What Exactly Does a Sales Representative Do?

I'm exploring a career in sales, but I'm not entirely sure what the day-to-day looks like for a sales representative. Does it involve more traveling, or is it more about relationship building?

A sales representative's job can be incredibly varied, but it typically involves a mixture of relationship building, product knowledge, and travel to meet clients. Your day-to-day activities will depend largely on whether you're in inside or outside sales.

Inside sales representatives primarily work in an office environment, making sales or cold calls, building relationships with clients, answering questions, and closing sales. They also usually handle tasks such as updating client databases and taking orders. Technology is a big part of inside sales, as many reps use customer relationship management (CRM) software to keep track of client interactions.

On the other hand, outside sales representatives often spend a significant portion of their time traveling to meet clients in person. These meetings could be for a product demonstration, negotiation, or to close a deal. Outside sales reps often have more autonomy and flexibility, but their schedules can be unpredictable depending on clients' availability.

Regardless of the type of sales, relationship building is a key aspect of the role. Sales representatives need to develop a good understanding of their customers' needs and build trust to effectively sell their company’s products or services.

Finally, a significant part of a sales representative's work is to have a deep understanding of the products or services they're selling. This often involves continuous learning and staying updated with any product changes or market trends.

I hope this helps clarify the role of a sales representative for you!