It is Still Possible to be Upwardly Mobile in America!

Yes, it's still possible to be upwardly mobile in America: it's called a career in sales.

Sales jobs come in all shapes and sizes. From the lowest telemarketer to the global strategic accounts managers, sales is what makes a company successful.

Today, the need to find sustaining careers is a hot topic for everyone in the labor force. Yet, every business owner I know is constantly lamenting the lack of good, effective salespeople.

What makes people unwilling to go into sales? How can we show people that with a drive and determination to succeed, sales is the surest way to a comfortable lifestyle and beyond?

First, take the fear out of a sales job. Many people don't want sales because they are afraid that the first time they don't make quota they will be fired. Yet there are many companies that are willing to help you acheive your goals, as well as outside resources to help you learn.

People generally yearn for some sort of stability in their lives. Look at Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. The basics of food and shelter must be fulfilled before people can begin to be concerned with higher goals. Look for those companies that are willing to mentor. Sometimes, they may not have the biggest benefits or have the best pay, but they will give you experience.

Look at the opportunities that can be learning experiences. Will they allow you the chance to learn and grow? If a company does not have the higher pay scale, is there training and good work conditions? If necessary, are we willing to take a less than ideal situation in order to move up?

As potential employees, do we acknowledge that work is more than just showing up? Do we understand that we must be engaged fully ? use all our mental resources to succeed? Do we understand that it is important to give 110% to our jobs? Do we also understand that change is inevitable and that we must be willing to prepare in advance for it? Do we also understand that the life decisions we make can impact our employment prospects? Sitting in a classroom may not be a favorite activity. We may not understand its relevance to us ? but if that piece of paper we earn helps us to get a job with a better company ? we have an obligation to ourselves and our families to put up with it.

A fruitful sales career helps both employers and labor. A willingness to learn on the part of labor can lead to be better income for themselves and higher revenues for their company. A starting sales job does not need a college degree; many small companies are more interested in attitude and a willingness to learn. A person could get their fundamentals there, take classes in sales and ultimately move to a company with better opportunities. There are always great opportunities in sales. Often it's just a matter of going out and finding them.

Jo Ann Kirby is president of KRG Communications Group. She has 20 years experience in sales, telephone sales and sales management and an extensive background in training and development. Her background also includes extensive b2b telesales management experience. Jo Ann works with individuals and organizations to help them become more effective and reach their goals. More information regarding Jo Ann and KRG's services can be found at http://www.krgcommunications.com

In The News:


Unemployment rate steady at 6.1%
National Post, Canada - 4 hours ago
Gord Waldner/Saskatoon Star PhoenixDalton Charles visited the Careers and Employment Services office in August. Dalton has worked in the house building ...

Canada's Government and Prince Edward Island Sign New Training and ...
MarketWatch - 3 hours ago
This will provide the Province with the flexibility to focus job training programs and employment supports on the local and regional needs of both employers ...

COORDINATOR/COUNSELOR
Seattle Post Intelligencer - 18 hours ago
DO-IT activities serve to increase the successful participation of individuals with disabilities in challenging academic programs and careers. ...

UPDATE 1-Monster employment index rises in August
Reuters - Sep 4, 2008
O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), an online careers and recruiting firm, said its Employment Index rose 2 percentage points to 159 during the month. ...
Monster US online jobs index edges up in August Reuters
all 30 news articles

Graduate employment hunters 'happy to change jobs'
Women in Technology, UK - 6 hours ago
New graduates seeking employment are demanding to be challenged and are not content to remain with companies if they believe their careers are stagnating, ...

Out of the inbox, into the dog box
New Zealand Herald, New Zealand - 18 minutes ago
But single emails have been known to sabotage careers. The most famous case in New Zealand was that of Paul Buchanan, politics lecturer and security expert ...

The Careers Adviser: 'Should I retake my final year? Is there any ...
Independent, UK - Sep 3, 2008
Is there any careers advice for recent graduates? A. Online advice for international students is available through the Graduate Prospects site, ...

Teachers feel children's careers not central to their jobs
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - Sep 3, 2008
"This is having a huge impact on the labour market as employers struggle to find people with the right skills and prepared for employment. ...

How the numbers stacked up in ABC's labyrinthine structure
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 2 hours ago
The regional companies sold for $46 million the right to provide their labour to 123 Careers, a company owned and operated by Mr Jones. ...

Seychelles career week focuses on needs of the labour market
African Press Agency, Senegal - 3 hours ago
APA - Victoria (Seychelles) Employees in the Seychelles educational sector who have been taking part in the Careers Week were on Thursday appraised of the ...
careers employment - Google News


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