Is it Really Time to Quit Your Sales Job?
One too many bad days in a row? As a salesperson, when things aren’t going well, it’s easy fantasize about greener pastures.
Before you update your LinkedIn profile, take a step back and evaluate your situation.
Save yourself from making a hasty move. Reflect on these five common reasons for making a job change.
1. Your boss is a jerk.
It’s no secret salespeople quit their jobs because they don’t get along with their bosses. If you’re contemplating quitting because your boss is bringing you down, remember that bosses come and go.
The average tenure of a Vice President of Sales is eighteen months.
Not to mention, bad bosses are everywhere. Possibly even lurking at that new company you have your eye on.
Can you learn to deal with your current boss? If a bad boss is the only thorn in your side, you could be making a shortsighted move.
2. Compensation stinks.
Compensation is a serious consideration for any salesperson. Before you think about crossing the Rubicon and resigning, ask yourself if it’s possible to close more deals where you are.
Starting over can be a costly endeavor because the first few months require massive amounts of pipeline building. When you factor in ramp-up time, commission plan changes, and unforeseen territory shifts, will the new pay-plan be worth it?
On the other hand, if you’re feeling financially squeezed or you won’t hit your sales targets because of variables outside of your control; it might be time to move on.
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“Always make your future bigger than your past.”
3. Your offering is mediocre.
Most solutions work for most customers most of the time. The majority of customers aren’t going to use every feature your solution has to offer.
Selling the “best” solution in the space isn’t a requirement in order to be a sales superstar.
You do need to sell a solution that works well for the majority of prospects most of the time.
If you can’t look yourself in the mirror and feel good about what you’re selling, it’s time to make a change. If your offering is good enough and works well most of the time, press on with your current employer.
4. Zero growth.
What kind of growth do you need to see? If you’re looking to move into leadership, you’ll need several years of above average sales performance. You’ll also need a company that has a solid vision and is willing to support internal promotions.
If you’re after professional growth, you’ll need to work with other superstar salespeople who welcome accountability, sales training, and collaboration.
If the people at your current company aren’t amazing, it could hamper your sales career.
5. Anti-sales culture.
If your company values the sales department, you’re in luck. A healthy sales culture will go a long way to resolve conflicts, deploy resources, and keep motivation levels high. As a salesperson, you’ll be seen as a valuable contributor and an essential part of a thriving organization.
If you’re working in an company where the sales team is perceived as a necessary evil, things will be rough.
A healthy sales culture is a must have for any sales professional. The best salespeople in the world can’t sell at high-levels in an environment that’s not conducive to supporting, reinforcing, and compensating reps for stellar performance.
Is it time to make a job change?
Sometimes it’s better to focus on finding a new sales job. Other times you can turn things around with the right level of patience, positive attitude, and flexibility. Before leaving, why not give your current employer a chance to address and resolve your challenges?
The first thing you should do before you update your resume is communicate with your boss and make an effort to work through any problems.
Getting and keeping your sales career on the fast track requires hard work, skill development, daily action, and being in the right place at the right time.
It’s important to seize every potential opportunity and make the most of your current situation.
Because the majority of sales jobs are at the entry level, it’s imperative to get your sales career off to a good start. As you progress in experience and develop career capital, your job prospects will narrow.
High-paying sales jobs will become increasingly competitive and more difficult to land.
Ultimately, it’s up to you and you alone to manage your sales career. Put yourself on the road to success with the right company.
Pick an organization that has a healthy sales culture, products that work, and the growth plans to provide you with additional opportunities as you progress in your sales career.
If it’s indeed time, and you’re ready to make a move check out our Software Sales Jobs today.