What does it mean to work in sales?
Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2025 9:36 am
In German, the terms "Vertrieb" and "Verkauf" are often used synonymously. But that's not entirely correct: While selling is part of distribution, it goes beyond it. Sales employees, for example, plan all the measures necessary to bring a product or service closer to customers - both figuratively and directly. This can include, for example, defining the various sales measures - advertisements, mailings, direct acquisition, etc. - and the points of sale - the company's own stores, trade fairs, customers. Cost plans are also often the responsibility of sales employees. Therefore, sales people often work closely with other departments and people such as the online marketing uruguay phone number data manager and controlling. To better differentiate, the English terms are sometimes used - "sales" for sales and "distribution" for distribution.
If you already work in sales – for example as a retail salesperson – you can open up a larger – and more lucrative – area with further sales training.
In addition, career changers are always welcome in sales, provided they meet the appropriate basic qualifications. Perhaps you're self-employed and—let's face it—selling and other sales activities aren't your favorite pastime? With the right sales skills, you can win new customers.
Are you wondering what basic skills a sales professional should have—such as a sales manager, key account manager, sales engineer, or customer service representative? We've summarized the most important characteristics and skills of salespeople for you.
1. Good oral and written communication
As a salesperson, you interact with many people: Of course, with customers, to whom you present products or services and negotiate terms. Furthermore, you'll be in close contact with other departments within the company. Therefore, you should be adept at verbal communication, but increasingly also written communication—keyword: online.
2. Openness and memorability
Do you love meeting new people? Bingo! You've already fulfilled another important requirement for success in sales. If you're also good at remembering faces and names, you've got another advantage.
3. Empathy and kindness
As a sales professional, you're constantly dealing with many different people. You should be able to relate to each individual. A good salesperson also has a certain sensitivity to individual needs. Empathy and a friendly, engaging personality are essential for building customer relationships.
4. Mindset, motivation and will
Many people are somewhat hesitant about selling. This stems from the belief that salespeople are just trying to "sell" their customers something. Salespeople have learned to think differently, to develop a different mindset. For example, this might be: I have an offer that helps my customers solve their specific problems. With their expertise and intuition, they can identify the customer's needs and address them. Naturally, they are also motivated and have the will to close the sale.
5. Self-confidence and assertiveness
As a salesperson, you should exude self-confidence. Combined with your strong communication skills and the knowledge of how to conduct confident, efficient, and successful customer conversations, this will enable you to prevail even in difficult negotiations.
If you already work in sales – for example as a retail salesperson – you can open up a larger – and more lucrative – area with further sales training.
In addition, career changers are always welcome in sales, provided they meet the appropriate basic qualifications. Perhaps you're self-employed and—let's face it—selling and other sales activities aren't your favorite pastime? With the right sales skills, you can win new customers.
Are you wondering what basic skills a sales professional should have—such as a sales manager, key account manager, sales engineer, or customer service representative? We've summarized the most important characteristics and skills of salespeople for you.
1. Good oral and written communication
As a salesperson, you interact with many people: Of course, with customers, to whom you present products or services and negotiate terms. Furthermore, you'll be in close contact with other departments within the company. Therefore, you should be adept at verbal communication, but increasingly also written communication—keyword: online.
2. Openness and memorability
Do you love meeting new people? Bingo! You've already fulfilled another important requirement for success in sales. If you're also good at remembering faces and names, you've got another advantage.
3. Empathy and kindness
As a sales professional, you're constantly dealing with many different people. You should be able to relate to each individual. A good salesperson also has a certain sensitivity to individual needs. Empathy and a friendly, engaging personality are essential for building customer relationships.
4. Mindset, motivation and will
Many people are somewhat hesitant about selling. This stems from the belief that salespeople are just trying to "sell" their customers something. Salespeople have learned to think differently, to develop a different mindset. For example, this might be: I have an offer that helps my customers solve their specific problems. With their expertise and intuition, they can identify the customer's needs and address them. Naturally, they are also motivated and have the will to close the sale.
5. Self-confidence and assertiveness
As a salesperson, you should exude self-confidence. Combined with your strong communication skills and the knowledge of how to conduct confident, efficient, and successful customer conversations, this will enable you to prevail even in difficult negotiations.