What is it like working for a sales and marketing firm?
Anyone here have an insight on what it is like to work for a sales and marketing firm? Is it difficult to handle multiple accounts? Are these legitimate companies in general?
I am wondering if this a good place for me to start in order to gain the management experience they are offering with the jobs they advertise.
Thank you in advance.
Instead of a sales firm, I would recommend working for a sales organization (a sales team within a company offering a product or service, such as software). As a sales person, I can tell you that sales is a terrific field, if you work for the right company. A good company will pay you very well, give you flexibility to manage your accounts and understand that not everything is within your control. A bad company will not pay you well, lie, micromanage you and treat you like a drone (there is no way to tell what way a company will be unless you do your homework by speaking to employees of the company in advance, or have been there for some time). Sales is a job where you usually change companies often, since products change and sometimes it takes trying a few companies before you find the right fit for you.
Regarding quantity of accounts, the true answer is, it depends. If you sell a complex product, you’ll only need a couple of large accounts. If you are organized and hard working and sell a commodity, you can manage several dozen accounts or more. Regardless, the key is organization (keeping a good calendar, keeping track of commitments), prioritization (knowing where to spend your time and what to focus on, since there is not time for everything) and commitment (it can be a demanding and up-and-down job).
Is sales a way to move into management? Definitely. Successful sales people who work well with people often are provided numerous opportunities to move up the chain. The bottom line is sales is a great opportunity to make a terrific amount of money, whether or not you’re in management. Good luck!
Instead of a sales firm, I would recommend working for a sales organization (a sales team within a company offering a product or service, such as software). As a sales person, I can tell you that sales is a terrific field, if you work for the right company. A good company will pay you very well, give you flexibility to manage your accounts and understand that not everything is within your control. A bad company will not pay you well, lie, micromanage you and treat you like a drone (there is no way to tell what way a company will be unless you do your homework by speaking to employees of the company in advance, or have been there for some time). Sales is a job where you usually change companies often, since products change and sometimes it takes trying a few companies before you find the right fit for you.
Regarding quantity of accounts, the true answer is, it depends. If you sell a complex product, you’ll only need a couple of large accounts. If you are organized and hard working and sell a commodity, you can manage several dozen accounts or more. Regardless, the key is organization (keeping a good calendar, keeping track of commitments), prioritization (knowing where to spend your time and what to focus on, since there is not time for everything) and commitment (it can be a demanding and up-and-down job).
Is sales a way to move into management? Definitely. Successful sales people who work well with people often are provided numerous opportunities to move up the chain. The bottom line is sales is a great opportunity to make a terrific amount of money, whether or not you’re in management. Good luck!
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