Face-to-face sales can be a great long-term career path, but these roles are also worth doing even if your ultimate goal is to work in another field. Direct sales positions give you a whole range of skills that you can transfer to other jobs. Here are three of the most important abilities you’ll have a chance to hone while working in face-to-face sales.
- Responding to questions on the spot
Working in sales, you’ll need to be able to think on your feet and respond to questions on the spot. Interacting with potential customers isn’t simply a case of delivering rehearsed scripts. You’ll have to tailor your messages to meet the needs of each individual you speak to, and as part of this, you must be able to answer any queries effectively. For example, the self-employed brand ambassadors in the Appco network follow the principle of the Human Commercial™. Developed by the company’s founder and chairman Chris Niarchos, this concept involves establishing a rapport with customers, giving detailed and informative answers to questions and generally providing the best possible sales experience.
Developing your ability to think quickly and dynamically when the pressure’s on can prove invaluable in a plethora of positions. Whether you’re in a boardroom meeting and you’re being quizzed by the boss, you’re answering customer questions in person or on the phone, or you’re problem solving against the clock, this skill will be extremely useful.
- Being able to engage with a wide range of people
Out in the field, you’ll find yourself speaking to many different people from a wide range of backgrounds, each with their own perspectives, experiences and concerns. Being able to communicate effectively with such a broad spectrum of individuals is one of the most essential sales skills that can help you in virtually any role you take on in the future. It can also give you a big confidence boost, which is great for your career more generally.
- Organising your time
Many sales roles require you to manage your own time while you’re out in the field. The fact is, by planning your schedule effectively, you stand to sign up more customers and potentially increase your earnings. The sense of discipline that this instils in you could help you in any role in future where you’re required to plan your time. Whether you take up a job that requires you to plan long-term projects or you simply have to organise your activities on a day-to-day basis, having experience of scheduling your work time will be highly valuable.