9 answers
Pablo
Student
3
Questions
Asked
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I wanted to ask sales managers a question to help me understand the job better. How do you deal with big workloads or mistakes when things get busy?
Hello, my name is Pablo . I am from Yuma, Arizona, and I am a student at Crane Middle School. I’ve been interested in being a Sales Manager since the middle of last year. I want to be a Sales Manager because I like sales, and my mom is in sales. I also like the feeling when you recently sell something to someone; it's like if I were to accomplish something very big. I wanted to ask sales managers a question to help me understand the job better. How do you deal with big workloads or mistakes when things get busy?
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9 answers
Blessing Williams
Customer service
2
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Blessing’s Answer
Hey Pablo, I know how this feels—overwhelming, right?
It’s cool that you’re following your mom into this and you love it —that echos passion. Sales is a blast, but it gets messy fast, but with passion and the right strategy everything becomes easy and sweet as the day goes by.
Here is the honest truth on how to stay sane when things get crazy:
1. Focus on "Money Tasks"
When you have 100 things to do, most don't actually matter.
* The trick: Pick the 3 things that actually help close a deal.
* Do those first. The paperwork and busy work can wait until the pressure drops.
2. Own your mistakes
You will mess up. You’ll forget a meeting or send a typo.
* Don't hide: Just say, I totally missed that, my bad. Let’s fix it.
* Clients actually trust you more when they see you’re honest. It makes you human.
3. Make friends with "No"
This is the big one: You’re going to get rejected. A lot.
* The mindset: A "no" isn't a failure; it’s just a sign to move on to someone who actually needs your help.
* Don’t take it personally. Every "no" gets you closer to the next "yes." If you don't let the rejections bring you down, you'll be unstoppable.
4. Use a system
Don't try to remember everything in your head.
* Write every task down the second it happens.
* If it’s not on your calendar, it doesn't exist. This keeps your brain clear for talking to people.
Always remember that sales is a marathon. If you have a day full of "no's" and mistakes, just shake it off, get some sleep, do something fun that makes you laugh out so loud and try again tomorrow. Your mom has definitely been there!
I strongly believe you'll do exploit in sales.
It’s cool that you’re following your mom into this and you love it —that echos passion. Sales is a blast, but it gets messy fast, but with passion and the right strategy everything becomes easy and sweet as the day goes by.
Here is the honest truth on how to stay sane when things get crazy:
1. Focus on "Money Tasks"
When you have 100 things to do, most don't actually matter.
* The trick: Pick the 3 things that actually help close a deal.
* Do those first. The paperwork and busy work can wait until the pressure drops.
2. Own your mistakes
You will mess up. You’ll forget a meeting or send a typo.
* Don't hide: Just say, I totally missed that, my bad. Let’s fix it.
* Clients actually trust you more when they see you’re honest. It makes you human.
3. Make friends with "No"
This is the big one: You’re going to get rejected. A lot.
* The mindset: A "no" isn't a failure; it’s just a sign to move on to someone who actually needs your help.
* Don’t take it personally. Every "no" gets you closer to the next "yes." If you don't let the rejections bring you down, you'll be unstoppable.
4. Use a system
Don't try to remember everything in your head.
* Write every task down the second it happens.
* If it’s not on your calendar, it doesn't exist. This keeps your brain clear for talking to people.
Always remember that sales is a marathon. If you have a day full of "no's" and mistakes, just shake it off, get some sleep, do something fun that makes you laugh out so loud and try again tomorrow. Your mom has definitely been there!
I strongly believe you'll do exploit in sales.
Dave Sisler
Graphic Communications Manager Digital Production Specialist & Marketing Consultant
9
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Dave’s Answer
Hi Pablo,
Being in sales is an incredible opportunity because it opens the door to a career that can span across different products, companies, and even entire industries. The skills you build in sales—communication, problem‑solving, resilience, relationship‑building—translate everywhere.
When work starts to feel overwhelming, organization becomes your best tool. Staying focused on your priorities is essential. Making a list, keeping that list current, and crossing items off as you go is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay on track. Using a calendar to organize your daily and weekly activities also helps you stay focused and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
If you make a mistake with a customer, always take full responsibility and do your best to make it right. Be honest, put everything on the table, and remember that relationships are everything. Trying to “sell” versus truly building a relationship will never be as successful. Focus on the person, build that relationship, and think beyond a quick sale—aim for long‑term trust and long‑term partnership.
Being in sales is an incredible opportunity because it opens the door to a career that can span across different products, companies, and even entire industries. The skills you build in sales—communication, problem‑solving, resilience, relationship‑building—translate everywhere.
When work starts to feel overwhelming, organization becomes your best tool. Staying focused on your priorities is essential. Making a list, keeping that list current, and crossing items off as you go is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay on track. Using a calendar to organize your daily and weekly activities also helps you stay focused and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
If you make a mistake with a customer, always take full responsibility and do your best to make it right. Be honest, put everything on the table, and remember that relationships are everything. Trying to “sell” versus truly building a relationship will never be as successful. Focus on the person, build that relationship, and think beyond a quick sale—aim for long‑term trust and long‑term partnership.
Thank you Dave for replying to my question. I found it helpful that you included that relationships are everything. This advice has actually changed my thinking. I will try to focus more on the person to build I stronger relationships. However I have one more question, what would be the best university to go to for sales.
Pablo
Carlotta Rickert
12
Answers
Updated
Carlotta’s Answer
Hi Pablo,
Having a job in sales can be very a rewarding and exciting career. I find having direct sales experience first will better prepare you to then lead a sales team. Success in sales requires understanding your customer's business and its challenges, really listening to what they are saying and then recommending a product or solution that solves their problem or increases productivity or reduces costs.
You must have good organizations skills and be able to prioritize competing demands on your time. For me prioritizing the most strategic and or biggest impact to your business opportunitu is always first. Keep your word and be sure to follow throug on any commitments you make.
Good Luck!
Having a job in sales can be very a rewarding and exciting career. I find having direct sales experience first will better prepare you to then lead a sales team. Success in sales requires understanding your customer's business and its challenges, really listening to what they are saying and then recommending a product or solution that solves their problem or increases productivity or reduces costs.
You must have good organizations skills and be able to prioritize competing demands on your time. For me prioritizing the most strategic and or biggest impact to your business opportunitu is always first. Keep your word and be sure to follow throug on any commitments you make.
Good Luck!
Paul Cook
Account Manager
3
Answers
Saugus, Massachusetts
Updated
Paul’s Answer
The best thing to do is stay organized and stay positive. Do as much as you can at a time, but don't overload yourself so much that you get stressed and can't focus. Figure out ways to divide your work into different sections so that you can put as much effort in each task as possible. The important thing to know is that everyone makes mistakes, but that's only how you get better. Sales will always be a grind, but it will always be very rewarding as well.
Steven Reavis
Sales Manager
3
Answers
Filer, Idaho
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Hello Pablo -
First and foremost, you need to understand you will always have too much to do. If you aren't overwhelmed, something is wrong. Your sales funnel should be full, your team should be busier than they can handle. You should be wondering how you make it through everyday with the load you carry.
Secondly, accept the fact that things are going to go wrong. It's people behind the machine. And mistakes happen. But you won't be remembered simply because of the mistakes, you will be remembered for how you dealt with them. Be professional, be fair, and resolve them quickly.
Good luck,
Steven
First and foremost, you need to understand you will always have too much to do. If you aren't overwhelmed, something is wrong. Your sales funnel should be full, your team should be busier than they can handle. You should be wondering how you make it through everyday with the load you carry.
Secondly, accept the fact that things are going to go wrong. It's people behind the machine. And mistakes happen. But you won't be remembered simply because of the mistakes, you will be remembered for how you dealt with them. Be professional, be fair, and resolve them quickly.
Good luck,
Steven
Lynn Dewees
Sales, consulting, engineering
9
Answers
Pottstown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Lynn’s Answer
It's great that you want to go into sales. So many people have a negative opinion but it's an important profession.
You're almost always going to be dealing with a large workload. In fact, you'll spend most of your days growing that workload by contacting potential customers.
For me, organization was key. I used Client Relationship Management software to track my calls, meetings and to dos. The one I used the most is ACT! (with the exclamation point). I found it intuitive and it fit my style of organization. There are many out there. Most have "free" trial options that let you get a small feel for the workings without letting you run a business off of them.
Search the web for CRM and you'll find plenty.
Best of luck!
You're almost always going to be dealing with a large workload. In fact, you'll spend most of your days growing that workload by contacting potential customers.
For me, organization was key. I used Client Relationship Management software to track my calls, meetings and to dos. The one I used the most is ACT! (with the exclamation point). I found it intuitive and it fit my style of organization. There are many out there. Most have "free" trial options that let you get a small feel for the workings without letting you run a business off of them.
Search the web for CRM and you'll find plenty.
Best of luck!
Thank you for replying to my Question Lynn. I found it very helpful that you said organization is key. That will change my plan and thinking because now I will focus more on staying organized.
Pablo
Lisa Carey
Resource Manager
15
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
HI Pablo: Its exciting you want to pursue sales. Being close to the customer and closing the deal is a wonderful experinece. If I were meeting a sales manager I would ask the following:
1. why did you go into sales?
2. what do you love most?
3. how do you handle rejections (critical for being good in sales).
More broadly, if you want to be in sales, you should do some selling. At the end of the day, a sales manager manages sales people, quotas, coaching, etc. You will need a number of years experience before you are ready for that kind of responsibility. You should get experience selling and then get jobs selling once you are through school.
I would ensure you also take courses in school that give you good communication skills-writing, reading and presenting; critical analysis and some exposure to numbers (good sales people and sales managers need to understand quota, etc).
A career in sales is wonderful because you are close to the customer. to be a sales manager you need to be a great sales person. Good luck and have fun.
1. why did you go into sales?
2. what do you love most?
3. how do you handle rejections (critical for being good in sales).
More broadly, if you want to be in sales, you should do some selling. At the end of the day, a sales manager manages sales people, quotas, coaching, etc. You will need a number of years experience before you are ready for that kind of responsibility. You should get experience selling and then get jobs selling once you are through school.
I would ensure you also take courses in school that give you good communication skills-writing, reading and presenting; critical analysis and some exposure to numbers (good sales people and sales managers need to understand quota, etc).
A career in sales is wonderful because you are close to the customer. to be a sales manager you need to be a great sales person. Good luck and have fun.
Thank you Lisa for replying to my question. I found your reply helpful. Mostly the part where you included what questions a sales manager would ask.
Pablo
Blair Eichenberger
Sales Executive
1
Answer
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Updated
Blair’s Answer
When managing a high workload in sales, the most effective way to prioritize is simple — look at everything on your desk and ask yourself which items carry the greatest potential impact on revenue and customer relationships. Not every task demands the same level of urgency, and treating them all equally is where valuable time gets lost. The accounts that are closest to closing, the clients (or employees if you are managaing human capital) who are at risk of leaving, and the issues that could stall a deal deserve your attention first. By consistently filtering your to-do list through those two lenses — revenue impact and relationship health — you naturally work smarter rather than harder, ensuring that when the day ends, your effort went where it mattered most.
Rick Kneisley
Retired Investment Broker and Investment Sales Manager
48
Answers
Georgetown, Texas
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Hi Pablo,
First, I want to tell you how impressed I am that you are already thinking about your future and asking questions about careers. That kind of curiosity will serve you well in life.
I spent many years working in sales and later as a sales manager in large banks, so I can share a little of what I learned.
When I first started in sales, I discovered something important very quickly. When a new customer sat down with me, the worst thing I could do was immediately start talking about the product I wanted to sell. The customer didn’t know me yet and didn’t trust me.
So instead, I would begin by asking about them about their work, their business, their family, and their goals. People love to talk about their lives and what matters to them. When someone feels understood and respected, trust begins to grow. Once that trust existed, the sales conversation became much easier. In many ways, sales is really about understanding people.
Because I became very good at selling, I was often the top producer in my company. Eventually the company promoted me to sales manager. At first that sounded like a great achievement.
But something important changed.
As a manager, I wasn’t meeting with customers anymore. Instead, I spent my days in meetings, solving problems, and trying to help salespeople who were struggling. The people above me were telling me what needed to be done, and I had much less time doing the part of the job I loved — working directly with customers and helping them make good decisions.
That experience taught me an important lesson I want to share with you.
Sometimes the next promotion isn’t always the best choice. The most important thing is to understand what you are truly good at and what you enjoy doing every day.
If you love working directly with people and making sales, you may be happiest staying focused on that and becoming the very best salesperson you can be. If you enjoy coaching others, organizing teams, and solving problems, then becoming a sales manager might be the right path.
Neither path is better than the other. What matters is choosing the one that fits you best.
As for your question about big workloads or mistakes when things get busy, here is something I learned: everyone makes mistakes in business. The key is to stay calm, fix the problem honestly, and learn from it so you don’t repeat it. The best professionals don’t panic when things get busy, they focus on one problem at a time and keep moving forward.
You are already asking smart questions, Pablo. If you keep that curiosity and continue learning about people, you will do very well in sales or any career you choose.
One last thought: success in work isn’t just about climbing higher. It’s about finding the part of the work you love doing and becoming great at it.
Wishing you great success,
Rick Kneisley
First, I want to tell you how impressed I am that you are already thinking about your future and asking questions about careers. That kind of curiosity will serve you well in life.
I spent many years working in sales and later as a sales manager in large banks, so I can share a little of what I learned.
When I first started in sales, I discovered something important very quickly. When a new customer sat down with me, the worst thing I could do was immediately start talking about the product I wanted to sell. The customer didn’t know me yet and didn’t trust me.
So instead, I would begin by asking about them about their work, their business, their family, and their goals. People love to talk about their lives and what matters to them. When someone feels understood and respected, trust begins to grow. Once that trust existed, the sales conversation became much easier. In many ways, sales is really about understanding people.
Because I became very good at selling, I was often the top producer in my company. Eventually the company promoted me to sales manager. At first that sounded like a great achievement.
But something important changed.
As a manager, I wasn’t meeting with customers anymore. Instead, I spent my days in meetings, solving problems, and trying to help salespeople who were struggling. The people above me were telling me what needed to be done, and I had much less time doing the part of the job I loved — working directly with customers and helping them make good decisions.
That experience taught me an important lesson I want to share with you.
Sometimes the next promotion isn’t always the best choice. The most important thing is to understand what you are truly good at and what you enjoy doing every day.
If you love working directly with people and making sales, you may be happiest staying focused on that and becoming the very best salesperson you can be. If you enjoy coaching others, organizing teams, and solving problems, then becoming a sales manager might be the right path.
Neither path is better than the other. What matters is choosing the one that fits you best.
As for your question about big workloads or mistakes when things get busy, here is something I learned: everyone makes mistakes in business. The key is to stay calm, fix the problem honestly, and learn from it so you don’t repeat it. The best professionals don’t panic when things get busy, they focus on one problem at a time and keep moving forward.
You are already asking smart questions, Pablo. If you keep that curiosity and continue learning about people, you will do very well in sales or any career you choose.
One last thought: success in work isn’t just about climbing higher. It’s about finding the part of the work you love doing and becoming great at it.
Wishing you great success,
Rick Kneisley
Thank you Rick for replying to my question. I found it very helpful That you included that success isn’t work but it’s climbing higher. This will change my thinking because now I will try to climb higher than anyone.
Pablo