Technical Sales
Discussion
Hi all,
Has anyone moved away from a hands on engineering position, into a technical sales role? as I now have a management position which gave me the opportunity to get involved/learned about the business aspects of the company, and I enjoy it a lot.
I have spoken to a few of the reps that I see regularly and there also seems to be quite a big difference on what targets they get. One rep who's company I use to carry out emergency repairs on electric motors and gearboxes does not have monthly targets whereas the rep who supplies all my lubricants has monthly targets.
My main concern is, leaving my current position to become a rep, and then get sacked after a few months as I do not bring any business in
does having engineering qualifications and experience but no sales experience really hinder me? or are companies willing to take you on, because you do have the technical knowledge?
if you could let me know of your experiences with working as a technical sales rep, it would be appreciated.
Has anyone moved away from a hands on engineering position, into a technical sales role? as I now have a management position which gave me the opportunity to get involved/learned about the business aspects of the company, and I enjoy it a lot.
I have spoken to a few of the reps that I see regularly and there also seems to be quite a big difference on what targets they get. One rep who's company I use to carry out emergency repairs on electric motors and gearboxes does not have monthly targets whereas the rep who supplies all my lubricants has monthly targets.
My main concern is, leaving my current position to become a rep, and then get sacked after a few months as I do not bring any business in
does having engineering qualifications and experience but no sales experience really hinder me? or are companies willing to take you on, because you do have the technical knowledge?
if you could let me know of your experiences with working as a technical sales rep, it would be appreciated.
Totally different skill sets tbh. Technies don't normally make good salespeople as they know too much about the product and can be more 'accurate' in their representation of those facts than a salesman.
Depends on the product of course but a good role would be pre-sales (what I do) essentially supporting the sales team in bids and design work, pricing, technical queries basically. Performance not normally sales focused. Pre-sales people tend to be very technical at a high level but with experience of support, delivery and design.
Of course, doesn't really work if you are a box shifter.
Depends on the product of course but a good role would be pre-sales (what I do) essentially supporting the sales team in bids and design work, pricing, technical queries basically. Performance not normally sales focused. Pre-sales people tend to be very technical at a high level but with experience of support, delivery and design.
Of course, doesn't really work if you are a box shifter.
I've been in Pre Sales (It software solutions) for years and its been very good to me as a career choice. I've moved from a small systems integrator to a FTSE100 and progressed internally since.
I hated targets, pressure, cold calling, lead generating etc... so I always knew Business Dev was not for me. I am a technologist at heart, but being a good comminucator it put this career choice infront of me as a natural way of getting out of being a 'techie' but without the pressure of selling.
Personally i get great job satsfaction and pretty safe job security too.
Happy to answer any questions about my experiences
I hated targets, pressure, cold calling, lead generating etc... so I always knew Business Dev was not for me. I am a technologist at heart, but being a good comminucator it put this career choice infront of me as a natural way of getting out of being a 'techie' but without the pressure of selling.
Personally i get great job satsfaction and pretty safe job security too.
Happy to answer any questions about my experiences
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