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happiness

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I have an interest in a particular sales job. I say a particular one because I'm not inclined toward sales in general and am only interested in selling for this one company because I'm enthusiastic about it and its products. The reason I'm uncertain whether I should pursue it that my disposition suggests that I would be unlikely to excel at sales. I'm deeply introverted, definitely not a "people" person, am somewhat sensitive, and am afraid that the constant dealing with people, especially with the frequent result of getting rejected that sales entails would make me miserable and burn me out emotionally. Granted, it's phone sales with warm leads, not face-to-face selling and not cold calling, and these things make it easier, but I still get stressed out thinking about it, so much so that it deterrs me from applying. The things that appeal to me about it are: 1) I'm interested in the company and its products, 2) the potential financial payoff, and 3) it's a potential outet for my communicative talents. How do I decide where to come down on this?

Edited by happiness
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Ditto dream weaver's concern about the payoffs versus the risks to your current situation. But assuming that is taken care of, I think new opportunities to learn something that you're interested in, with a slight discomfort or stretch from your current abilities, is definitely a good thing.

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Being convinced that the product is good is a huge advantage for a salesperson. Since the job is over the phone, it should be less intimidating, once you've got started. If you have not already done so, it is worth reading up about some basic salesmanship... like how to understand the client's context instead of pushing something that seems "canned", translating product features into customer values, dealing with objections and indecision, closing... stuff like that.

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Would you be leaving a current position in order to give it a try?

If so, is it something you could go back to (there or another comparable position) easily enough?

 

I'd be leaving my current position, which although I have no complaints about it, is just a paycheck and not a desireable long-term situation for me. I've spent the last year trying to plan a move toward something else and am whittling down my options. The sales job is the riskier one, because there is no Plan B if I blow through all my money trying to sell on commission and it doesn't work out.

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Your current position, not being a desirable long-term situation, some time in sales would let you discover if you would find sales more desirable or not. Phone solicitation on warmed contacts lets you focus on understanding what the potential client is looking for and explaining how a product you have confidence or enthusiasm about can meet those expectations. The amount of money you have set aside will dictate how much time you would have to establish such a discovery. Both JASKIN and softwareNerd make good points regarding this aspect of the consideration..

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I agree with what has been mentioned here before. As for the concerns about rejection, being an introvert, sensitive and not being a people person... you'll need to learn the skills of being able to handle other people in the job and learn to put your feelings aside, but once you do... I think it'll have a better pay off for you. Just know that it may take a while before you feel comfortable and confident, and that's okay.

 

It might be worth focusing on your passion for the job, than on your discomfort and the emotions attached to that. On what having the job means to you, and on the achievements you can make with it. When someone does reject a product from you, it's better to not take it personally... there are so many other factors involved. I doubt it'll be about you specifically, and if it is then you can always learn how to improve your craft. It'll take a lot of hard work, and time... but it is doable. And even if it does fall through, you'll have some more experience and skills to add to jobs in the future. Ones which are desirable, even! 

 

I'm in a similar position to you in those aspects, but I'm neutral about my job... I love what my job means to me. I wouldn't have the job if I let rejection, being sensitive and the like rule my decisions in the job market. That's just something to think about, and I hope this helps somewhat. It might also help to talk to people who work in the sales market about how they handle it... you might find that they struggle like you think you will.

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