The Pros & Cons of Working in Sales—The TRUTH | Selling Made Simple

There are few professions that match the high risk, high reward stakes of sales. For some, this is the best way to earning true financial freedom. But for others, it’s never going to be that perfect fit. Today we’re talking about the real pros and cons of working in sales. The euphoric ups, the devastating downs, and everything in between. So if you’re thinking about joining the sales industry or just wondering if this is your right profession, this is the guide for you. Now, let’s face it—not everyone’s cut out for sales. Ambition, confidence, self-discipline, and not to mention plenty of grit—they’re all required if you want to make it in this industry. And even if you do have all the right qualities, long hours, difficult quotas, and a high-stress environment are typically a given. But few other professions carry the enormous benefits of killing it in sales. And if you’re the right type of person, no other career will give you the same fulfillment and control over your on-the-job success. The trick is knowing what to expect in this job beforehand. That way, you can make an informed decision about if this is the right job for you. And that’s what I’m here for. Today we’re looking at the true upsides and downsides of being a sales pro. No lies and half-truths. No BS. And no holds barred. So first off, let’s start with the pros of working in sales. By far one of the biggest benefits is… Pro: It’s the Quickest Way to Become a Millionaire The money. Yep, sales can be lucrative. Incredibly lucrative if you’ve got the talent. And when you do have that talent and, of course, a proven sales system, hitting your quotas and raking in massive commissions isn’t all that difficult. As author and business founder Kent Billingsley told me in our interview: “Sales is one of the professions where you can make an embarrassing amount of money and have so little responsibility.” See, with traditional professions, your salary is capped. Sure, you may get bonuses and raises every few years. But no matter how hard you work, your end-of-year pay doesn’t change much. But with the commissions in sales, your earning potential is unlimited. And best of all, your pay is based on your own abilities. So you are in control here, not your employer. And that’s incredibly empowering. Pro: Much Less Risk Than Starting a Business It’s much less risky than starting a business yourself. Entrepreneurship can be exciting. But it’s also risky. About 20% of new businesses fail during their first two years. 45% go under in less than five years. And just 35% of all businesses survive past ten years. You may make it past that point. But realistically speaking, the odds are against you. When you work in sales, however, there are two threats to your livelihood—getting fired or your employer going under. And both are far less likely to occur than a startup failing. Pro: Easier to Land Clients Than Going Solo It’s easier to bring on new clients compared to if you were running your own business. When you start your own business, you’re starting from ground zero. You’ve got to prove to potential clients that you’re worth trusting. And only then will they entertain the idea of buying from you. That can end up taking years or even decades to do. But if you’re in a sales position at another company, you can “borrow trust” from your organization. You are a representative of a business with a proven track record, a history of clients served, and a reputation of its own. Your own trustworthiness will impact your performance, of course. But it’s ten times easier to close if you’re working for an established brand than if you tried going it alone. Now, the final benefit we’re talking about today is… Pro: Job Security (If You’re Good) Job security… if you know what you’re doing.