People with Jobs as Sales People/Agents/Representatives (but not Telemarketers) (United States)

Attitude is the key to success as a sales agent. You have to have a professional, attitude daily. What is a professional attitude? It is one that makes the client center of attention and have the client's best interest in focus. If you go to the field with that attitude you will succeed.. Remember to dress for success but comfortable and wear a smile. With that in mind, remember happy clients, will give you names of others that might need your services.

To be successful in Sales, must be an excellent listener and spontaneous go-getter. Having the ability to convey your message smoothly and with confidence. Be assertive, and not too agressive.

Always be courteuos, allowing oneself to develop a lasting relationship, and establishing rapport.

Find what you like to do, life is too short to only think about money.

If you love your sales career and have been with the same employer for approximately five years it's time to break away from the salary or salary/commission. Go straight commission! It boosted my income.

Set an appointment with your boss. Be prepared to show him where you were when you first started (first year, second year, third etc.). Then show him where you are presently. Now the kicker--show him/her where you want to go with your sales numbers.

After showing the boss your sales numbers it's time to present a straight commission program you feel is fair to yourself and, more importantly, your company. Remember, if you don't sell, then they don't have to pay you. If you do sell, show the boss how much money the company makes and how much you will make. Know the numbers! Like in sales, it has to be a win/win situation!

Most importantly, tier your percentage of commission (ie. 28% up to your first 1,000,000 in sales, 29% from 1,000,001 to $1,500,000, and then 30% from $1,500,001 on up. Then at the new year you start all over again). Originally I was making $16,000 a year base with a 20% commission with an average income of around $60,000 a year.

This program above changed my income dramatically.

On straight commission I now average $115,000 annually (Keep in mind, sales people get a built in raise every year due to annual price increases. You don't have to go in and ask for an increase--it's already there for you).

The greater the risk--the better the pay must be from the company. They know you will be highly motivated to go out and sell.

Keep in mind though if you don't sell you don't eat! And yes, some months are horrific while others are tremedous.

One last important item: Put the program on paper and present it to him/her. Sell them! Be sure to lace it with other benefits like car allowance or company vehicle, expenses, health benefits, 401K, cell phone, laptop etc.. Reach for the stars. You are committing to the company and the company is committing to you. Get the tools you need for both to succeed. Watch out though, a non-compete clause may follow before the company agrees to healthy compensation program.

Good luck and good selling!!!

I work in a smaller office and the goal is to bring in sales dollars. I have been the top producer continuously for the past three years, however, because three individuals were fortunate enough to get hired by my boss prior to me they earn a higher wage. Our year end bonus is paid as a team as well so they make the same bonus as me whereas i have brought in more sales that two of them combined. I have tried to negotiate a fair salary for myself with figures to back it up but without success. These three ladies still earn between 5,000-8,0000 more per year. It hardly seems fair to me and I have since had a bad attitude. My solution is to seek other employment where I can be valued based on production as this is my strength.

Unless you do those things you will not get a pharmaceutical sales rep job as a female.