Been in outside sales most of my career in the construction industry (commercial/residential). For the most part, industry is irrelavant. As for landing a job, the company needs to feel you are self motivating, responsible, don't need constant supervision, go-getter, very likeable. From a customers perspective, Fishinpox is right on. And a great lesson - he is always right because he is the customer. I know that can be debated, but I mean he gets to choose what is important to him. Too many salespeople and companies try and dictate what the customer needs. I know a friend who wants to take every customer deer hunting because he loves to deer hunt. Some of them have no desire what so ever to go hunting. They would prefer to spend the same money and go play Pebble Beach. The key is find out what each customer considers important and do it. Service is a lost art and it is getting more rare by the day. Give it like you care (it helps if you really do) and you will be successful. The hardest part as I get older is befriending the customers that I really don't like. Most outside sales people fail because of 2 reasons. A bad product or service or usually just plain laziness. It is easy to do because you are on your own most days, but eventually it will reveal itself. Lastly, compensation now days can vary greatly. 100% commission, 1/2 and 1/2, or 100% salary. 100% commission has more upside potential, but much more risk. You better learn how to budget and stick to it. For every double month, you are going to have a welfare month. Some companies pay commission on the sale, some pay on the collection, and some take it back if the customer doesn't pay.
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