3 important questions to ask yourself before changing your sales job.

1.- Do I want to continue my career in the same industry or switch?

If you are engaged and feel passionate about your industry and want to stay within, you'll benefit from your existing knowledge, experience, and established relationships. This expertise can give you a competitive edge and help you navigate industry-specific challenges. Continuing in the same industry often means retaining your existing book of business and leads pipeline (Depending on non-compete agreements). This can provide a steady stream of opportunities and accelerate your ramp-up time in a new role.

On the other hand, if you want to jump into another industry you have to do your homework. Even though sales is a timeless practice, understanding how your specific sales skills align with the demands of a new sector is crucial. Consider the unique selling points of the new field and how your expertise can contribute to success. Research the industry's current trends and forecast for the upcoming years to identify growth opportunities and potential challenges. This will help you make an informed decision and tailor your approach accordingly.

2.- Do I know the kind of sales process I want to pursue?

Understanding your current sales process from end to end is crucial. Once you have a thorough grasp of your role, you can identify your strengths, weaknesses, and the contributions of others.

Let's use a couple of examples:

- If you've primarily focused on closing deals and have been provided with warm leads, you might question your ability to find new leads in a role that requires prospecting. This transition would necessitate developing new skills and stepping outside of your comfort zone.
- If you've excelled at finding and converting leads for the account management team or outside salespeople, you might be tempted to apply for an Account Manager position. However, this new role often requires different skills than lead generation, and without the necessary expertise, you could struggle.

To overcome these gaps or any other skill-related challenge, the first step is awareness. Once you recognize the gap, you can begin preparing yourself by developing the specific skills required for the new role.

Another crucial thing when it comes to sales processes is the commission structure. As a top performer, you have to think in terms of "how much do I want to make and how quickly?". Only you will know if you are willing to pursue a long sales process conversion, a fast-paced process with several transactions, or a combination/case-by-case environment.

3.- Is my LinkedIn/CV updated?

I'm not talking about an expensive CV builder edition to show. Focus on showcasing your milestones, success cases, or awards. Quantify your achievements to demonstrate your impact. For example, instead of simply stating 'increased sales,' say 'increased sales by 25% through effective cold calling, email, LinkedIn strategy…'.

Tailor your profile to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to your target roles. Develop a strong personal brand that aligns with your career goals. By taking the time to update and optimize your LinkedIn and CV, you'll increase your chances of showing tangible results, also it works as an introspection exercise to identify important achievements in your career and be prepared for the interviews ahead.

Before embarking on your next remote sales adventure, it's crucial to assess your readiness and align your career goals. By asking yourself the 3 key questions outlined in this article, you can make informed decisions and increase your chances of success. Remember that the A Staffing Place team will provide you with a bunch of information about the company that is willing to hire you through the marketplace so you have more info to make the best decision.