Getting a good job in sales can be one of the best paying professions there is. Top sales staff enjoy self determination and very flexible working hours. Good sales people can rise rapidly through the ranks. Therefore it may be of no surprise that a sales career is good choice. Some people are better suited for a sales career than others. It requires someone who is outgoing and has good business acumen.

Have you got what it takes to succeed in a sales career? Below are 5 steps to starting your sales career:

Are you right for a sales career?

A sales career isn’t for everybody. You will need to have the right personality and be comfortable with meeting people on a regular basis. Most sales people spend a great deal of time out of the office and are prepared to work away from home. A top sales person is someone who is proactive and can work on his own and as a part of a team.

Research your chosen industry

Take time to identify an industry that interests you and learn all you can about it. In some particular industries sales opportunities mirror the current state of economics. In other industries, like insurance and banking the demand for sales staff are steadier. In some niche industries the demand for sales people outstrips supply. A current example might be internet sales advertising, where there are more sales career opportunities than people to fill them. One should study the compensation packages typical for different industries.

Educational requirements

The world is becoming more high tech with each passing year and this creates a need for salespeople with a high-level skills and expertise. The demand for educated, trained sales people are high. It is common these days for some entering a sales career to have a college degree. That doesn’t necessarily exclude high school graduates but usually they will have to have proven sales background.

You choice of qualifications may have a bearing on the area of sales you are considering. Qualifications that translate well to a sales career include: psychology, advertising, business, communications, and marketing.

Research potential employers

Once you have decided the area of your sales career you’ll need to learn all about your chosen industry. The Internet is a great place to begin making a list of companies and organizations in your industry and location. Research as much as you can about prospective employers. This has two advantages: It will tell you which companies might suit you and will give you to information you need to impress an employer during an interview.

Areas you may wish to research are company culture, stability and advancement opportunities. A company’s website is a good place to go and will give much of the information you need.

Setting goals

You have now found the sales career you want and have secured a job. Now is the time set goals. It is important to set goals for your first year of employment. Be careful not to set goals too high as this will lead to possible disappointment. Make you goals realistic as your still learning and refining your skills.

Decide your needs. What are your dreams? Put your list into categories: personal and professional, and number them according to priorities. Research the risks you might take to realize your dreams and make decisions about taking them. Make a list the obstacles and think of solutions to these challenges. Pace yourself and evaluate the success of your goals every few months.

With a little foresight and preparation will make the task of finding the right sales career for you easier. The above 5 tips are hoped to help you on your way to getting a great career in the sales area of your choice.