Last Updated: November 10, 2020
While marketers work to generate product interest by expertly craft advertising and promotional campaigns, the end sale still comes down to the skills and negotiation abilities of a company’s sales representative.
Sales representatives work in a variety of industries, but all seek to increase the overall sales of whatever a company produces. Speaking to clients over the phone or in person, these individuals sell clients on the merits and positive benefits a product would provide, leading to successful profit generation.
What do they do?
Location and Opportunity
According to Indeed.com, sales representatives are needed in companies across the country. Some of the quickest growing areas include:
Sales representatives showcase and sell products using strong communication skills and persuasive abilities. They’re the primary points of contact between businesses and their clients, meaning they must have a clear understanding of a company’s image and product attributes.
Companies sometimes provide sales representatives with lists of business contacts to help generate sales leads, while other representatives work by cold calling potential consumers. In either case, sales representatives need to have positive attitudes, and can’t easily give up a sale.
With the help of strong marketing campaigns, sales representatives are able to close deals and drive profits at a business. Some other professionals they work with include:
Qualifications
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Grand Canyon University (GCU)
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Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
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Sales representatives are frequently hired as entry-level sales professionals. As long as they have proven abilities to connect with consumers, and can convert those connections into sales, companies will want them on the sales team.
Most sales representatives earn bachelor’s degrees in business or marketing, but some companies will hire based on previous experience.
Becoming a Sales Representative
Companies typically pay sales representatives through a mix of commission bonuses and salary. Entry-level sales representatives typically earn between $48,000 and $50,000 depending on what they sell and how well they sell it.
If you’re interested in learning more about careers in sales, contact schools offering bachelor’s degrees in business and marketing.