Tech is one of the fastest-growing industries, with an increasing number of start-ups bringing out new and interesting products. A popular and growing industry, tech sales pays well, can teach you important life skills, and doesn’t really require a ton of qualifications or degrees.

With the tech industry constantly coming up with new products to sell, a career in tech sales can be rewarding.

Good communication, power of persuasion, resilience, and love for tech can get you into tech sales. Keep reading to know how you can build a career in tech sales.

What is tech sales?

Tech sales is the process of selling software as a service (SaaS) to customers that help them solve their problems. It could be selling software, hardware, or an IT service. It is mostly selling software built to help businesses work efficiently, so the selling tech is largely business-to-business (B2B).

Tech companies would commonly sell:

Software solutions like CRM, billing software, and project management software.

Hardware to run software like laptops, monitors, and other physical products.

IT services for security, consulting, and/or troubleshooting.

What is someone in sales tech responsible for?

• Generating leads using a sales intelligence platform like SMARTe
• Using CRM to manage prospects and leads
• Conducting discovery calls
• Recommending and demonstrating products
• Writing proposals or contracts
• Keeping up with sales industry data and current market trends
• Building relationships with new and existing customers

You will have one of the below titles in tech sales:

• SDR (Sales Development Representative)
• BDR (Business Development Representative)
• AE (Account Executive)
• Sales Manager
• Sales Director

Based on seniority and experience your day-to-day tasks will differ.

How to get started in tech sales?

Skills for tech sales:

• Communication, listening and storytelling
• Experience with CRM and cold calling
• Relationship building
• Time and task management
• Identifying new opportunities

Master these soft skills:

• Curiosity
• Empathy
• Resilience
• Being proactive
• Adaptability

Highlight any past sales-related experience, even if it’s not tech related. Show your understanding of how sales work. Maybe anytime you have persuaded someone to take any action.

Sign up for free sales courses and get certifications to give you a competitive edge over other applicants.

Read Sales books, and blogs, or listen to sales podcasts. Join online sales communities to stay on top of industry trends.

Update your LinkedIn profile by completing the about section, experience, education, licenses, and certifications, and add sales skills like sales, cold calling, business development, etc. Asking friends or colleagues to fill out a recommendation for you will build credibility.

Network to make connections for sales advice, and guidance or even ask to refer you for an opening you are interested in.

Why you should consider a career in tech sales?

• High demand
• Plenty of opportunities
• Competitive salaries
• High job mobility
• Commissions

Overall,

• Tech sales is growing and highly popular
• Without previous experience, getting relevant certifications, building skills and networking can help you find a job.
• Tech sales is great if you have an interest in tech and have an outgoing personality
• You enjoy talking to people and helping them out