B2B Sales... Good sectors to look at??

[ManNeedsAPlan]

As above. I currently work in B2B sales (financial services / insurance) and have done so successfully since starting my career in 2001. I have consistently grown books of business, am technically qualified and have proven myself in 5 roles across the 3 firms I've been at, having now progressed to a senior "account director" position.

But... I don't want to progress into middle / senior management just yet. I'm very client-led and don't really 'do' office politics too well. The sector I'm in is pretty archaic with very few potential employers willing to try anything new, the subject matter is dry at best and, although I'm bringing in the numbers, I simply feel like I'm following a formula. Basically I'm bored and I'm not sure where I'm heading.

So, what (if any) sectors / areas should I be looking at to expand my horizons?

I've heard lots about IT Sales and Pharma / Medical Device reps who are very successful, but I'm not sure how I'd break into these areas, so further research is definitely required.

The other option is to continue at my current firm with the aim of doing further qualification over the next 5 years or so, with a view to freelancing as a risk & insurance consultant thereafter. I know jobs aren't easy to come by at the moment and taking the plunge into something completely new might not be the best idea.

Sorry it's a bit vague, but I just want to gather some opinion and put some order to the thoughts that have been buzzing round my head over the last 12 - 18 months.

I'm currently 31 if that helps (married, own a house but no kids just yet), in the £40 - £50K salary bracket (plus 10 - 20% bonus P.A. on average) and would want to stay in the North of England ideally, although I would consider relocation to the US / Dubai / Oz for the right opportunity.

Has anyone else been in a similar scenario in the past and taken a leap of faith to something completely new? Or am I just stuck in a bit or a rut and need to realise I'm actually pretty fortunate, and give my head a bloody good shake?!

[StevieBee]

The package you're on, particularly for the region you're in, appears to me at least, to be very good and I think you'll struggle to find something similar in a new industry until you build up high levels of sales.

I think by the sound of it, you'd find more interest in Account Management rather than overt sales; building and maintaining relationships with clients over a longer term. Still sales but a little more dynamic in the relationship side of things.

Marketing services will certainly (or could, depends on the sector, agency, clients) give you the variety and 'fun' element you seek but to achieve a similar income package, you'd need to be looking at turning over at least £600k - £800k with very good margins.

Personally, I'd avoid stepping into another business sector and look to get more out of what you do.

HTH and good luck

[Bullett]

I have a friend in medical sales drugs/process/devices type stuff. Everyone doing this seems to have a medical background, not doctors but the more technical end of the medical services area. He was a radiographer for example.

IT sales is more of a 'sales' job. If you are not just a box shifter and looking into more the services area then you would typically be working with a pre-sales specialist who knows the technical ins and outs of the product so your role would be more of a relationship manager. Obviously some technical/specialist/sector knowledge will help but it's not so critical.