聚光灯
地区销售经理、全国销售经理、区域销售经理、销售和营销副总裁(销售和营销副总裁)、销售总监、销售经理、销售主管、销售副总裁(销售副总裁)
Most of us work for companies that sell products or services so they can make profits, stay in business – and pay their employees. But employees are also consumers; we buy products and services from companies with the money we earn from working. That’s basically how our economy is set up!
At the heart of this economic cycle is the concept of sales. Companies rely on professional sales teams to ensure products and services are effectively marketed to consumers. Leading the charge are Sales Managers, who train and guide sales teams, strategize sales plans, and help their company reach its revenue goals. Without their diligent efforts, companies would collapse, with rippling effects that hurt workers and the economy.
- Leading and mentoring effective sales teams
- Developing and implementing sales strategies
- Helping companies achieve sales targets and profits
- Contributing to the job market and economy
工作日程
- Sales Managers typically work full-time, but schedules vary. They may have to work late to travel and meet clients or attend events outside of regular business hours.
典型职责
- Conduct market research to stay informed about trends and competitors
- Identify market opportunities and continuously evaluate customer “wants and needs”
- Oversee the sales process from lead generation to closing deals
- Establish sales targets and projections. Develop and implement sales strategies to meet targets
- Lead, manage, train, and monitor sales teams. Assign quotes and territories to work within
- Create plans to gain new customers. Build and maintain strong client relationships
- Prepare and deliver sales presentations and proposals
- Develop pricing strategies and promotions
- Analyze sales data and performance. Adjust strategies, as needed
- Coordinate with other departments such as R&D, marketing, supply chain management, etc.
- Manage budgets and resources
- 向零售商提供有关产品摆放和营销理念的建议
额外责任
- Respond to inquiries over the phone and via email or text
- Address customer complaints and resolve issues promptly
- Use customer relationship management tools
- Share information about new products with existing customers
- Maintain reports and records of sales activities and expenses
- Turn in travel reimbursements
- Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with production teams
- Create training materials
软技能
- 沟通技巧
- 信心
- 客户服务
- 果断性
- 注重细节
- 情绪智力
- Enterprising
- 灵活性
- 倡议
- 人际交往技巧
- 领导人
- 动机
- 坚持不懈
- 说服力
- 解决问题的能力
- 讲故事
- 团队合作
技术技能
- Understanding of sales processes and techniques
- 对所销售的产品和服务具有技术专长
- 客户关系管理
- Familiarity with budgeting and financial planning
- Knowledge of software programs for accounting, business intelligence, calendaring, data mining, financial analysis, presentations, spreadsheets, transaction security, travel arrangements, and videoconferencing
- Financial services
- Healthcare organizations
- Hospitality industry
- 制造业公司
- Military suppliers
- 制药公司
- Real estate firms
- Retail chains
- 技术公司
- 批发分销商
The role of a Sales Manager requires the ability to manage stress while multitasking. They work under pressure to train members, devise effective sales strategies, and meet sales targets by desired deadlines.
Travel may be necessary, with working hours stretching beyond the typical 9-5. This can impact one’s work-life balance and also require managers to adapt to diverse climates and situations.
Sales Managers must stay current on the latest sales technologies and trends, including digital marketing, CRM tools, and data analytics. AI is revolutionizing sales processes by providing predictive analytics and insights into customer behavior.
Another trend is social selling, which involves using social media platforms to find and engage with potential customers. This shift highlights the importance of building strong digital presences and networks. Indeed, e-commerce has transformed sales strategies with companies selling more to global customers. That international trade comes with its share of challenges that Sales Managers must navigate along with their other duties.
Lastly, there’s an increased focus on sustainability and ethical practices, prompting Sales Managers to meet the demand for eco-friendly, socially responsible products.
Salespersons in general often love to talk, share ideas, and collaborate with others to get things done. Sales Managers might have enjoyed playing sports or leading group activities when they were younger.
- ~65% of Sales Managers hold a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field
- Many start in entry-level sales positions and work their way up while taking college classes. Some companies send their best salespeople to formal training programs or offer in-house apprenticeships
- Representatives selling highly technical products might need a bachelor’s related to that particular field
- 常见的本科课程包括
- 会计
- Business communication
- 商业法
- 经济学
- Finance
- 领导人
- 市场营销
- Sales management
- 统计数据
- 可选的认证包括。
- Association of International Product Marketing and Management - Certified Product Marketing Manager
- Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International - Certified Hospitality Marketing Executive
- National Association of Sales Professionals - Certified Professional Sales Person
- National Retail Federation Foundation - Customer Service & Sales
- Sales and Marketing Institute International - Certified Sales Professional
- Sales Managers may have to drive frequently, and thus require a valid driver's license
- Look for accredited colleges offering majors in business, marketing, or accounting.
- 如果计划销售技术产品或服务,您可能需要一个相关领域的学位
- 工程学院的课程应通过 ABET 认证
- Seek programs with internships or opportunities to get practical experience.
- Compare tuition and fees costs, noting in-state vs. out-of-state costs.
- Review scholarship and financial aid options.
- Check out graduation and job placement statistics.
- In high school, take courses in business, economics, math, and technology.
- To hone your logistics skills, take English, writing, and communication courses.
- If planning to focus on technical aspects, sign up for science, engineering, and technology courses.
- Apply for part-time jobs or internships related to logistics or supply chain management.
- Apply for part-time sales-related jobs
- 完善你的电话礼仪和说服力
- 自愿加入学校委员会。帮助开展课外活动,重点是提供领导和管理经验的角色
- 通过edX或Udemy学习在线课程,打磨你的销售和营销技能
- 给几个制造商打电话,询问你是否可以跟随销售人员一天。
- Read articles and watch videos related to sales techniques and team leadership
- Familiarize yourself with current sales developments
- 参与相关的在线论坛和讨论组
- 为你的简历和/或大学申请记录你的所有工作和学术成就
- Join professional sales, business, or marketing organizations to network, learn, and have fun!
- To work as a Sales Manager, you may have to start in an entry-level job and get experience first
- Make a profile on LinkedIn and other networking platforms to advertise your availability
- 扫描Indeed.com、Glassdoor、ZipRecruiter、USAJOBS 等招聘门户网站
- 查看招聘广告,寻找可在简历中列出的关键字,如
- 客户获取
- Customer Relationship Management
- 市场分析
- Performance Metrics
- Revenue Growth
- Sales Forecasting
- Sales Operations
- 销售策略
- Strategic Planning
- Team Leadership
- Review Sales Manager resume templates
- Cite quantifiable results (such as total dollar amounts of products sold), when possible
- Read sample interview questions and practice your replies via mock interviews. Sample questions might include:
- “How do you develop and implement effective sales strategies to meet or exceed company targets?”
- “Can you describe a time when you successfully led a sales team to achieve a challenging goal?”
- “How do you handle underperforming sales representatives? What strategies do you use to improve their performance?”
- Know the logistics lingo and best practices for managing warehouses, inventory, and transportation.
- Stay connected to your professional network. Ask for leads on upcoming job openings
- Keep up with developments related to the product or service type you want to sell
- Do your research on potential employers. Learn what kind of products and services they sell and who their target buyers are
- Dress appropriately for job interviews!
- Ask former professors and supervisors to write recommendation letters or request their consent to list them as references
- The best way to move up is to make sales and meet deadlines! When you’re making money for your employer, they notice!
- Consistently find great leads, negotiate great deals — and try to exceed your quotas
- Keep in mind that many sales jobs pay a salary plus commission, i.e. “money a salesperson earns based on the number of sales they have made.” So climbing the ladder doesn’t have to mean getting a promotion. It could mean bringing in bigger commissions and getting a chance to sell to larger clients
- 让你的上司知道你对晋升感兴趣。主动承担艰巨的项目或其他销售代表可能不愿参加的出差任务
- 接受更多教育和培训,提高销售能力
- For example, you can get a National Association of Sales Professionals - Certified Professional Sales Person certification…or a master’s degree in business!
- 如果你销售的商品有制造商的特定认证,请获得该认证。
- Watch or listen to sales demos to keep your skills sharp
- 尊重每一个人,准时参加演讲并做好充分准备,提供解决方案,并始终专注于维护长期的客户关系
- Keep growing your professional network and making connections with major buyers
- Stay active in professional organizations like the National Sales Network
- 了解最新的监管变化,确保您的组织始终合规
网站
- 销售和营销公司协会
- 礼品销售经理协会
- 危险材料管理研究所
- 国际贸易管理局
- 国际贸易认证
- 制造商代表教育研究基金会
- 市场准入计划
- 全国销售专业人员协会
- 全国女性销售专业人员协会
- 全国销售网络
- 北美销售工程师协会
- 专业销售协会
- 国际销售与营销主管
- 销售管理协会
- 小企业发展中心
- SMEI
- 国家贸易出口计划
- 战略客户管理协会
- 美国商务部
- 美国小企业管理局
- 美国贸易发展署
书籍
- Sell Without Selling Out: A Guide to Success on Your Own Terms, by Andy Paul
- The Sales Skills Book: A Concise Introduction to the Art of Selling, by Gerald Zankl
- The Ultimate Guide to Breaking Into Tech Sales: Land Your Dream Job, Make Six Figures, & Work From Anywhere Hardcover, by Brandon Bornancin
Being a Sales Manager can be a rewarding career, with a potentially lucrative income! But the job comes with plenty of pressure to perform, and the travel schedule isn’t always suitable for everyone. If you’re interested in exploring some related occupations, check out the suggestions below!
- 广告销售代理
- 客户服务代表
- General and Operations Manager
- 进出口专家
- 保险销售代理
- 营销经理
- 市场研究分析员
- 公共关系专家
- 采购经理
- 房地产经纪人
- 零售销售员
- Sales Representative
- 证券、商品和金融服务销售代理
- 批发和制造销售代表
- Wholesale and Retail Buyer