THE TOP 5 PERKS OF WORKING IN SALES

Sales is increasingly gaining more popularity as a career of choice… probably because of the money, right? While the earning potential is obvious and a top reason why people are drawn to it, we’re in an age where people care about their work-life balance more than ever. This is why when people look for a position, they are drawn to the perks. More than a quarter (34%) of people say perks are the most important consideration before accepting a job at a company (Glassdoor).

You probably want a career that complements you and adds benefit to your life, which may be why you have either thought of sales... or avoided it altogether.

But sales is moving away from the stereotypical industry where only a specific type of person thrives in it. In turn, this means the perks are becoming more diverse, appealing to so many more people. 

For many, sales is a life-changing career and with the right company, you could find yourself a job that allows you to unlock your skills and appeal to your lifestyle and goals. Keep reading for the top 5 perks of working in the sales industry.

FINANCIAL FREEDOM 

Let’s not pretend that money isn’t a top reason why people join sales and stay in it for sometimes their entire careers. But it’s important to note that it’s not just the fact that you can earn lots of money in sales, it’s the fact that you have no bounds to earn lots of money. 

Every sales role offers a commission structure, so whilst you can secure a decent basic salary, by doing your job well, you automatically earn money on top of that with every sale. As you gain experience, you’ll not only find it easier to close deals but you’ll also have the ability to secure high-ticket clients. 

So not only is this good for short-term earnings, but also your long-term progression and life-changing stability. 

PROGRESSION AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Money is great but so is long-term progression, and with sales, it’s the career that keeps on giving. 

You could start as a Trainee Sales Executive with the ability to progress to Head of Sales. There’s always to work towards, with so many different avenues such as Sales Development, Business Development, Account Management and Client Success, all of which can suit different skill sets and personalities. 

But that’s not all. Other than the endless progression, sales isn't stagnant. The nature of sales means there are always things to learn; from the market, to new companies, to brushing up on your strategy – learning never stops. If you're someone who doesn't like the idea of going into a job where every day is the same, sales will give you that excitement. The skills you acquire, like negotiation and business acumen, are skills for life that are useful in so many ways.

FLEXIBLE AND HYBRID WORKING

Most sales companies understand that the traditional 9-5 workday doesn't align with the nature of the job. They value trust and productivity, which translates into flexible working options to provide a bit more freedom. So, if you're keen on hitting the gym at lunch, managing the school run, or finishing your workday from the comfort of home, a big perk of many sales companies is autonomy.

INNOVATION AND FREEDOM

As a salesperson, your day-to-day responsibilities and expectations look very different. It demands innovation and an entrepreneurial mentality.

Companies and customers may initially choose to buy a service because of the company’s reputation, but they’ll choose to continue to buy because of the people. In sales, you have the opportunity to build and maintain amazing relationships as you adopt new strategies to increase revenue. 

Especially as you continue to progress, you’ll have even more influence over the sales team, best practices, as well as the type of clients that you attract. 

GREAT COMPANY CULTURE

Want to work with a team of people who are just as motivated and ambitious as you? Want colleagues who you can learn from and have a laugh with at the same time? That's what sales has to offer. 

Many people may avoid working in sales because of the stereotypical ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ atmosphere, but many companies are actively ensuring their sales teams value collaboration and diversity, both in people and ideas.

Not to mention, many sales companies, especially start-ups and those in the tech space are known for their:

• Incredible, open-plan offices
• Regular social events
• Range of benefits (did someone say health plans, free gym memberships and shopping discounts?)

A career in sales can be just as socially enjoyable as it is professionally and financially enjoyable. 

- Written by Shannon Matthews