What made you want to work in sales for a tech company over working in sales in other industries?
I've been told I'd be great at sales, but I'm not sure where to start looking for jobs. Why do you do sales for the company you work for? What should I look for in a company to work for right out of school? #technology #sales
66 answers
Robert Potter
Robert’s Answer
Working IT allowed me to continue to enjoy a passion I have for technology and math. I also enjoy assisting organizations with improving their ability to deliver services and capabilities to their customers.
Michael’s Answer
There are a lot of great benefits for technology sales. Most of been mentioned already but to echo them you get to see all the new innovation and creativity well before anyone ever sees them. Another benefit is that you have the opportunity to interact with any other industry you can possibly imagine. Since I have been in technology sales I have dealt with customers in gas and oil, video gaming, restaurant, cloud (think Google Docs), and an endless list of other's.
Why do you do sales for the company you work for? : For most companies front line sales impacts everyone else and usually you have the fastest mobility through the company, this was one of the biggest parts of the decision I made.
What should I look for in a company to work for right out of school? This all depends on your priorities. A large company often hires a lot of young professionals so you get a work culture that you can bounce ideas off each other and grow your careers together. A small startup company you will have visibility to just about everyone including the owners and customers so you can really shine during accomplishments to EVERYONE. To find out while interviewing prepare a question you ask back "What is your team culture like at X company?"
Neil’s Answer
Hi Kelly,
Personally, my interest in the technology industry started from my first pat time job in an electronics store. As my own interest in technology grew, the thought of building a career in this industry seemed to compliment my own enjoyment with work. Having the chance to integrate with certain teams in marketing, data analysis & buying means that you can tailor your role in future positions based on which parts you enjoyed the most. Certainly enjoying the technology has helped and I'm not sure I'd get the same enjoyment if I was to move to another industry as I'm not sure I'd have the passion for the products.
The way the technology industry always changes is a huge benefit as you never know what will come out next and how you can work with that product.
Charlotte(Carly)’s Answer
1. Is it a right culture fit? (can you be yourself at work?)
2. Does the product provide value for their customers?
3. Do they support a good Work/Life balance
The Tech industry provides a lot of exciting opportunities for Sales people and as others mentioned it is constantly evolving so things rarely get dull :)
John’s Answer
Selling Technology is the future. High tech also provides a great opportunity to earn a significant income while modernizing and protecting the world. So you can feel good and have a mission while earning your living!
John
Lindsay’s Answer
HI Kelly,
I chose to enter technology over other industries due to the innovation in the area and the ever changing landscape. This industry is always evolving and will be around for a long time to come. Opportunities are limitless. Look for a company that has a mission that you can get behind.
Glen Whichello
Glen’s Answer
Hi Kelly,
I asked myself the very same question and from the very first time i used my first computer, spent my first minute "online", I knew i was passionate for new technology. Working for an innovative company is incredibly important to me, and when it comes down to sales, you must be passionate about what you are selling. What makes my job so much more enjoyable, and easier, is when you sell a product you believe in.
Sean’s Answer
If you're conisdering a career in tech sales, there are two primary ways to break in:
1) Start in sales right after college - many companies recruit people straight out of undergraduate programs to work in entry level sales positions. Often times, this is referred to as "inside sales". Many people start here, and if they're successful they will move into front-line sales or account management roles.
2) Start in a more technical role in the tech industry, and then move into sales from there - this was my path. It's not uncommon for people who major in engineering or IT related fields to start their careers in technology consulting or software development, and then move into a sales function. For me personally, I started as a technical software implementation consultant, then moved into a technical "pre-sales" role where I was responsible for delivering software demos with the sales team. From there, I moved into a pure sales role and now work as an Enterprise Account Executive.
Paul’s Answer
Why do you do sales for the company you work for? I think it is important to believe in the product and/or services of the company you work for. This is a good start to expand your knowledge and expertise to have passion for what you do. People buy from who they know and trust. Listening to the needs of the customer and pairing them up with the features and benefits of what you offer builds trust and confidence. Once you loose the passion for what you represent, is then time to move on as customers can tell your heart is not in it.
What should I look for in a company to work for right out of school? You need to find the niche market that makes you get up in the morning. Then research the companies in that market segment and network with colleagues in LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. And also research what people are saying about the culture in sites like glassdoor. Getting an inside track will give you the best exposure if that company is a right fit for you. I think market leader companies can provide an awesome career path with all the amenities for growth, training and career path. A large company can essentially provide careers within the company. So one can change departments or divisions etc without really leaving the company as a whole. This can provide benefits like seniority, 401k employer matching growth, stock options potential and a career ladder just to name a few.
I hope this was helpful!
Brendon’s Answer
Rachel’s Answer
Hello Kelly,
To answer your question, I really enjoy working with technology because its always changing. You're constantly learning new things and challenging yourself.
I started off in sales at the company I work for and now I repair the technology I once sold. Because of my companies great values I've been here for 5 years! Each day is an adventure and there isn't anything I'd rather be doing.
Look for a company that provides you with opportunities to develop yourself and opportunities for advancement.
Companies that promote a positive work environment and also have community support will keep you interested and inspire you as grow.
Hope this helps!
Christian’s Answer
After my graduation I started my first sales job and realized I was pretty good at it. Fast forward some 15 years I have after being in Product Manager roles and various internal support functioning positions decided to transition back to a sales role again. If you find your passion, stay with it.
The main reason I've decide to stay within tech/software companies is based on my nature of being curious and love to solving problems. Tech is not limited in the same way as for example of the shelf products may be and it gives you room for creativity which is hard to find in other industries.
Most sales executives I know off have started in some sort of BDR (Business Development Representative) role. It's a great entryway to the company you want to work for and gives you the possibility to work with customers and explore their challenges.
Christian recommends the following next steps:
Chris’s Answer
First of all, great question. The truth is I did not make a conscious decision to do Sales in Technology, my career took me this way. I will say though, if someone asked you what you like or want to do, where does your mind go first? Perhaps make a list 1, 2, 3 and ignore everything else. If at all possible do in the field shadowing and see if this is what you want to do every day when you wake up.
Sales in general can be extremely fun and lucrative! But you for sure do not want to be selling something to a end-customer that you are not passionate about or would buy yourself.
You will have a great time figuring this out!!
Brittany’s Answer
When choosing a company to work for you have to find something about the industry that sparks interest and fire within yourself. For me, the technology industry does just that. It ignites excitement and energy on a daily basis. The tech industry delivers the future for many other industries - medical, pharmaceutical, engineering, teachers, etc. You name it and the technology industry is paving the way for all other fields to work and show up completely different than we did yesterday. Having the products in our hands to better the future for others, allows us to really connect with our customers. We can uncover their challenges and opportunities and fill the specific need with one of our products. We have the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives, business and our communities. These are just a few reasons why I choose and love the technology industry!!
Good Luck! :)
Heather’s Answer
Do you like technology?
Can you grow and learn from this career path too?
Seek out and apply for openings in this field immediately and surround yourself with like minded people that can help you.
I love technology not because I’m a good salesperson, but because it challenges me to be a better person and intrigue me to learn more. All of which I like.
Also, don’t wait to find the “ideal” job. A career advisor told me when I was starting out that you are more employable when employed. Go find a job and keep looking. You are the captain of your destiny here and you do’t have to wait for approval to get moving in any direction.
Randee’s Answer