Sales consultants help businesses boost sales by analyzing performance data, developing strategies, and training sales teams. They improve and provide solutions to the overall sales processes.
Median income:
$62,210 annually or $32 per hour.
Lifestyle:
Work hours for sales consultants can vary based on their employer, and their roles typically involve a mix of office work, field visits, and virtual consultations.
Exciting Parts of the Job:
Engaging with different types of people and understanding their unique perspectives
Turning ideas into reality
Every problem-solving experience is different as each business challenge is unique
Challenging Parts of the Job:
Addressing the unique needs and perspectives of different individuals
Getting everyone aligned with the same vision the company has
Maintaining engagement and motivation across the team
Education Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree is often preferred but not always required; practical sales experience and knowledge can be equally valuable.
This is perfect for you if:
You enjoy interacting with people
You usually don’t take negative comments personally
You are driven by challenges and results
If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Scott Paulsen to learn more about being a sales consultant here!
Day in the Life
Schedule:
Flexible schedule, which may include standard business hours but often involves irregular hours due to client meetings, events, and travel. Adjustments to the schedule may be needed based on client needs and business demands.
Setting:
May work in-office, remotely, or in the field, and their role often involves frequent travel for client meetings and industry events.
Tasks:
Analyzing sales data, developing strategies, training sales teams, meeting clients, preparing sales presentations, and providing solutions to improve sales processes.
Proficient in varied sales technology and sales strategy development. They are also highly skilled in market research, creating presentations, and maintaining in-depth product knowledge.
Tools:
Laptop or computer with software such as Salesforce, Excel, and PowerPoint. They also rely on communication tools like email and video conferencing platforms.
Common Characteristics:
Natural Talents (strengths):
Naturally good at communication, persuasion, negotiation, and building relationships. They also excel in problem-solving, active listening, and adapting to various client needs.
Interests:
Enjoys leadership roles, persuading others, making decisions, interacting with people, and analyzing data, and researching market trends.
Personality:
Typically have enterprising, social, and investigative personality types. They are proactive, outgoing, and analytical.
Values:
Success, relationships, professional growth, innovation, and recognition.
*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.
How to Become a Sales Consultant
Education Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field is often preferred, but practical sales experience can also be valuable. Industry-specific certifications may enhance qualifications but are not always required.
Preferred Majors
Pursuing majors in business, marketing, finance, economics, communications, and management can be helpful.
Specialties and Similar Career Paths
Business Analyst
CRM Administrator
Customer Success Manager
Data Analytics Specialist
Financial Analyst
Marketing Analyst
Process Improvement Consultant
Revenue Operations Manager
Sales Enablement Specialist
Sales Engineer
Sales Strategy Consultant
Advice from Scott
Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:
Make sure you know the business well, including key sales methods and how they work. Be ready to discuss popular sales strategies and how major companies approach their markets. Showing this level of knowledge will demonstrate your expertise and make you a strong candidate.
Fastest way to get your foot in the door:
Gain relevant sales experience, learn key sales methodologies, and network with industry professionals. Applying for entry-level positions and obtaining relevant certifications can also accelerate your path.
What Scott would tell his younger self if he was just getting started:
“Buy Microsoft. Buy Apple. Never get rid of them. The number one thing, the hardest thing I had to learn, is that you don’t have to have all the answers. It’s okay to say I don’t know.”
