08 Nov

A career in sales is like being on a treadmill—markets and targets never stop. The physical and mental strain can make you question if it’s truly worth it. When I started my journey as a business management graduate in Andhra Pradesh, selling in remote markets was challenging. Long bus rides, nights on railway platforms, and travelling through risky areas often made me question my choices. Yet, I kept going, driven by a belief that it would all pay off. Within two years, my hard work was rewarded, and I gained more responsibilities. In just three years, I was promoted to Brand Manager at HQ!

Sometimes, pushing through tough times opens doors to the best opportunities.

Neha’s tech sales challenge: Making pressure work for you

Take Neha, a 25-year-old tech sales executive in Hyderabad. Recently promoted to manage a high-profile product line, Neha was initially thrilled. However, the weight of ambitious sales targets soon became overwhelming. Balancing boss expectations, client meetings, strategy sessions, and endless follow-ups took a toll. The reality was a stark contrast to her previous role, where she only saw the perks of sales like bonuses and rewards.

Neha soon learned to make the pressure work for her.

• Efficiency and Purpose: Neha aligned her tasks with her long-term career goals. This renewed her sense of purpose, making the pressure feel like a pathway to meaningful milestones rather than a burden.
• Seeking Guidance: She proactively reached out to her seniors for advice and used their connections to close deals and find new leads.
• Self-Care for Balance: Neha introduced self-care routines like meditation and hobbies into her schedule, helping her recharge and stay focused. Self-care is essential for sustainable success in sales.

Rajesh’s upcountry sales struggles: Balancing career and family

Rajesh, an FMCG sales executive, faced a similar challenge. Promoted to manage Maharashtra’s rural and semi-urban markets, he found himself navigating logistics, unique customer preferences, and his first leadership role, all while adjusting to frequent travel. With a newborn at home, balancing his career and family responsibilities was intense.

Rajesh adapted by:

• Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: He treated each challenge as a growth opportunity. By leveraging local insights, he adapted strategies to meet regional needs and strengthen his role.
• Building a Support Network: Rajesh connected with peers and mentors, gaining both practical advice and emotional support. His bond with his new sales team helped create a shared sense of purpose.
• Family Balance: Rajesh coordinated his schedule to maximise family time and invested in home support, enabling him to focus on his responsibilities effectively.

Vikram’s pan-India sales pressure: Managing health and career demands

Vikram, a sales manager for an industrial fasteners company, faced the pressure of overseeing national operations during an industry slowdown. Compounding this stress were his health issues, which made managing his workload especially challenging.

He managed by:

• Delegating and communicating effectively: Vikram worked closely with management, securing favourable credit terms and discounts. He empowered his team, allowing him to focus on strategic activities.
• Prioritising health: By reducing his workload and incorporating stress management, Vikram prioritised his health without sacrificing performance.

Is the pressure worth it?

The stories of Neha, Rajesh, and Vikram highlight that while sales can be demanding, it offers growth opportunities. The key lies in managing pressure effectively and aligning efforts with meaningful goals.

Seeking mentorship can be transformative. A mentor provides guidance, shares experience, and helps navigate the pressures of sales. Avoiding the stereotype of the “hard-drinking sales lifestyle” is crucial. Instead, focusing on genuine connections, rest, and well-being leads to sustainable success.

Each of these professionals went above and beyond, whether by aligning tasks with values, adapting to challenges, or balancing personal needs. Their efforts did not go unnoticed; leadership recognised their dedication, setting them apart as top performers.

In sales, resilience and hard work make individuals visible to leadership, accelerating career advancement. When managed effectively, the pressure to perform can lead to rewards that make every challenge worthwhile.

In life, the toughest journeys often lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Read more: The future of sales: Essential skills for success in a rapidly changing market

Read more: The future of sales careers: Navigating the new landscape