We weren’t all born to lead, just as we weren’t all born to sell. Some of us hide in a corner at the thought of having to deliver a sales pitch. Well the world goes around and around on the strength of all our differences, but there are indeed people who are born to be Sales Managers! Think Tim Shaw, the Demtel guy. What that guy can’t sell, is not worth buying! If ever there was a born salesperson, it’s him ... or Vince, the ShamWOW guy. But he’s a topic for an entirely different post.

People who find themselves – either by design, by choice or by accident – in sales roles, and thrive in them, are a different breed to, say, service workers, medical professionals, administrators and teachers. Their job is to make a product palatable, entice a potential buyer and drive home the sales message.

But does a salesperson automatically make a good salesmanager?

The answer is no. Just because you have a great, natural rapport with customers, know your product inside out, are an advocate of the brand and can deliver a sales pitch with awesome believability, does not mean sales management is the job for you. People who thrive on ‘the thrill of the chase’ and the buzz of closing a sale may not necessarily enjoy crunching numbers, writing reports, leading a team and developing strategies. There is more paperwork involved in management, and less front line exposure, which could be the nail in the coffin when considering a sales manager position.

Being a sales manager usually means a promotion. It can mean more money, but then, being a front line seller can mean you’re entitled to attractive performance-based commissions that elevate your earnings to that of your manager!

When you set your SMStheJOB alerts, think carefully before requesting alerts for sales manager positions. It can’t hurt to browse, but don’t be seduced by the ‘manager’ title. Ask yourself where you belong and what will generate the most job satisfaction for you.