The Secrets to Jump-starting a Sales Career

Few jobs come with unlimited income potential and few risks.

That's exactly what one can get with the exciting field of sales, though. By following a few simple tips and making the decision that failure isn't an option, one can reap the benefits of unparalleled financial success. Here's how one does it:

1) If you don't believe in the product, it won't work.

That's the first thing to know. If you are not absolutely sold on the product or service you're trying to peddle on others, you're doomed. I spent three years in the business of recruiting high school students to attend technical or career colleges. As the product of a traditional college, I never sold myself that this was a great option for high school students.

Occasionally, I'd meet a student who was a perfect fit for one of the programs offered. More often than not, though, my mind was on meeting sales quotas and not that this was probably not in the best interest of the student.

Figure out what you're passionate about and then find the sales job to match that passion.

2) Treat it as your own business.

If you're too concerned with the corporation and the CEO who actually signs your paycheck, trouble lies ahead. One of the most important success factors will be your decision to treat your business as ... well, your business. Imagine that you open a business and it's your responsibility to get up each morning and make certain that business makes money. That's exactly the attitude you'll need to succeed in sales.

One of the neat aspects of most sales jobs is that you're able to work as an independent contractor - under guidelines set by the corporation you work for. Because of that, earning potential in some cases is unlimited while the risks are almost all falling on the corporation.

3) Be ready for change.

Stay on top of your industry and how the industry is likely to change in the future. If your competitors are successfully taking advantage of technology and you're still behind the times, you will eventually get beat. It's important to be ready for change and to greet it eagerly. Embrace change and you'll stay ahead of the sales game.

4) Ask questions.

You can never be certain what it is your customers need if you don't ask. Assumptions cause salespeople to provide the wrong product or service and assumptions keep salespeople from maximizing their earning potential. Asking questions of your clients shows them you care about their needs and that you are a solver of their problems.

5) If you say you will, then do it.

Few things bother clients more than a promise broken by a salesperson. If you say you're going to call someone on Wednesday, you'd better call them on Wednesday. If you promise to provide the client with a certain product, that needs to be the product that is presented. There is no easier way to run off a potential sale than to break a client's trust in you.