BY Jessica Helinski
If you’re having trouble kicking things off at your new sales job, don’t panic. It’s understandable for things to start out slowly. If you’re putting in the work, it’s time to do a quick check-in to look for improvement opportunities.
SalesHub’s Dan Tyre discusses the importance of not letting a lackluster start get you down. While it’s frustrating, it’s not a sign sales aren’t for you.
"Making no sales can be demoralizing, but it's important you keep your head up when you reach that point."
He shares steps sellers can take to uncover potential causes and how to move forward.
How to boost your new sales job success
When starting any job, confidence plays a huge role in success. This is no difference in the sales industry. As Tyre points out, sellers won’t make it through a dry spell without confidence.
“You have to have faith in yourself and your sales acumen,” he writes.
And other sales professionals agree. SalesFuel featured insights from Alyssa Freitas, who shared the importance of having self-assurance in a new job.
“Once you do find your footing in a new sales role, building up your confidence is crucial to longevity and success.”
This can be difficult if you haven’t started off with a bang. But it’s important to remember it’s not a reflection of you as a seller. Instead, there’s a need to reassess your approach and adapt accordingly.
It’s time to take a look at various factors. Tyre recommends starting with the following:
- Your mindset
- The degree of effort you're putting in
- Strategies you're using
Examining these, and other elements, can shed light on where you need to adjust. Just keep in mind that throughout the process, nurture your confidence. Avoid negative-self talk and other confidence-killers. As Tyre notes, you can’t move forward if you think you lack sales skills.
Developing a growth mindset can help. For tips on tapping into this particular soft skill, consider this advice.
Take notes and review with your manager
Even if you’ve been at your new sales job for a short while, it’s time to review. Set aside time to go over what you’ve done. Note how you’ve spent time and any specific data, such as number of calls and leads generated.
Once you have a snapshot of your time at the new job, schedule time with your manager. Use this meeting to go over your activity and approach. Share your current goals and any challenges you’re facing. This time will be valuable to you both.
“Your manager wants to help you get the most out of your efforts,” Tyre explains.
Touching base with them now shows initiative and you care about success. You aren’t willing to sit on lackluster sales and are driven to improve. It also prevents any issues from spiraling in the future, perhaps out of any control.
Schedule regular check-ins, at least initially, to ensure accountability. Their insights, knowledge and guidance can help you through this bumpy start.
And don’t think it’s too early for sales coaching. Starting now can help you set a solid foundation for success in your sales role. Take a look at SalesFuel’s tips for maximizing sales coaching.
It can be disappointing, and disheartening, to have a slow start at a new sales job. Taking action, instead of falling into a funk, is key to improving.
As Tyre reminds sellers, “It’s crucial to remain patient, persistent and proactive.”
“Leverage the resources at your disposal, and seek guidance from anyone who can help set you on the right course."
Follow these tips, and keep tabs on your mindset. You’ll uncover the best path forward and propel your new sales job to success.
Photo by sarah b