Is it your first day, week or month of your new sales career? If you’ve recently graduated and are
making the move into the professional world, congratulations. You’re destined to do great things. And in the words of Nicolas Cole – guess what? Nobody cares. Read on to learn what Cole says all young employees must learn, often the hard way.

As a millennial with a few years of work experience under his belt, Cole recently summarized what he’s learned about business. His observations apply to young new sales reps as much as they apply to anyone else in an organization.

Nobody Cares

Cole’s first point addresses the yearning many millennials have been criticized for. Older employees often complain that millennials want recognition just for showing up.  Like everyone, astute workers – and those who move up the ladder – quickly figure out what matters – results. Sure, you can kill yourself trying to land a big account. People won’t notice though until you actually do. Limit your whining and complaining and think of ways you can actually seal the deal. That’s when you’ll be recognized.

Invest

Landing your first big job is a huge deal – one that signifies you’re finally on your way. But unless you’re content to stay in this position for the rest of your life, don’t sit back with your feet on your desk quite yet. Cole correctly points out that determination and hard work at this point in your career is what will move you up the ladder. Sure you need to go out and close enough deals to make your numbers every month. Instead of celebrating these successes, take time to look around at the organization you’re in. Are you eligible for additional training? Can you participate on panels and committees that could increase your visibility? Don’t be afraid to volunteer. But do take the time to think about what you get involved in and decide if it will help you to advance.

Networking

In the age of social media, and as a millennial, you likely understand the importance of networking better than any generation that has come before you. Your sales training should also have emphasized this detail. The more people you know, the more successful you’re likely to be. Keep in touch with people you’ve met who might act as mentors and references in the future. Monitor the progress of other salespeople you admire and regularly network with them. Your efforts will pay off – maybe not this year or the next – but over the course of a decade or more.

As President and CEO of SalesFuel, C. Lee Smith remarks that Cole’s advice applies to every generation he’s seen come of age. There’s nothing unique about you as just another member of the millennial generation. But how you manage your career, set your goals and objectives, and whether you succeed – that’s uniquely you. Now go out there and kill it!