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Chad Johnson

Is sales right for me? A guide to understanding a Career in sales

Updated: Sep 20, 2023


As I discuss, sales is done everyday in all aspects of your life.  This is important to note because since you need people of your life you need people to help you achieve your goals by asking them to take a break from achieving theirs.


Aside from this you may want to chose a career in sales. So this begs the question, How do I know if sales is right for me?


Determining if a career in sales is right for you involves self-reflection and considering various aspects of the sales profession.


Here are some factors to consider when evaluating if sales is a good fit for you:


  1. Persuasion and negotiation: Sales professionals often need to persuade and negotiate with clients to close deals. Assess your ability to influence others, handle objections, and find mutually beneficial solutions. If you enjoy the art of persuasion and can handle rejection gracefully, sales may be a good fit.

  2. Resilience and persistence: Sales can be a challenging field, requiring perseverance and the ability to handle rejection. Consider if you have the resilience to bounce back from setbacks and maintain motivation in the face of obstacles.

  3. Goal orientation: Sales roles often involve setting and achieving targets. Assess whether you are motivated by goals and enjoy the satisfaction of meeting or exceeding them. If you thrive in a competitive environment and are self-driven, sales may suit you.

  4. Product or service interest: Consider the industry or product you would be selling. Are you genuinely interested in it? Passion for the product or service can make a significant difference in your success and enjoyment in sales.

  5. Flexibility and adaptability: Sales can involve working in dynamic environments with evolving market conditions and customer demands. Assess if you are comfortable with uncertainty, adaptable to changing circumstances, and able to handle a variety of tasks and responsibilities.

  6. Financial incentives: Sales roles often offer the potential for commission-based earnings, allowing high performers to earn more. Assess whether the financial rewards associated with sales align with your goals and motivations.

  7. Training and development: Consider if you are willing to continuously learn and improve your sales skills. Sales organizations often provide training programs and professional development opportunities. Assess if you have a growth mindset and enjoy expanding your knowledge and abilities.

  8. Job satisfaction: Reflect on your personal values and aspirations. Do you enjoy helping others solve problems and achieve their goals? Sales can provide fulfillment when you see how your products or services positively impact clients.


To gain a clearer understanding, you could explore sales-related internships, shadow sales professionals, or engage in informational interviews with salespeople to gather insights and firsthand experiences. No career choice is definitive, and you can always pivot or explore different paths along your professional journey.


Even though anyone can sell you still have to have a knack for professional sales.  There are some tell tail personality traits that are a good fit for a career in sales.  So this begs another question,  What are the best personality traits to have to be a salesman?


Several personality traits can contribute to success in sales. While individuals with diverse personalities can excel in sales, here are some traits that are often beneficial:


  1. Strong communication skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills are crucial for building rapport, understanding customer needs, and delivering persuasive messages. Clear, concise, and engaging communication helps salespeople connect with potential clients and convey the value of their products or services.

  2. Empathy and active listening: Empathy allows salespeople to understand clients' perspectives, concerns, and challenges. Active listening skills enable them to ask relevant questions, uncover customer needs, and provide tailored solutions. Being able to put yourself in the customer's shoes helps build trust and fosters strong relationships.

  3. Confidence: Confidence inspires trust in customers and instills belief in the product or service being sold. Salespeople who are self-assured and believe in what they offer can handle objections, negotiate effectively, and close deals more convincingly.

  4. Resilience and persistence: Sales can involve facing rejection and encountering obstacles. Resilience allows salespeople to bounce back from setbacks, maintain motivation, and persevere in pursuing opportunities. Persistent individuals don't give up easily and continue working towards their goals, even in the face of challenges.

  5. Adaptability and flexibility: The sales landscape can be dynamic, with changing market conditions and customer preferences. Salespeople who can adapt quickly, adjust their strategies, and find creative solutions are better positioned to succeed. Flexibility also helps in managing multiple tasks and priorities effectively.

  6. Goal orientation: Sales roles often involve setting and achieving targets. Having a goal-oriented mindset provides focus, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment when objectives are met or exceeded. Salespeople who are driven by goals tend to be proactive and take initiative to reach their targets.

  7. Confidence in handling objections: Salespeople encounter objections and hesitations from customers regularly. The ability to address objections with confidence, provide relevant information, and offer solutions is essential for overcoming customer concerns and moving the sales process forward.

  8. Integrity and trustworthiness: Building trust with clients is crucial for long-term success in sales. Demonstrating integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior fosters trust and credibility. Salespeople who prioritize the best interests of their customers are more likely to establish strong, enduring relationships.

  9. Curiosity and continuous learning: Successful salespeople are often curious, eager to learn, and open to new ideas. Staying updated with industry trends, product knowledge, and sales techniques allows them to provide valuable insights and adapt their approaches based on customer needs and preferences.


Remember, while possessing these traits can be advantageous, they can also be developed and honed over time with practice, training, and experience. Different sales roles may require varying combinations of these traits, so it's essential to understand the specific requirements of the sales position you're considering.


You can find out more of these core competencies and how to develop them in Get Good At sales.


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