quite a transition for you to go from an hourly or salary-based role to one of pure commission.

In theory, job performance is job performance, and regardless of the style of compensation, the production should be the same… right? Well, in reality, we know that’s not the case. Most would agree that the 1099 contracted employee has it rough — usually having no benefits and a wild swing of earnings from month to month.  And I would say that is true. But, when you mix the right compensation plan with the right company and make it a product or service that we really believe in, the magic starts!

Unlike salary or hourly positions, sales jobs have the higher likelihood of income potential.

Let’s take a closer look as to why talented people are so afraid of sales jobs?

The Job Market

Anyone who has been exposed to the job market in the last 3-4 years has experienced fewer opportunities out there… and more competition.

You have to respect companies for having the foresight to cut back their staff… and oh, they did. These cuts were swift and drastic. What was left was a small, talented core of people who felt fortunate to be retained. Wall Street cheered. And businesses learned how to operate with less. Many of the middle class management positions not only were eliminated… but may never return!

As an adult, often our career path and recent titles define us. Unfortunately the career path is temporarily closed and we must take a detour — which leads to discussions on exploring a new career.

Me? In Sales?

“I hate cold calling.”
“I don’t know where to start.”
“I don’t want to look stupid.”
“This is too scary.”
“I have no idea who to talk to, or why they would buy from me.”
“Is it enough for me to just be enthusiastic about my stuff?”

Most people in a sales position stumbled into the opportunity. Perhaps some had talent as being a very social “people person”… and/or a good communicator that seemed to work for them.

Being in a recruiting role for Sales Agents, there is nothing worse that you identifying someone with the obvious talents to be successful who are so quick to dismiss the idea of working in a sales capacity.

Most companies with a sales component are already set up to work with someone making a career change. It happened to us and we can help you through yours.

Fear Of Sales

One of the most frightening words in our vocabulary has but two letters: “no”. For many people, it paralyzes them. Of course, they would rather have a desk job. Most have lived their lives being passive, neutral, and non-confrontational. The idea of imposing your will onto a decision-maker is against your genetic makeup! (Being sarcastically dramatic here.)

I have accepted the fact I am in the “rejection business”. For me, the idea that I hear a lot of no’s tells me I am doing job… for the more no’s I hear the more yes’s I will encounter.

In Closing

Businesses will always be partial to employees who contribute to their bottom line. Some of these $40k, $50k, $60k administrative or operational positions are a thing of the past… a dinosaur. Companies no longer have the dense infrastructure.

You’ll no longer have a choice but to look into a sales job. Often the best way to overcome your fears is to address them head on!

When it’s your time, I’ll be here to train and mentor you. And to help you overcome those fears.