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How Do I Become a Sales Consultant?

Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen

To become a sales consultant, you will typically need to establish a strong track record as a salesperson and demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the industry or industries in which you want to consult as well as a sound understanding of business best practices. You will also need to learn how to market and manage your own business. While formal education can be helpful in your quest to become a sales consultant, this is the sort of profession in which on-the-job experience and strong networking skills are the key to your success.

Before you can become a sales consultant, you will typically need to develop your own career in sales. While some salespeople don't bother to get a college degree and learn their profession on the job, others find that having a degree can help them in developing their career. You may want to get a degree in communications, marketing, or business, though you may also want to consider the type of sales that you want to do before deciding on one major. For example, if you plan to go into technology sales, you may want to minor or double major in computer science. By having familiarity with the products you are selling, you can better serve both your clientele and your employer.

To become a sales consultant, on-the-job experience and strong networking skills are the key to success.
To become a sales consultant, on-the-job experience and strong networking skills are the key to success.

After completing your education, you should try and secure an entry-level sales position. As you work in the industry, you will develops stronger sales skills. Be sure to read books about sales and attend workshops and industry events so as to learn all you can about effective sales techniques. If you find yourself specializing in the sales of specific products or working within a single industry, continue to develop your knowledge of those products and that industry. It is crucial that you make solid professional connections both inside and outside your industry, as these will assist you in developing your client base once you begin your consulting practice.

A sales consultant often advises clients on managing their sales teams.
A sales consultant often advises clients on managing their sales teams.

In addition to working on your sales skills, you should also develop your management skills as well. After you become a sales consultant, you will need to advise clients on managing their sales teams. You can best do this if you have actual experience in supervising a sales force yourself. Even though your passion may be actually working with clients and driving sales, you will need to have expertise in all facets of the sales profession if you are going to secure and impress consulting clients.

Discussion Comments

anon972371

What degrees does this field demand?

Ocelot60

If you like to work in sales and you plan to become a consultant, it is a good idea to choose an item that you have a passion for selling. If you are not really into what you are selling, chances are you will not enjoy your work.

For example, if you like cars, you may want to consider selling them. Your interest in them will help you promote them to potential customers, which will help you to become a successful sales consultant.

Raynbow

The best training for a career as a sales consultant is hands-on experience. There is nothing like watching someone do the job to learn the skills needed to do it yourself.

Most companies that make products that use sales consultants encourage the training of new consultants. So if you are interested in doing this type of work, you should consider a company that will pair you with an established salesperson who can teach you the best way to sell the products.

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    • To become a sales consultant, on-the-job experience and strong networking skills are the key to success.
      By: creo77
      To become a sales consultant, on-the-job experience and strong networking skills are the key to success.
    • A sales consultant often advises clients on managing their sales teams.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      A sales consultant often advises clients on managing their sales teams.
    • A sales consultant must have excellent interpersonal skills.
      By: DragonImages
      A sales consultant must have excellent interpersonal skills.