A sales rep interacts directly with customers throughout all phases of the sales process. They’re responsible for identifying a customer’s needs, pitching relevant products or services, and ensuring they have a positive experience from start to finish.
In some cases, a sales agent will cold call prospects they find through business directories or client referrals. Other times, “warm” leads that have already expressed interest will be sent to them by their company’s marketing team. Being successful requires a mix of both building and maintaining customer relationships and consistently seeking new business opportunities.
A sales representative is typically expected to reach a particular sales quota each month. And as we just mentioned, the level of income you make in this career largely depends on your abilities and work performance. If you’re the type of person that wants to “control your own destiny” rather than working for a traditional salary, this is a career to consider.
Skills
There are a wide array of skills that contribute to the success of sales reps, but here are some of the most important:
- Strong interpersonal skills. Sales reps need a mix of both verbal communication and listening skills and have the ability to articulate how a product or service works to leads.
- Critical thinking skills. They must be able to diagnose a prospect’s problems and quickly come up with relevant solutions for the right price.
- Presentation skills. Product or service demos are often an integral part of this position, and reps must be able to concisely explain the core features and benefits to prospects.
- Negotiation. Sales representatives constantly face objections and concerns from leads and must be well adept at negotiating deals.
- Relationship management. They must also be skilled at building, nurturing, and in some cases, sustaining long-term relationships to ensure a positive customer experience.