The jump into the world of sales can be somewhat difficult for the inexperienced prospective sales person.  Sales isn’t for everyone.  But those that choose to pursue a sales career need to begin by taking the steps that will lead to future success and the commission checks that come with it.  Finding an entry-level sales job and getting started cutting your teeth in a new industry may seem like the logical first steps but there are some vital prerequisites to determining the right path to take and which pieces of the sales puzzle are meaningful to you.

Self Assessment

Audit yourself as a potential interviewer would to give yourself a snapshot of your professional inventory for pursuing a sales career.  What are your relevant skills, knowledge and experience?  What are your strengths and weaknesses in those areas?  Doing this self assessment will help you establish the ground floor for your sales career and give you a starting point to where you want to go.  

Set Goals

This one sounds obvious but many potential candidates walk into their first sales interview without a clear picture of what they want to accomplish and where they want to take their career.  Goals at this point in the process are by no means set in stone.  Pick your best case scenario and start from there picking the highest position you wish achieve and work your way back.  Your sales career will undoubtedly take many turns so map out a loose blueprint as to how you see your sales career unfolding.  By knowing where you want to go you will be better positioned to determine the steps necessary to achieve success.

Branding

It is important to identify what your own personal brand will be when getting started in sales.  This is what you will be known for in within your own company as well as to customers, vendors, and any other professional relationships you develop.  It will take time to develop your brand but your sales career will flourish with the right plan in place.  Take note of your own personal strengths and how you can exploit those to the benefit of your new profession. The key is developing an image that is consistent and beneficial to your sales efforts.  

Network

One aspect you can get a jump on that will stay with you throughout your sales career is networking.  It is an important practice in developing relationships and gaining valuable contacts within the parameters of a sales job and just as vital when beginning a burgeoning career.  The contacts you develop may give you valuable insight as a mentor, colleague, reference, or even as your next employer.  Keep a detailed contact list including any relevant information and keep in touch with your personal network, it will pay off in your new sales career.