Fewer than 12% of sales leadership positions are held by women. I interview #LorraineFerguson author of #TheUnapologeticSaleswoman where she explores why women can make a great career in sales. Sales offers high income potential with flexibility, the ability to carve out your own path and to advance on your own merit.
Historically there have been many barriers, not least among them, prejudice which has been rife. That said, many women don’t see themselves conceptually as salespeople despite the fact they possess many of the attributes that can make them great at this, the oldest profession! All adults are children trapped in adult bodies so the skills of motherhood can be easily transferred – empathy, listening, caring, understanding – which are in direct opposition to the gung-ho version of testosterone fuelled bad salesmanship that has given the profession a bad reputation.
We discuss the challenges and opportunities represented by sales for women who want to have a satisfying career and have a family. We explore the qualities that make female salespeople different and in many cases, better than their male counterparts.
Experience shows that women sales leaders can build amazing teams and the best managers I’ve had the privilege to work with are either women or if they’re male, possess many qualities that women prize and value. They are tough but fair, listen and show empathy, without allowing excuses or pathetic behaviour to sway them from their course. They are clear and establish unambiguous boundaries, empower their people to become the best they can be and don’t get in the way of their people and their potential or progression. They are staunch advocates of coaching but not rescuing, they let their people fall and fail, and help them work out why, get back up and learn.
I believe the time is long overdue for girls to see sales as a glorious profession where they can shine and balance their lives and careers. Lorraine is a passionate advocate for advancing women in sales and I am too. Of the top 10 salespeople I have ever had the privilege to work with 7 were women. We have 3 daughters and to help them see fantastic female role models we have sponsored 4 #VenusAwards for #WomenInBusiness and have commenced our first #ScholarshipForWomenInSales with our winner, #EmmaBarrettHoey. We are taking applications for the 2020 scholarship now.
You can contact Lorraine via #LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineofsandlertraining/ or through her website https://www.winningprocess.sandler.com/
She is a keynote speaker of note who is on point and always finishes on time!
If you are the owner or CEO of a technology company and your goal is to grow your business and achieve real, sustainable hypergrowth with highly engaged and highly productive employees and clients who stick with you year after year, let’s schedule time for a brief conversation.
To book a 1 to 1 with me or check out my 250+ podcast interviews with some of the best salespeople, sales leaders, sales psychologists, founders and entrepreneurs, trainers, coaches and authors click here – https://linktr.ee/marcuscauchi
And if you want to become part of our global community #SalesAForceForGood #SAFFG, please DM me on LinkedIn or email me at marcusATlaughs-lastDOTcom. You can track down events and posts by following the hashtag #ProCustomer
