Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Work

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

Sales role…

12 replies

Dolphin78 · 23/06/2025 13:33

I got made redundant 2 years ago had a senior role and took a consultancy gig. That came to an end at the end of last year and it took me a few months the to get another role. My industry is on its knees and I took a sales role in a big company as they wanted my experience.
it’s been 4 months my manager has only spoken to me a few times I’m left to my own devices and also wfh. I’m finding it really hard to remain motivated as there is no team or support. Basically I’m supposed to just contact people on LinkedIn and go to events. Anyway it’s starting to really affect me as I’m constantly worried there are no results and I’ll be out of a job. Im a single parent without any other financial support and Im not seeing other roles that fit my experience. Anyway it’s getting me down as it’s a lonely gig and I’m not sure if this is normal for sales?
I was thinking of contacting a life coach or something as I feel like I’m just wasting my life!

OP posts:
NotWorthTheHeadache · 23/06/2025 15:58

Hey, I’ve worked in sales 10+ years and am a single Mum as well x Could you tell us what kind of product you’re selling? Just roughly… tech, medical etc.

Do you have KPIs/metrics/targets? If so, how are you doing with hitting them?

You say LinkedIn and events. Are these exhibitions or just networking events where you have to generate leads? Is there any sort of sales enablement in place either with another team or tools they provide?

Who do you report to in the company? Do you have regular 121s with them?

Does the company have any physical office you can use? Or is there a coworking hub nearby to break the loneliness and bring a bit of energy to your day.

I’ll have more advice based on the above! x

Dolphin78 · 23/06/2025 16:06

It’s media related. No targets or KPIs. No sales enablement and these are events to generate leads. There is an office in London but people are rarely there and don’t engage much when they are present. The co working hub might be a good idea!
No regular 121..
Any advice would be very welcome I feel totally stuck and it’s making me feel quite low as I’m used to solving problems and getting stuff done..

OP posts:
NotWorthTheHeadache · 23/06/2025 16:07

Okay, one more question, are you the only salesperson?

Dolphin78 · 23/06/2025 16:20

I have a counterpart in the us

OP posts:
NotWorthTheHeadache · 23/06/2025 16:38

Okay, so it sounds like you’re going to have to shape the role yourself as the company doesn’t really seemed geared to enable sales. To not even have rough targets assigned to a sales role is just baffling.

You said you are a problem solver and doer so my advice would be to create your own guardrails and accountability so that you have a sense of direction in your role.

Have you documented what your Q3 plan is going to be? Start there if not. What sectors are you going to go after? What weekly monthly objectives do you want to hit for Q3 in terms of activity (events, sales calls, LinkedIn outreach) and finances (what value of deals will you close that is a challenge).

I would request AT A MIN a 121 meeting with your manager once a quarter. I have a 1hr 121 weekly and it’s hugely valuable. At this meeting, review the previous quarter, set out plan for next quarter and discuss any areas you need assistance, budget for new tools etc.

How’s your pipeline looking? Are you using a CRM and managing this effectively? Do you have a structure in place for your sales process? I find this really helps keep me on track.

Networking! Not just for business but personally as well - I’m part of 2 great women’s networks and it’s great to have the support and opportunity to get out and meet other professional women.

Coworking Hub - Couldn't recommend more. Get out of the house, meet people, chat and swap ideas, occasionally pick up leads. Find a space with an active community and great coffee!

Mentoring! I’m a huge advocate of mentoring. I have a mentor and I also mentor others earlier along in their sales roles. Find someone in your field who is successful and just ask them. Most people are incredibly flattered and generous with their time.

More than happy to chat through anything or answer any questions, talk about strategy etc. Just let me know if I can help.

Dolphin78 · 23/06/2025 16:51

Thanks very much! I’ve just contacted a coworking space that I can walk to!
I’ve thought about mentoring as that was something my old CEO did with me and I miss it a great deal. Going to get on with that too!

OP posts:
NotWorthTheHeadache · 23/06/2025 17:06

Great, both great steps and will combat the loneliness/isolation of WFH and hopefully energise you in your role. I’d recommend trying to find someone outside of your org, but within your industry, to be a mentor. Easier to be totally honest with someone not in the org I find. Do let me know if I can help. I’m a sales nerd so always happy to talk sales!

Dolphin78 · 23/06/2025 17:28

Oh you have helped so much with this. I’ve found myself giving so much advice to ex colleagues bit by redundancy and how to handle it and I’m thrilled to have got some back! I’ll probably ping you tomorrow. I’m totally new to sales and didn’t realise how tough it is without support.
Totally agree on the mentor outside the org. I will have a think about who that could be

OP posts:
NotWorthTheHeadache · 23/06/2025 18:13

You’re very welcome, and I’m sure we’re all guilty of not taking our own advice. Sales is a tough gig but it can be really satisfying, and financially rewarding if you’re good. The most important thing is not to get unmotivated. There’s nothing more ineffective than an unmotivated sales person. Plan and keep positive and hopefully you’ll find that you really enjoy it 👍 Here for any Qs you might have ☺️

Dolphin78 · 24/06/2025 10:30

Thanks for the co working idea! Been for a visit and first day Thursday. Such a nice vibe and managed to make a friend giving career advice for her son and saw someone I know. Things are looking up!🤩

OP posts:
NotWorthTheHeadache · 24/06/2025 13:43

Ah excellent! Glad to hear it, coworking spaces are game changers for remote workers! Hopefully this will be a nice fit for you. Would be useful to see if your employer will pay you a stipend for use of the space as well, this would be pretty standard.

Dolphin78 · 24/06/2025 18:56

Ah thanks I’ll ask!

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread