To work as a sales consultant, you’ll need to have a proven track record as a salesperson, as well as extensive knowledge of the industry or industries in which you want to consult, as well as a thorough understanding of business best practices. You’ll also need to figure out how to market and run your own company. While formal education can assist you in your quest to become a sales consultant, you will need on-the-job experience and strong networking skills to succeed in this field.
You will typically need to develop your own sales career before becoming a sales consultant. While some salespeople choose to forego a college education in favor of learning their trade on the job, others find that having a degree can help them advance in their careers. You might want to pursue a degree in communications, marketing, or business, but you should think about the type of sales you want to do before committing to one. If you want to work in technology sales, you might consider minoring or double majoring in computer science. You can better serve both your clients and your employer if you are familiar with the products you are selling.
After you’ve finished your education, you should look for an entry-level sales job. As you gain experience in the industry, your sales skills will improve. To learn everything you can about effective sales techniques, read sales books and attend workshops and industry events. Continue to develop your knowledge of those products and that industry if you find yourself specializing in the sales of specific products or working in a single industry. It’s critical to build strong professional connections both inside and outside your industry, as these will help you build your client base once you start your consulting business.
You should work on both your sales and management skills in addition to your sales skills. As a sales consultant, you’ll be expected to advise clients on how to manage their sales teams. You’ll be able to do this most effectively if you’ve previously managed a sales force. Even if working with clients and driving sales is your passion, if you want to secure and impress consulting clients, you’ll need to be well-versed in all aspects of the sales profession.