Top Career Paths in Sales

A career in sales can be a great choice in Nigeria as the country has a growing economy with increasing demand for goods and services. 

Sales roles are in various industries, including FMCG, technology, real estate, telecommunications, and more. To succeed in a sales career in Nigeria, it’s important to have excellent communication and negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with customers. Being proactive, self-motivated, and goal-oriented are also important qualities to have.

Sales is a critical aspect of any business, and a successful career in sales requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and experience. There are many career paths in sales, each with unique responsibilities and opportunities. In this list, we will explore some of the top career paths in sales and where you can find jobs and useful resources to help you excel in your chosen field. Whether you are just starting your career in sales or looking to advance to the next level, this list will provide valuable insights and resources to help you achieve your goals.

Career Paths in Sales

1. Account Manager/ Sales Manager: Account managers or sales managers are responsible for building and maintaining relationships with clients or customers. They typically manage a team of sales representatives and ensure they hit their sales targets. You can find job opportunities for account managers or sales managers on job search websites such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Indeed.
2. Business Development Manager: Business development managers are responsible for identifying new business opportunities and creating strategies to increase revenue. They typically work in B2B (business-to-business) sales and are responsible for building relationships with potential clients. 
3. Sales Engineer: Sales engineers are responsible for selling complex technical products or services. They must have a deep understanding of the products they are selling and be able to explain them to clients or customers. 
4. Sales Operations Manager: Sales operations managers are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a sales team, such as managing the sales pipeline, tracking sales metrics, and ensuring the sales team uses the right tools and processes. 
5. Sales Trainer/Coach: Sales trainers or coaches train and coach sales representatives to improve their sales skills and hit their targets. They may also be responsible for developing training materials and programs. 
6. Sales Manager: Sales managers oversee a team of sales representatives and ensure they meet their sales targets. They develop sales strategies, set sales goals, and provide training and support to their team. Sales managers can find job opportunities in a variety of industries, including retail, pharmaceuticals, and real estate. Useful communities for sales managers include the Sales Management Association, the National Retail Federation, and the Institute of Sales Management.
7. Inside Sales Representative: Inside sales representatives work from an office or remote location and use the phone, email, and online tools to sell products or services to customers. They may also handle inbound sales inquiries and provide support to customers. Inside sales representatives can find job opportunities in various industries, including software, healthcare, and manufacturing. Useful resources for inside sales representatives include the AA-ISP (American Association of Inside Sales Professionals), InsideSales.com, and the Inside Sales Training Association.
8. Territory Sales Representative: Territory sales representatives sell products or services within a specific geographic area. They may be responsible for developing customer relationships, identifying new sales opportunities, and coordinating with other sales representatives and departments. Territory sales representatives can find job opportunities in various industries, including consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and construction. Useful resources and communities for territory sales representatives include the Territory Management Association, the National Association of Sales Professionals, and the Sales and Marketing Management Association.

Useful resources for sales professionals

1. Sales Hacker: Sales Hacker is a website that provides articles, webinars, and other resources to help sales professionals improve their skills.
2. HubSpot Sales Blog: HubSpot’s sales blog provides articles and resources for sales professionals, including tips for managing a sales team and improving sales processes.
3. LinkedIn Sales Solutions: LinkedIn’s Sales Solutions provide tools and resources for sales professionals, including lead generation tools, sales training courses, and networking opportunities.
4. Sales Gravy: Sales Gravy is a website that provides sales training courses, coaching, and resources for sales professionals.
5. Salesforce: is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) software that can help sales professionals manage their sales pipeline and track sales metrics. They also provide sales training courses and resources.

A career in sales can be a rewarding and challenging path for those who enjoy working with people and have a knack for persuasion. Sales professionals are responsible for promoting and selling products or services to customers, and they may work in various industries, from retail to pharmaceuticals to technology. To succeed in a sales career, you’ll need excellent communication, strong interpersonal, and a high degree of self-motivation. You should also be comfortable working in a fast-paced and often competitive environment. Good Luck.

Read: A Career Guide to Sales for Beginners