Hang on to your hats, people – the robots are coming! Or at least, that’s the prevailing sentiment these days. Artificial intelligence is on the rise, and with it, whispers of widespread job displacement. But before you panic, let’s talk about three fields where the human touch will always be in demand: management, strategy, and sales.

These three industries rely heavily on the nuanced skills that AI just can’t replicate. From building trust within teams to maintaining relationships with clients to navigating complex negotiations, these professions demand creativity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to think on your feet. If you find yourself motivated by a good challenge and the opportunity to help others, then these careers could be a great fit.

Today, we’ll dive deep into the world of sales, exploring the pros and cons of working in the industry and how you can make the most of your time as a sales rep. Get ready, because the future of work is bright, and it’s calling your name. 

The (Human) Heart of Sales:

Will we become obsolete? It’s a question keeping many of us awake at night. As a matter of fact, 42% of salespeople worry about AI replacing their jobs.

But truth be told, sales is about more than just numbers. There’s an art to it that demands the human touch. In fact, the best sales professionals prioritize networking and collaboration, relying on the three most valued job skills to be successful: communication, problem solving, and time management. And more than anything, it’s the relationship-building side of selling that makes or breaks a deal.

Success in sales hinges on emotional intelligence. By taking the time to understand your clients’ needs and build their confidence in your product, you can forge a connection that goes beyond a single transaction. This not only increases your chances of closing the initial deal, but also fosters long-term loyalty, repeat business, and valuable referrals. Remember, people buy from people they trust, and in sales, that trust is founded on genuine relationships.

So, we can breathe a sigh of relief – AI isn’t about to steal our jobs! Rather, it’s set to become a valuable asset, freeing you up to focus on team collaboration and client engagement. Now that we’ve addressed your automation anxieties, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty: Is a career in sales right for you?

Pros of Working in Sales:

1. The ball is in your court.

Ever dream of being your own boss? Sales is the perfect fit for your independent spirit. From choosing the leads that pique your interest to managing your own customer base, you have the power to play to your strengths and be in charge of your financial success.  

Remember – the more you sell, the more you earn. Top performers understand the power of a full pipeline and the importance of finding new leads and exceeding client expectations. So take the wheel, set your schedule, and drive your success.

2. You’ll have the chance to apply your skills in new ways.

Technical knowledge is the key, but soft skills open the door. Even the most fantastic product with all the right features won’t sell itself if you can’t connect with your customer and present it in a compelling way. That’s where your people skills come into play.

According to Gartner, buyers who remain informed and confident throughout the decision-making process are 2.6x more likely to buy again. In sales, you have the opportunity to increase clients’ confidence in your product by applying your strengths in different ways and tailoring solutions to their problems. Whether it be by building trust or navigating objections, a career in sales offers a chance to personalize each experience and overcome challenges in new ways, keeping your days exciting and your mind sharp.

3. There are lots of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Sales can feel intimidating at first. Picking up the phone for a cold call or walking into a meeting with a stranger can trigger anyone’s fight-or-flight response. But here’s the secret: That initial discomfort is a springboard for incredible growth.

As you hone your communication skills and build rapport with different clients, you’ll find it easier to step outside your comfort zone. Each successful interaction becomes a confidence booster, proving your ability to navigate complex situations and making you a more effective communicator. Sales is a constant learning environment, ensuring you stay on top of your game and fine-tune those transferable soft skills. 

Cons of Working in Sales:

1. The industry is negatively perceived.

The world of sales can get a bad rap. Telemarketer stereotypes and used car salesman clichés paint a picture of pushy, manipulative figures prioritizing numbers over genuine connection. Keep in mind that past negative sales experiences can make prospects wary. Building trust is key in overcoming their reservations and showing how your approach is different

2. Meeting quotas can be stressful.

Sales quotas are a double-edged sword. They can be a powerful motivator, pushing you to close more deals. But the pressure to hit those numbers can also be incredibly stressful. The fear of falling short and the potential impact on your income can contribute to a constant state of anxiety, making it harder to connect with clients and win deals. It’s a tightrope walk – staying motivated without succumbing to the pressure.

3. Underperformance can affect your pay.

In sales, your paycheck is closely linked to your performance. Sales compensation plans are often heavily weighted towards commission, meaning your earnings rise and fall with the number of deals you close. So, if you consistently miss quotas or struggle to convert leads, your income can take a significant hit. And let’s face it, you’ll have bad months – but how you navigate them can be the key to long-term success. 

The CtrlPlain Advantage:

There’s one key theme running through our list of cons: There’s not enough time. Time to make quality calls, time to build quality relationships, time to work on qualified opportunities. And that’s where CtrlPlain comes in.

A lot of our selling time gets taken up by updating information to our CRMs. But what if you could streamline your data management and focus more of your efforts on closing deals? With CtrlPlain, forget about struggling with your CRM and update your notes directly from a spreadsheet instead.

Our product saves you hours of manual data entry, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: understanding your clients’ needs and tailoring solutions to their benefit. By prioritizing genuine connections, you can rewrite the narrative and showcase the value sales reps bring to the table, making it a whole lot easier to meet your quotas while building long-lasting partnerships.

If there’s one thing you take from all this, remember that even though AI continues to evolve, technology isn’t here to replace you. Like CtrlPlain, it’s here to become your sidekick, boosting your efficiency so you can focus on the human connection and set yourself apart from the competition. As long as you keep learning and honing your craft, you have nothing to worry about.

Sales is safe, and so are you.