What Does a Sales Specialist Do?

Sales professionals are the driving force behind many companies’ success. They help determine which products or services will be most successful in the marketplace, and they work hard to ensure that these products or services are delivered to customers as promised.

Sales professionals may specialize in a particular industry or product category. For example, they might focus on selling industrial equipment to manufacturers or commercial real estate to property developers. Regardless of their area of expertise, they all have one thing in common: they must be able to effectively communicate with clients and convince them to buy whatever it is they’re selling.

Sales Specialist Job Duties

A sales specialist typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Meeting with clients to understand their needs and recommending solutions that meet their requirements
• Developing and maintaining client relationships with existing customers as well as identifying new business opportunities with prospective clients
• Presenting products or services to potential clients, answering questions about available options, and educating customers about their choices
• Coordinating with marketing specialists to manage campaigns, including creating advertisements and coordinating event attendance
• Developing and maintaining relationships with potential clients through phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings
• Suggesting products or services that would be a good fit for the client’s needs
• Providing information about company policies and procedures to clients
• Coordinating with other departments within a company to ensure that all customer needs are met in a timely manner
• Maintaining records of customer information and transactions for future reference

Sales Specialist Salary & Outlook

Sales specialist salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the company size and industry. Sales specialists may also earn additional compensation in the form of commissions and bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $67,500 ($32.45/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $162,000 ($77.88/hour)

The employment of sales specialists is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

Demand for sales specialists depends on the overall health of the economy. Sales specialists will be needed to help companies market their products and services as demand increases. However, automation may limit the need for these workers in some industries.

Sales Specialist Job Requirements

A number of qualifications are necessary to become a sales specialist. They include:

Education: Sales specialists are typically required to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Some of the most common majors for sales specialists are business, marketing and advertising.

Training & Experience: Sales specialists typically receive on-the-job training from their new employer. This training may include learning the company’s products and services, the company’s sales process and the computer systems they use. Sales specialists may also receive training in customer service and communication skills.

Certifications & Licenses: Certification is rarely a requirement for sales specialist roles. However, sales specialists who want to increase their earning potential or qualify for executive roles will need certification.

Sales Specialist Skills

Sales specialists need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information to others. Sales specialists use communication skills to interact with customers, answer questions and explain product features. You can also use communication skills to collaborate with other sales representatives and managers to strategize sales campaigns and share customer information.

Listening: Listening is another important skill for sales representatives. You should be able to listen to your customers and understand their needs. This can help you provide them with the products they need and help you close a sale. You should also be able to listen to your manager and coworkers when they give you feedback on your performance.

Product knowledge: Product knowledge is the ability to explain the features and benefits of a product. This is an essential skill for sales representatives because it allows them to answer customer questions and help them find the right product. You can develop product knowledge by reading product descriptions, researching the company’s website and asking your manager for product information.

Customer service: Customer service skills can help you provide quality service to customers. You can use customer service skills to answer questions, solve problems and provide solutions to customer needs. Customer service skills can also help you develop empathy, which can help you better understand customer needs and provide solutions that meet their expectations.

Problem-solving: Problem-solving skills allow you to identify and resolve issues that may arise during a sales process. You can use problem-solving skills to help customers find the right products for their needs and ensure they’re satisfied with their purchases. For example, if a customer is unsure about which product to buy, you can help them narrow down their options and find the right product for them.

Sales Specialist Work Environment

Sales specialists work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. They are often required to work long hours, including evenings and weekends. They may also travel frequently, sometimes on short notice. Sales specialists must be able to handle rejection and continue to make sales calls even in the face of repeated rejection. They must also be able to work independently and be self-motivated.

Sales Specialist Trends

Here are three trends influencing how sales specialists work. Sales specialists will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Rise of the Digital Sales Specialist

The rise of the digital sales specialist is a trend that is quickly changing the way businesses sell products and services. With more and more customers shopping online, sales specialists need to be able to adapt and find ways to reach them through digital channels.

Sales specialists who are successful in the digital age will need to be well-versed in marketing and advertising techniques, as well as social media and SEO strategies. They will also need to be able to create compelling content that draws customers in and keeps them interested.

More Focus on Customer Experience

The customer experience is becoming increasingly important for businesses, as they realize that it is what sets them apart from their competitors. This means that sales professionals will need to focus on providing excellent customer service and creating a positive experience for customers.

In order to be successful in this new environment, sales professionals will need to be able to understand what customers want and how to meet their needs. They will also need to be able to communicate effectively with customers and be able to handle difficult situations.

Greater Use of Technology in Sales

As technology continues to evolve, so does the way that sales professionals do their jobs. Today, many sales professionals use technology to connect with potential customers and close deals.

This trend is likely to continue as technology becomes even more integrated into our daily lives. In order to stay competitive, sales professionals will need to learn how to use technology to their advantage. They will also need to be comfortable using social media and other platforms to connect with customers.

How to Become a Sales Specialist

A career as a sales specialist can be rewarding in many ways. It offers the opportunity to work with people, develop relationships, and sell products that make a difference in people’s lives. But it’s important to consider all aspects of this career before you jump in.

One of the most important things to think about is the type of company you want to work for. Do some research on different companies and find out what they offer their employees. Some companies have great training programs, while others offer excellent benefits. You also want to think about the type of product or service you want to sell. Is there a demand for it? Can you see yourself selling it day after day?

Advancement Prospects

Sales specialists can advance their careers by taking on more responsibility within their current organization, or by moving to a new organization where they can take on a more senior role. As they gain experience, sales specialists can move into management positions, such as sales manager or director of sales. Those with entrepreneurial ambitions may eventually start their own sales companies.

To be successful in sales, it is important to be outgoing and persuasive. Sales specialists need to be able to build relationships with potential customers and convince them to buy the products or services they are selling. They also need to be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.

Sales Specialist Job Description Example

Are you a people person? Do you love the challenge of a good sales pitch? If you answered yes to both, then we have the perfect job for you!

We’re looking for a sales specialist to join our team and help us take our business to the next level. As a sales specialist, you will be responsible for generating leads, developing relationships, and closing deals. You will need to be able to think on your feet and adapt to different situations, as no two sales are ever the same. If you are a natural born salesperson with a drive to succeed, then we want to hear from you!

Duties & Responsibilities

• Understand and articulate the features, benefits, and value proposition of our products and services to potential customers
• Develop and maintain a strong knowledge of competitor’s products, services, and strategies
• Generate new leads through market research and networking activities
• Qualify leads and convert them into opportunities for the sales team
• Manage relationships with current clients and identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities
• Negotiate pricing and contract terms with customers
• Collaborate with other members of the sales team to develop and execute account plans
• Achieve quarterly and annual sales targets
• Prepare reports on account activity and sales pipeline status
• Provide input on product development and marketing initiatives
• Attend trade shows and industry events to generate new leads and cultivate relationships
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends and news

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related field
• 3-5 years sales experience, with a proven track record of success
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Self-motivated with strong time-management skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with aptitude to learn new software and systems
• Ability to travel as needed

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• MBA or other advanced degree
• Experience working with CRM software, such as Salesforce
• Experience in the relevant industry or market
• Fluency in more than one language
• Strong network of industry contacts