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How do I Choose the Best Telecommunications Sales Jobs?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

You can determine the best telecommunications sales jobs by knowing what your individual skills and talents are and matching them with the appropriate position. There are various types of telecommunications sales jobs to consider, each one requiring a slightly different skill set. Make a list of the things you are looking for in a job, as well as your best attributes.

Some telecommunications sales positions require what is known as “cold calling.” This means that you will have to call potential customers or clients with no previous contact being made. Many people dread this type of work because calling on people who aren’t expecting you can be frightening. Customers aren’t always friendly, and they do not always respond well to disruptive phone calls.

Common telecommunication sales techniques include both cold and warm calling of potential clients.
Common telecommunication sales techniques include both cold and warm calling of potential clients.

Often, people in this profession are called telemarketers; but not all cold callers fall into this category. Rather than calling residential locations, you may be a business-to-business sales person and contact businesses in the area who could use your company’s services. You may be happy to be in telecommunications sales jobs that require cold calling if you enjoy a real challenge, have an upbeat personality, do not take rejections personally, and are not easily discouraged.

Other telecommunications sales jobs require what is known as making “warm calls.” This means that you would be calling on people or businesses who have already expressed interest in your products or services via phone calls, email, or in store visits. Making warm calls is generally less frustrating than cold calling because customers are more receptive to the caller. Sales may also be easier to close since the person you are speaking with is expecting to hear from you and is already interested in what you have to say.

Another variation if this is a job description known as a closer. This person calls previously contacted individuals who have given permission for a follow-up call. These potential customers may have been cold called initially by an appointment setter, and the closer follows up to make the sale. Again, these are considered warm calls since the person has already expressed interest.

You may be best suited for a warm calling position if you are nervous about making cold calls. An upbeat personality and the ability to handle rejection are also necessary for these jobs, but the chances of running into rude or hateful behavior is much lower than with cold calling. Other handy skills to have are a strong closing background, the ability to stay organized, and the ability to persevere.

Telecommunications sales jobs are not for everyone. Sales is typically paid based on commission, meaning that if you do not makes sales you do not get paid. This fact allows for unlimited income potential, but the inconstant ebb and flow of income is unsettling to many workers. If you need to know exactly how much money you will get paid each week, then a sales position is probably not for you.

To up your chances of landing the job you want, read books on sales and cold calling and attend seminars in your area. There are many strategies you can learn to increase your chances of success. Nearly every industry requires a fleet of sales professionals; including insurance companies, phone service providers, software companies and many others.

Discussion Comments

Meemo

From my own experience, one of the best ways to figure out if sales is a job for you is to start in a fairly low pressure setting while you learn more about the business. Companies like AT&T and Comcast and Verizon give you a chance to test the waters.

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    • Common telecommunication sales techniques include both cold and warm calling of potential clients.
      By: Media Bakery
      Common telecommunication sales techniques include both cold and warm calling of potential clients.