Sales To CEO

                                                                                                                                                                           There is a rather negative perception of the Sales Profession in Nigeria. There are two underlying factors behind it.

1. Sales isn't seen as a profession, but something that 'cowboys' and 'hustlers' do.

2. Many companies are not willing to invest the necessary resources to develop dynamic and successful Sales teams; and as an indirect consequence tend to put the wrong people in their sales department.

And yet, many of the world's top CEOs, Businessmen, and Billionaires started in Sales.

Steve Ballmer - CEO, Microsoft, 2000 - 2014

Carly Fiorina - Managing Director, Hewlett Packard, 1999 - 2005

Alan Sugar - Business Magnate, Political Adviser, Media Personility

Richard Branson - Founder, Virgin Group

Aliko Dangote - Chairman, Dangote Group

They all began their illustrious careers by selling a product / service.

They all have similar traits / attributes.

1. Vision

2. A Strategic Mind

3. Knowledge

4. Ability to Handle Pressure

5. Leadership Skills

6. Diligence, Drive, and Determination

7. Courage and Belief

Contrary to the perception in Nigeria, when approached properly, there is no greater preparation for leadership than the Sales Profession.

Next week we will be looking at 'Handling Pressure' and 'Meeting Your Targets'.