Where are the sales reps? 5 Great reasons to be one!

Lets face it, I sell at home, at work and to my kids everyday. Whether its my wife about upcoming vacation plans, where I want to take the kids to eat or a marketing idea to my boss, I am selling.  Lately, I have become more and more thankful that I have a gift of asking good questions, building relationships, selling, and delivering what I promised.  This is certainly not rocket science, and there used to be sales reps everywhere...I just don't understand where they've gone.


I consider myself a pretty good networker, I am an active member of several professional groups, AFCOM, itSMF, Technology First just to name a few.  I am the type of sales person that is comfortable walking up to a group of strangers to introduce myself.  What I am seeing more of lately are shocked looks on peoples faces when I say I am a sales rep.  Did I miss something?


I get the fact there are plenty of negative mantras out there surrounding being in sales.  The pushy in home water purification sales rep, the helicopter flying mall kiosk sales dude and of course the used car salesmen.  These types of sales people have been around for 50 years.  Since when did we need a title to try and distinguish ourselves?


I like being a sales rep and I can give you two dozen reasons why, but here are my top 5:


1.  Income, the ability to make a great living.
2.  Freedom, given the right situation, you are essentially your own boss.
3.  Time, its the only thing on a level playing ground with your competition, I choose how I spend it wisely.
4.  I get to meet interesting people and see how other companies operate.
5.  The pride I feel when a client attributes success to my solution.


Titles are great for stroking your ego, but it if you want to make it in sales, embrace your roll, and heck...try putting it on your business card.