Sales Representative

Sales representatives sell products or services to customers, building relationships and meeting sales targets while addressing client needs and concerns.

What is a typical day in as a Sales Representative? 

Identifying and reaching out to potential customers or clients.

Presenting and demonstrating products or services to customers.

Negotiating prices, contracts, and terms to close deals.

Maintaining detailed records of customer interactions and sales.

What else might they be expected to do? 

Follow up with customers to ensure satisfaction and identify future needs.

Conduct market research to identify trends and new opportunities.

Collaborate with marketing and product teams to improve offerings.

Attend trade shows, networking events, or conferences to promote products.

What kind of interests do people in this career path have? (based on RIASEC/Holland Codes)?

Enterprising (E): Interest in persuading and negotiating with people to achieve sales goals.

Social (S): Enjoy building relationships with clients and understanding their needs.

Organizing (C): Preference for structured processes, such as maintaining sales records and contracts.

What type of training is needed for this career path? 

A diploma or degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field is beneficial but not always required.

On-the-job training or certifications in sales techniques, such as consultative selling, can improve skills.

Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) tools like Salesforce is valuable especially for remote work.

What kind of personality is needed to excel in this career path? 

Outgoing, persuasive, and empathetic individuals excel in this role.

Big 5 Traits: High extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.

Myers-Briggs Types: ESFJ (friendly and relationship-focused) or ENFP (energetic and persuasive).

What challenges can I expect to face if I pursue this career path? 

Managing rejection and maintaining motivation in a competitive field.

Meeting tight sales targets or quotas under pressure.

Adapting to rapidly changing customer preferences or market trends.

What are the job prospects for this path in Kenya and Africa? What about International prospects for a Kenyan citizen? 

Kenya and Africa: With growing industries and expanding markets, sales representatives are in high demand across sectors.

International: Sales representatives with strong skills and experience can access opportunities in multinational corporations or global markets especially in SaaS and B2B Technology.

What should I focus on if I choose to pursue this career? 

Develop strong communication, negotiation, and customer service skills.

Stay informed about market trends and competitor strategies for your industry.

Always be curious!

Which other careers or job roles can I progress to? 

Sales Manager

Account Manager

Business Development Manager

Marketing Manager