Sales is a challenging and rewarding field that can offer you unlimited growth potential. But it’s not for everyone. How to know if sales is not for you?
If you’re thinking about a career in sales but you’re not a people person, don’t like working long hours, or being on the phone all day doesn’t sound appealing to you, then a career path in sales might not be the right fit for you.
Table of Contents
Are You a People Person?
How to know if sales is not for you? First of all, if you’re not a people person then a sales role may not be good for you.
There are a lot of important aspects of sales cycles that people often overlook.
For example, being able to handle rejection and continue to move forward. If you can’t do that, then sales is probably not the right career track for you.
Sales reps are also good at reading people. If you’re not good at understanding what people want, then sales is probably not going to be a good fit. You need to be able to understand what the customer is looking for and then be able to provide them with a solution.
There are a lot of different sales skills that are necessary for a successful career as a sales professional. If you don’t have the right skill set, then it’s probably not the right career for you.
If you’re not a people person, then you might want to consider a different path.
Be Prepared to Work Long Hours
Sales can be a great career for people who are driven and enjoy working long hours. However, if you’re not prepared to work long hours, you’ll likely find yourself struggling to meet your goals.
While some sales reps may be able to balance their work and personal life, others may find that they’re constantly working and never have time for themselves.
If you don’t like working long hours, you may want to consider a different career. There are plenty of other careers out there that don’t require you to work long hours.
If you’re looking for a career that fits your lifestyle, sales positions may not be the right choice for you.
Sales Jobs Can Be Demanding
Sales can be a very demanding job, especially if you’re on the phone all day. If you don’t like talking on the phone or you’re not a people person, then sales may not be the right career for you.
There are a lot of other skills that are necessary for sales, such as being able to build rapport, handle objections, and close deals. If you’re not comfortable with any of these things, you might want to consider a different career.
Of course, not everyone is cut out for sales. But if you’re not sure whether or not it’s for you, the best way to find out is to just give it a try.
There’s no harm in trying something new, and you might just surprise yourself.
(Source)
Expect Rejection
If you’re the type of person who hates hearing the word “no,” then a career in sales might not be the best fit for you.
Sales reps face a lot of rejection, especially in B2B sales.
You’ll hear the word “no” more times than you can count. And if that bothers you, then it’s not the right career for you.
There’s nothing wrong with not being cut out for sales. It’s a tough career that requires a thick skin.
If you can’t handle the rejection, then it’s not the right fit for you.
Put Yourself Out There
Sales is a tough gig. You’re constantly putting yourself out there, trying to make a connection with someone who may not be interested in what you’re selling. And if making cold calls makes you uncomfortable, then a career in sales is probably not going to work out.
There are a few telltale signs that sales isn’t the right fit for you.
If you’re not a people person, if you don’t like working on a commission basis, or if you’re not comfortable with rejection, then a career in sales is probably not going to be a good fit.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some people who absolutely love sales and are very successful at it.
But if you’re not sure that you fit into that category, then it’s probably best to steer clear of a career track in sales.
FAQs in Relation to How to Know if Sales is Not for You
How do you tell if sales isn’t for you?
Sales may not be for you if you have a lack of interest in the product or service you are selling, you are having difficulty building rapport with potential customers, and you are unable to close deals.
If you consistently find yourself struggling in a sales role, it may be time to consider a different career path.
What do you do when sales is not for you?
There are a few things you can do if you think sales is not for you. You can talk to your sales manager about your concerns, look for another position within the company that better suits your skills, or look for a new job altogether.
When should you quit a sales job?
If you are not meeting your sales goals, or if you are not enjoying the work, it may be time to quit.
Is sales the right career for me?
Sales jobs are not for everyone. If you are not a people person or if you do not like working in a fast-paced environment, then sales is probably not the right career for you.
Conclusion
How to know if sales is not for you? Here are some telling signs:
- You are lazy.
- You lack discipline.
- You do not like people.
- You are not good at building creating and developing relationships.
- You are not confident in talking to other people.
- You are averse to conflict.
- You have trouble being challenged by other people.
- You feel bad when people tell you no.
If you’re not into how businesses work, then you’ll struggle to sell. You need to have an understanding of the sales world, and you need to be able to talk the talk.
Your unwillingness to invest time, money, and effort in yourself will be your downfall, preventing you from reaching your full potential as a salesperson. The goals of a sales rep are to increase year after year, making it impossible for you to have the same exact year over and over again.
Want to help contribute to future articles? Have data-backed and tactical advice to share? I’d love to hear from you!
We have over 60,000 monthly readers that would love to see it! Contact us and let's discuss your ideas!