Trying to make the jump into outside sales. Need some advice.
I currently work at a DOE facility making in the high 80s. The money is good, but I work a rotating shift schedule and I’m honestly just tired of it. I don’t really see myself doing this forever.
I’ve been wanting to get into sales for a while now, specifically outside sales. I’m a pretty social person and I literally never meet a stranger. I like talking to people, meeting new people, building relationships, all of that. I’m also a member at a private golf course and golf a lot, so I’m around business owners and different types of people pretty regularly. I feel like outside sales fits my personality a lot better than what I’m doing now.
I recently went through the interview process with a local truck dealership that sells medium duty/commercial trucks, parts, etc.
They ended up offering me $52k for the first year while I trained under one of their current salesmen.
The offer was basically:
$52k salary
No company vehicle or vehicle allowance
10 days PTO
I’d be riding with/shadowing another salesman for the first year
If I brought in my own lead during that time, I’d split the commission with him
I actually really liked the company and the job sounds like something I’d enjoy, but going from the high 80s down to $52k is obviously a pretty big hit. Especially when I’d eventually be driving my own truck for work without any kind of allowance.
I understand I have no real sales experience and I’m probably going to have to take somewhat of a step back to get into the industry. I’m fine with that. I just don’t want to take too big of a step back when there might be better opportunities out there.
For the guys that have been in outside sales for a while, what would you do?
Would you take something like this just to get the experience and get your foot in the door, or would you keep looking?
Also, what industries would you recommend looking into for someone with no formal sales experience? I’ve been looking at commercial trucks, construction equipment, building materials, industrial sales, stuff like that.
I’m not scared of commission or having to go out and earn my money. That’s honestly part of what interests me about sales. I just want to make sure I’m making a smart move and not jumping at the first opportunity I get.