Thinking of changing jobs - anyone in direct sales and love it?

Gadgetech · 01-10-2014, 05:32 PM

I currently work for an IT distributor as a business development manager on a major software line. I've been there about 4 years and I'm looking into an opportunity to work for a reseller selling IT software and hardware. No reason to go into details about what I'd be selling specifically but it is a direct sales position. I've always done sales of one type or another but not like this.

I'd get a book of business to start with and then it's up to me to build it out. There is a great compensation plan though that has a decent base salary with plenty of potential with commissions to earn well into the 6 figure range. They pay health insurance for the entire family, have paid time off, a decent ramp up period and I'd work from home.

Anyone in this type of position and have been successful? Anyone have any feedback about this type of position? I don't have a doubt that that income can be achieved b/c they have people their earning that amount now. I am just wondering how big an adjustment it is to get into a direct sales type of position. My customer would be any business with IT needs in a particular region.

dtul · 01-11-2014, 12:05 AM

My dad has worked in direct sales for the last 30 years and it has had its ups and downs depending on the economy, but overall he's had quite a bit of success with it. If you are a good people person go for it. Establishing the relationship and making them like you as a person is the best thing you can possibly do. It's one thing to say you aren't interested in the solicitor cold calling you for some software product, but its much harder when it is your buddy you play golf with who truly believes his product can benefit your business. Make all your clients your friends and you will have a successful career there.

Another route you could consider, at least part time at first, is internet marketing. Highly lucrative, very scalable. You talk high six figures a year, in all honesty I will probably be making close to that each month by the time I graduate college and I really don't see why other people shouldn't be able to do that as well. It is overwhelming at first, but it is something you can devote a few hours too a week while you are learning the ropes and start focusing more on it as you get a feel for what you are good at. There are tons of different avenues you can take with it, its all discovering what suits you best then run with it.

Sorry if I'm offering unwanted information, just something else for you to consider. If I were you I would take the direct sales job. I don't know your situation or your skill-set, but I always think of sales as the best position to be in any industry. You learn a little about everything and you can translate the core skills to any job and into your personal life as well. Regardless of what you choose I wish you the best of luck. I'm sure you will have success with either option.

01-10-2014, 05:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
Gadgetech A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Cumming, Ga Posts: 1,559 Drives: The Short Bus Rep Power: 869	Thinking of changing jobs - anyone in direct sales and love it? I currently work for an IT distributor as a business development manager on a major software line. I've been there about 4 years and I'm looking into an opportunity to work for a reseller selling IT software and hardware. No reason to go into details about what I'd be selling specifically but it is a direct sales position. I've always done sales of one type or another but not like this. I'd get a book of business to start with and then it's up to me to build it out. There is a great compensation plan though that has a decent base salary with plenty of potential with commissions to earn well into the 6 figure range. They pay health insurance for the entire family, have paid time off, a decent ramp up period and I'd work from home. Anyone in this type of position and have been successful? Anyone have any feedback about this type of position? I don't have a doubt that that income can be achieved b/c they have people their earning that amount now. I am just wondering how big an adjustment it is to get into a direct sales type of position. My customer would be any business with IT needs in a particular region. __________________ Upstate Z Club

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01-11-2014, 12:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
dtul Base Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Dallas Posts: 191 Drives: n/a Rep Power: 11	My dad has worked in direct sales for the last 30 years and it has had its ups and downs depending on the economy, but overall he's had quite a bit of success with it. If you are a good people person go for it. Establishing the relationship and making them like you as a person is the best thing you can possibly do. It's one thing to say you aren't interested in the solicitor cold calling you for some software product, but its much harder when it is your buddy you play golf with who truly believes his product can benefit your business. Make all your clients your friends and you will have a successful career there. Another route you could consider, at least part time at first, is internet marketing. Highly lucrative, very scalable. You talk high six figures a year, in all honesty I will probably be making close to that each month by the time I graduate college and I really don't see why other people shouldn't be able to do that as well. It is overwhelming at first, but it is something you can devote a few hours too a week while you are learning the ropes and start focusing more on it as you get a feel for what you are good at. There are tons of different avenues you can take with it, its all discovering what suits you best then run with it. Sorry if I'm offering unwanted information, just something else for you to consider. If I were you I would take the direct sales job. I don't know your situation or your skill-set, but I always think of sales as the best position to be in any industry. You learn a little about everything and you can translate the core skills to any job and into your personal life as well. Regardless of what you choose I wish you the best of luck. I'm sure you will have success with either option.