Your Career as a Sales Manager

Many people think that being a sales manager is very easy and this job suitable for everyone. There is a stereotype that those who can’t find themselves elsewhere try to become sales managers. But this is not true.

To become a sales manager, you need to communicate, be stress-resistant, know psychology, economics, and marketing. After reading this article, you will understand who a sales manager is and how much you can earn in this area. We will determine what professional skills and personal qualities are needed to become a successful specialist, and how to grow in this profession.

Who is a sales manager, and what does he do?

There is a stereotype that sales managers are arrogant manipulators who press, beg, and persuade to buy useless goods. But this is not the case.

At large companies, the sales manager is a valuable professional. He speaks favorably about the product’s advantages, knows how to communicate with picky clients, study their needs and offer them profitable solutions. Sometimes a sales manager has to process a return of goods, respond to complaints, or collect positive reviews from customers. The list of daily tasks depends on the specific company a sales manager works for.

Here are the typical tasks which a sales manager does:

• searching for new clients
• working with the client base: calling, personal meetings, etc.
• support: preparation of contracts, communication with clients and partners, etc.

Pros and cons

There are advantages and disadvantages while being a sales manager.

Pros:

• earnings depend on the sales volume, so there is no maximum wage
• you can choose an exciting business area and develop yourself in it
• it is easy to make valuable contacts
• age is not important
• you can improve communication skills
• you can reach the head of the department in the 1-3 years
• flexible schedule
• higher education sometimes is optional.

Cons:

• you need to call strangers constantly, and not all of them are polite
• in a seasonal business, there will be few sales for several months of the year, so that your salary will be not as big as you desire
• you have to fight for clients even with colleagues
• many companies have a dress code.

Skills required for a sales manager:

Desire is not enough to become a professional. A sales manager use knowledge from several areas while working: psychology, marketing, economics, etc.

Below are the skills that employers tend to mention in job descriptions:

• Knowledge of the product you sell. It is important that the manager can answer any question about the product.
• Knowledge of sales technologies. Depending on the problems and objections of the client, the manager applies the techniques of advisory, flexible or active sales.
• Ability to manage sales in CRM systems. You will have to draw up a sales plan, collect a customer base and manage potential deals in programs that help automate processes.
• Negotiation skills. Clients are different, and you always must reach a compromise.
• Cold calling skills. You need to call potential customers a lot and draw their attention to your product or service.

Do you find yourself as a Sales manager? If yes, do not forget to check out Jooble website with lots of unique positions.