Expert: Eric Hofer - 8/19/2009

Question
Where and how can I become a sales person in Columbus ohio area?

Answer
Jacqueline,

I'm in Budapest, Hungary so my knowledge of Columbus, Ohio is probably less than yours.

I can talk about how to "look" for work; and I'll leave it to you to apply that to, Ohio.

It would help to know what sort of Sales Person.  Given my background, I have to infer you're talking about FMCG ... but perhaps you're interested in selling auto-parts... Maybe the same logic applies?

1) Identify what businesses interest you
2) Identify if there are local companies in that business; and the products they sell that meet your interest.
3) Identify what skills, knowledge, connections you lack and draft a strategy to get such.
4) Review the products that are the area of your interest and trace back who is distributing such in your area
5) The products may be "distributed" by 3rd parties locally, or by head offices
6) Draft a CV that highlights the skills you have that would be attractive to a company
7) Research opportunities, etc. offered by those companies; google for work; check LinkedIn if some how you have an indirect connection to one of those firms.
8) Learn about the targetted companies; what are their needs, general strategies; ensure that you'd be happy to start with one of those firms.
9) Draft intro letters enquiring about work that matches their strategy, hopefully you'll hit on something that gets you into the "keep" bucket as opposed to "discards"
10) When you get an "interview" prepare for it in advance...
- Rehearse staying "on message"
- Identify existing experiences that you'll want to reference that demonstrates you can do (or grow into) the job
- Learn their market place (product lines, competitors, coverage in the area, how they go to market)
- Prepare yourself for some of the unsettling questions:-
 .. 3 things good and bad about yourself...
 .. where you see yourself in 5 years
 .. how would you deal with a mistake you made, identified by a customer complaint
11) Learn the language of sales...

In doing reseach, see if you can connect up with 1 or more CRs who are visiting shops locally.  Interview them about their job, situation in the company, how they started with the company, how you might interview, positions they might have, what they value, etc.

Eric
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