IF YOU are one of those gifted people who can sell ice to an Eskimo, as the saying goes, don’t hesitate to embark on a career in sales. “Good sales people are always in demand because no matter how good a company’s product or service, if it doesn’t sell it doesn’t have value, “says Natalie Rabson of Boston City Campus and Business College. “No matter how you look at it, money matters and everyone wants to get the best deal possible – be it an interest rate, a salary, an educational course or a pair of shoes.
It follows that in tough times like these –all signs point to the fact that we are still very much in the process of recovering from recession – sales people who deal directly with clients and consumers have a crucial role to play. “Fortunately, the one thing that distinguishes good sales people is their perseverance when faced with a challenge,” Rabson adds.
“If you like sales, are good with people and can negotiate well, don’t be put off by those who say that sales are tough and getting tougher – rather arm yourself with good training that allows you to carve a successful career in sales.”Factors in favour of sales career are, among others, that entry is open to anyone with a passion for the field of work and that most sectors of the economy employ salespeople.
“If you love car but are not technically inclined, you can indulge your passion by selling cars rather than fixing them as a mechanic or panel beater for instance, “explains Rabson. “This applies to almost all products and services in the marketplace, which means that as a salesperson you have a world filled with choices”.
It is also possible to switch from one product to another quite easily, bearing in mind that you may have to spend time getting to know the new product or service before you can sell it successfully. Concerning entry to the world of sales, no specific qualifications are required; whether you have a degree or a diploma or simply completed school, you can join a sales team.
Boston City Campus and Business College offers a course in sales consulting for those who wish to get to grips wit the basics of selling, regardless of their educational background. The one-year course focuses on core subjects such as professional selling skills, consumer and buyer behavior, principles of customer service and Business English, as well as word processing and spreadsheets. As entry requirement for various courses differ, speaking to a counsellor at your closest branch is the best course of action to finding a qualification.
Not only do sales positions generally pay well – companies usually offer a commission and incentive structure besides a basic salary – but the long-term prospects are also above the average. From a junior sales person or representative you can climb the career ladder as far as your heart desires and abilities allow, up to sales director or even higher. “Terry Volkwyn, CEO of Primedia Broadcasting is an inspiring example says Rabson.
She started out as a sales rep, went on to become a sales manager and eventually CEO. She was also voted Boss of the Year in 2006 for being a leader that pays special attention to the needs of their employees.” Volkwyn has been quoted as saying “I will not sell something that’s bad for the client”, a principle that has contributed to her success and which fits in perfectly with the underlying principles of the Consumer Protection Act.
With this act due to come into effect on October 25, the chances are that employers will start looking at sales people with new eyes: they’re bound to further reward the good, send the average for training so they can improve performance, and let the “not so good “ proceed to other pastures at the earliest opportunity. “Employers will also be looking out for new talent who, like Volkwyn, has the drive and vision to make it big in sales and beyond, Rabson points out.
Boston City Campus and Business College offers more than 80 dynamic career qualifications throughout 48 branches nationwide. Unisa degrees and media studies are also available at selected branches. Contact Boston on 011 551 2000, e-mail info@boston.co.za, visit www.boston.co.za or catch up with Boston students on the Boston Facebook group page.
Students that apply for admission at Boston City Campus & Business College will get a response to their applications within two working days. And those that apply long in advance for their 2016 studie…
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