Whenever you start a new job there will always be a learning curve. When that job is in sales you better learn quickly, or you won’t be there for long. Here at Betts Recruiting we work with a lot of people who are in sales, and we’ve learned that there are many similarities when it comes to what makes them successful.

 

Whether you’re a seasoned Enterprise Account Executive or a brand new Sales Development Representative (SDR), these five tips will help you hit the ground running at any new sales job.

 

 

Before you know it you’re going to have a full book of business and hundreds of emails flying into your inbox everyday. It’s important to find a system of organization that works for your sales style. Here are a couple of ways we stay organized at Betts:

 

Have a zero inbox

Use your inbox as your to-do list! If it’s not important, delete it. If you can’t get to it right now, or it’s about a project you’re not directly involved in, put it into a folder.

 

Have a to-do

(outside of your inbox) – You’re going to have clients to call, and presentations to rehearse. Make a list of what you need to get done every morning and stick to it. If you want a cool tool to help you with this, try out: Todoist.com

 

 

Typically with sales jobs, you don’t have someone sitting over your shoulder making sure you’re doing your job. If you want to start hitting your quota, make goals for yourself and work towards them. Set a yearly goal then break it down by quarter, and even monthly or weekly to get where you want to be.

 

 

Most sales teams aren’t shy about broadcasting who the top sales people are. Befriend these people quickly and learn why they’re so successful (taking them out to lunch or coffee is a good start). Is it their confidence? Are they burning the midnight oil, and working all hours of the day and night? Find out what makes them tick and try and work it into your sales game.

 

 

You’re smart, and you’re going to be a great sales person. That’s why they hired you. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not crushing your quota out of the gate. It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself, and realize that you’re learning a new product and possibly a whole new industry. Show that you can bounce back from the low points and keep going.

 

 

“Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.” Sounds clever, but it’s true. If it takes you four hours to do what others can do in two, come in early and stay late. Having the drive and desire to win is far more valuable then product knowledge.