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Business Development/Sales?

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Business Development/Sales?

Hi all. I'm in my mid-50's and have held a lot of customer service/admin positions in my career. Currently, I'm in a unique role that I love and where I've discovered my "super powers." I am good with people and really enjoy interacting with various personalities. The problem is that this role is not sustainable as the pay and hours aren't great. I also volunteer for a local organization where I discover and invite speakers to our monthly meetings. Prior to these meetings, I have to take them to dinner first (again, another thing I love). I've been told in the past that I would be great in a sales role (although selling scares me).

I do not have a background in sales and would not know where to start (sales assistant?). Any suggestions would be most appreciated!

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  1. Cassie Spencer

    So many companies use different job titles to describe their sales and business development roles. Instead of looking for a specific title I would suggest thinking about the types of companies, products, services that you would be most interested in selling / working for. From there, you can do a little more research specific to those industries or areas to get a better idea of what the roles look like, what they are called and what might be the best fit for you and your experience.

    In addition to that - start networking! Networking with individuals who are in those roles or who work at those companies can be another great way to gather that insight and can help move you along in the interviewing process.

  2. Anonymous

    I agree with Cassie. Start researching companies that you are interested in or think may be a good fit. Titles vary from Org to Org and even within the same type of job function. Networking is so very important and beneficial as well. I am still in contact with many of the connections I have made within my 20 year career and reach out when I can to keep in touch. Good luck!

  3. Anonymous

    Basically what you are doing is half business development and half account management. These two roles demand your skills and love of people.

  4. Heather Cutler

    You might consider event planning, too. It demands all of the skills you're talking about. Best wishes!

  5. christine soderlund

    I turned down sales jobs fresh out of college (saying "I don't like sales), then built a career out of recruiting (i.e. sales).

    When you are selling what you love, its not "selling" - don't hesitate from going into sales jobs (Customer Success, AE, AM, SDR, Inside Sales) because of the titles - all companies make up their own titles, look for organizations that you can be passionate about or a mission that you endorse - then "sales" is not difficult at all.

  6. Anonymous

    when I transitioned from accounting into a staffing firm, I was psychologically tested and recommended with reservations because I took no for an answer too much. I was hired and turned out to be the most successful person that office had selling in recruitment for nine solid years. I would look at job postings read through the descriptions and tailor your résumé to the skills you have that you may not even realize you need in these roles and go for it.

  7. Anonymous

    If you enjoy dealing with multiple personalities, HR would be great for you! there is no shortage of that here as an HR generalist (or honestly multiple different HR roles) for a decent sized company. Pays great and very fulfilling, and on bad days I'd say its still less stressful than sales lol

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