Outside Sales Representative Job Description
Job Title: Outside Sales Representative
Overview/Summary of the Role:
The Outside Sales Representative is responsible for generating new business by making sales calls, meeting with potential clients, and building long-lasting relationships with existing customers. The role requires the individual to travel regularly to meet with clients and attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows. The goal of this position is to increase the company's revenue and profitability by identifying and pursuing new sales opportunities.
Responsibilities and Duties:
• Develop and execute sales strategies to meet or exceed sales targets
• Identify and establish relationships with new customers and expand the company's customer base
• Maintain and cultivate existing client relationships to ensure customer loyalty
• Conduct regular customer visits to maintain and expand business
• Develop a thorough understanding of the company's products and services to effectively sell to customers
• Provide sales presentations and product demonstrations to potential customers
• Address customer inquiries and complaints in a timely and effective manner
• Collaborate with the internal sales and marketing teams to develop and implement sales programs and initiatives
• Attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows to network and identify new sales opportunities
• Maintain accurate records of sales activity and customer interactions in the company's CRM system
Qualifications and Skills:
Hard skills:
• Proven track record of successful sales in a B2B environment
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build rapport and establish relationships with customers quickly
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Comfortable with technology, including CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and sales presentation software
• Ability to analyze sales data and make informed business decisions
Soft skills:
• Strong work ethic and self-motivation
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Adaptability and flexibility to changing priorities and customer needs
• Creative problem-solving skills
Education and Experience:
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field
• 3-5 years of outside sales experience in a B2B environment
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel
Preferred:
• Experience in the relevant industry or vertical market
• Sales training and certificationsLicensing (if applicable):
Depending on the industry, outside sales representatives may need to obtain certain licenses or certifications. For example, in the insurance industry, outside sales representatives must generally be licensed by their state to sell insurance products.
Typical Employers:
Outside sales representatives may work for a wide range of employers, including manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and service providers. They may also work for specialized sales and marketing firms.
Work Environment:
Outside sales representatives typically spend a significant amount of time traveling to meet with clients and potential customers. They may work out of a home office or a company office, but much of their time is spent on the road. They may also work irregular hours or on weekends to accommodate clients’ schedules.
Career Pathways (both leading to this position and next positions):
Many outside sales representatives begin their careers in entry-level sales roles, such as sales associate or sales assistant. They may then work their way up to more senior sales positions before transitioning to an outside sales role. Depending on the industry, a successful outside sales representative may have opportunities for advancement into management roles or other leadership positions within the company.
Job Growth Trend (USA and Global):
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, including outside sales representatives, is projected to grow 2% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. However, job growth may vary by industry and location. Globally, the demand for skilled sales professionals continues to grow as businesses seek to expand their customer base and increase revenue.Career Satisfaction:
As an Outside Sales Representative, the career satisfaction can be high for individuals who enjoy building relationships, meeting new people, and helping customers solve problems. The feeling of closing a big deal or meeting sales goals can also provide a sense of accomplishment. However, the job may not be for everyone, as it can be highly competitive and require a strong work ethic.
Related Job Positions:
Some related job positions in the sales industry include Account Manager, Sales Manager, Business Development Representative, and Sales Consultant. These roles often involve similar tasks, such as building and maintaining client relationships and meeting sales goals.
Connected People:
An Outside Sales Representative would likely interact with various people, including clients, sales managers, marketing teams, and customer service representatives.
Average Salary:
According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for an Outside Sales Representative in the United States is $59,000. In the United Kingdom, the average salary is £28,000 per year, while in Germany it is €42,000 per year. In India, the average salary is INR 399,000 per year, and in Brazil, it is R$60,000 per year. This can vary based on location, industry, and experience.
Benefits Package:
The benefits package for an Outside Sales Representative may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and commission or bonus plans based on performance.
Schedule and Hours Required:
Outside Sales Representatives often work flexible schedules, as they need to accommodate the availability of clients. This may involve working evenings, weekends, or holidays. The average workweek can range from 40-50 hours or more, depending on the workload and goals set by the employer.Level of Autonomy:
As an Outside Sales Representative, the level of autonomy largely depends on the organization you work for and the products or services you sell. In some cases, you may work with a team of other sales representatives or have a designated sales manager. However, typically, outside sales reps have a high level of autonomy and are responsible for managing their own schedules, developing new business, and maintaining relationships with existing customers. This may require a significant amount of travel, time-management skills, and ability to work independently.
Opportunities for Professional Development and Advancement:
There are significant opportunities for professional development and advancement in this field. Outside Sales Representatives can gain experience and skills through on-the-job training, attending industry events and conferences, and pursuing additional education or certifications. Many companies offer sales training programs to help their sales representatives improve their skills and knowledge. Successful sales reps can move up in their organization to higher-level sales positions or management roles.
Specialized Skills or Knowledge Required:
To be successful as an Outside Sales Representative, you will need excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to build and maintain relationships, strong negotiation and closing skills, and a deep understanding of the products or services you are selling. You may also need knowledge of the industry or market you are selling to, as well as the competition. A background in marketing or business administration can be beneficial in this field.
Physical Demands:
Outside Sales Representatives are typically required to travel frequently and work remotely, which can be physically demanding. They may spend long hours driving or flying, and may need to carry product samples or sales materials with them. Some sales reps may also be required to lift heavy objects, such as displays or equipment, during product demonstrations or installations.
Tools and Technologies Used:
Outside Sales Representatives may use a variety of tools and technologies in their work, including customer relationship management (CRM) software, sales-tracking software, and email marketing platforms. They may also use mobile devices to access information and communicate with clients on-the-go. Other tools and technologies that may be used include presentation software, project management tools, and analytics software.Work Style:
As an outside sales representative, you must be self-motivated, driven, and have a strong work ethic. You must be willing to work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as well as travel frequently. You will need to be comfortable working independently and making decisions on your own. The ability to prioritize tasks, set goals, and meet deadlines is crucial in this role.
Working Conditions:
The job of an outside sales representative involves spending a considerable amount of time on the road, meeting clients and prospects in various locations, and working in different weather conditions. As such, you must be physically fit and able to withstand the strain of extended travel. You must also be comfortable with spending long hours driving or sitting in planes, trains, or other modes of transportation.
Team Size and Structure:
In this role, you will often work independently and report directly to a sales manager or director. However, you may also collaborate with other sales representatives or members of the sales team on specific projects or initiatives. The size of the team and the structure of the sales organization can vary depending on the company and industry.
Collaboration and Communication Requirements:
As an outside sales representative, you will need to have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. You will spend much of your time interacting with clients, prospects, and other stakeholders, and you must be able to communicate effectively to build relationships, overcome objections, and close deals. You will also need to be comfortable using various communication technologies, such as email, phone, video conferencing, and social media, to stay in touch with clients and other members of the sales team.
Cultural Fit and Company Values:
To be successful as an outside sales representative, you must align your values with those of the company you work for. You will represent the company to clients and prospects, and your behavior, attitude, and values will reflect on the company as a whole. Therefore, you must demonstrate a strong ethical and moral compass, along with a commitment to customer service and satisfaction. You will also need to be able to adapt to the company's culture and values, such as its mission, vision, and goals.
Overview/Summary of the Role:
The Outside Sales Representative is responsible for generating new business by making sales calls, meeting with potential clients, and building long-lasting relationships with existing customers. The role requires the individual to travel regularly to meet with clients and attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows. The goal of this position is to increase the company's revenue and profitability by identifying and pursuing new sales opportunities.
Responsibilities and Duties:
• Develop and execute sales strategies to meet or exceed sales targets
• Identify and establish relationships with new customers and expand the company's customer base
• Maintain and cultivate existing client relationships to ensure customer loyalty
• Conduct regular customer visits to maintain and expand business
• Develop a thorough understanding of the company's products and services to effectively sell to customers
• Provide sales presentations and product demonstrations to potential customers
• Address customer inquiries and complaints in a timely and effective manner
• Collaborate with the internal sales and marketing teams to develop and implement sales programs and initiatives
• Attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows to network and identify new sales opportunities
• Maintain accurate records of sales activity and customer interactions in the company's CRM system
Qualifications and Skills:
Hard skills:
• Proven track record of successful sales in a B2B environment
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build rapport and establish relationships with customers quickly
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Comfortable with technology, including CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and sales presentation software
• Ability to analyze sales data and make informed business decisions
Soft skills:
• Strong work ethic and self-motivation
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Adaptability and flexibility to changing priorities and customer needs
• Creative problem-solving skills
Education and Experience:
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field
• 3-5 years of outside sales experience in a B2B environment
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel
Preferred:
• Experience in the relevant industry or vertical market
• Sales training and certificationsLicensing (if applicable):
Depending on the industry, outside sales representatives may need to obtain certain licenses or certifications. For example, in the insurance industry, outside sales representatives must generally be licensed by their state to sell insurance products.
Typical Employers:
Outside sales representatives may work for a wide range of employers, including manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and service providers. They may also work for specialized sales and marketing firms.
Work Environment:
Outside sales representatives typically spend a significant amount of time traveling to meet with clients and potential customers. They may work out of a home office or a company office, but much of their time is spent on the road. They may also work irregular hours or on weekends to accommodate clients’ schedules.
Career Pathways (both leading to this position and next positions):
Many outside sales representatives begin their careers in entry-level sales roles, such as sales associate or sales assistant. They may then work their way up to more senior sales positions before transitioning to an outside sales role. Depending on the industry, a successful outside sales representative may have opportunities for advancement into management roles or other leadership positions within the company.
Job Growth Trend (USA and Global):
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, including outside sales representatives, is projected to grow 2% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. However, job growth may vary by industry and location. Globally, the demand for skilled sales professionals continues to grow as businesses seek to expand their customer base and increase revenue.Career Satisfaction:
As an Outside Sales Representative, the career satisfaction can be high for individuals who enjoy building relationships, meeting new people, and helping customers solve problems. The feeling of closing a big deal or meeting sales goals can also provide a sense of accomplishment. However, the job may not be for everyone, as it can be highly competitive and require a strong work ethic.
Related Job Positions:
Some related job positions in the sales industry include Account Manager, Sales Manager, Business Development Representative, and Sales Consultant. These roles often involve similar tasks, such as building and maintaining client relationships and meeting sales goals.
Connected People:
An Outside Sales Representative would likely interact with various people, including clients, sales managers, marketing teams, and customer service representatives.
Average Salary:
According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for an Outside Sales Representative in the United States is $59,000. In the United Kingdom, the average salary is £28,000 per year, while in Germany it is €42,000 per year. In India, the average salary is INR 399,000 per year, and in Brazil, it is R$60,000 per year. This can vary based on location, industry, and experience.
Benefits Package:
The benefits package for an Outside Sales Representative may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and commission or bonus plans based on performance.
Schedule and Hours Required:
Outside Sales Representatives often work flexible schedules, as they need to accommodate the availability of clients. This may involve working evenings, weekends, or holidays. The average workweek can range from 40-50 hours or more, depending on the workload and goals set by the employer.Level of Autonomy:
As an Outside Sales Representative, the level of autonomy largely depends on the organization you work for and the products or services you sell. In some cases, you may work with a team of other sales representatives or have a designated sales manager. However, typically, outside sales reps have a high level of autonomy and are responsible for managing their own schedules, developing new business, and maintaining relationships with existing customers. This may require a significant amount of travel, time-management skills, and ability to work independently.
Opportunities for Professional Development and Advancement:
There are significant opportunities for professional development and advancement in this field. Outside Sales Representatives can gain experience and skills through on-the-job training, attending industry events and conferences, and pursuing additional education or certifications. Many companies offer sales training programs to help their sales representatives improve their skills and knowledge. Successful sales reps can move up in their organization to higher-level sales positions or management roles.
Specialized Skills or Knowledge Required:
To be successful as an Outside Sales Representative, you will need excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to build and maintain relationships, strong negotiation and closing skills, and a deep understanding of the products or services you are selling. You may also need knowledge of the industry or market you are selling to, as well as the competition. A background in marketing or business administration can be beneficial in this field.
Physical Demands:
Outside Sales Representatives are typically required to travel frequently and work remotely, which can be physically demanding. They may spend long hours driving or flying, and may need to carry product samples or sales materials with them. Some sales reps may also be required to lift heavy objects, such as displays or equipment, during product demonstrations or installations.
Tools and Technologies Used:
Outside Sales Representatives may use a variety of tools and technologies in their work, including customer relationship management (CRM) software, sales-tracking software, and email marketing platforms. They may also use mobile devices to access information and communicate with clients on-the-go. Other tools and technologies that may be used include presentation software, project management tools, and analytics software.Work Style:
As an outside sales representative, you must be self-motivated, driven, and have a strong work ethic. You must be willing to work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as well as travel frequently. You will need to be comfortable working independently and making decisions on your own. The ability to prioritize tasks, set goals, and meet deadlines is crucial in this role.
Working Conditions:
The job of an outside sales representative involves spending a considerable amount of time on the road, meeting clients and prospects in various locations, and working in different weather conditions. As such, you must be physically fit and able to withstand the strain of extended travel. You must also be comfortable with spending long hours driving or sitting in planes, trains, or other modes of transportation.
Team Size and Structure:
In this role, you will often work independently and report directly to a sales manager or director. However, you may also collaborate with other sales representatives or members of the sales team on specific projects or initiatives. The size of the team and the structure of the sales organization can vary depending on the company and industry.
Collaboration and Communication Requirements:
As an outside sales representative, you will need to have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. You will spend much of your time interacting with clients, prospects, and other stakeholders, and you must be able to communicate effectively to build relationships, overcome objections, and close deals. You will also need to be comfortable using various communication technologies, such as email, phone, video conferencing, and social media, to stay in touch with clients and other members of the sales team.
Cultural Fit and Company Values:
To be successful as an outside sales representative, you must align your values with those of the company you work for. You will represent the company to clients and prospects, and your behavior, attitude, and values will reflect on the company as a whole. Therefore, you must demonstrate a strong ethical and moral compass, along with a commitment to customer service and satisfaction. You will also need to be able to adapt to the company's culture and values, such as its mission, vision, and goals.