This is a guest post by Henry de Con
It’s common knowledge that sports sales is the easiest path to start your career in sports, but as you can probably assume its also the hardest task. Sales in any industry is a challenge, so it should come as no surprise that it’s just as rough in sports. Not only are you selling the professional sporting event, but the players, atmosphere, and perks. You’ll encounter a lot of objections, excuses, and hang ups. Sports may be the career for you, but are you ready to take on sales to get there?Sports Sales – Things To Consider
Don’t let the introduction scare you off. Everybody’s reaction to the sports sales experience is different. Here are some personal things to look at within yourself if you’re thinking about starting a career in sports sales.
- Are you an aggressive person? The key to getting a sale is being aggressive. You can’t take no for an answer but only as further reason to convince the client why they need this product.
- Can you handle rejection? Imagine breaking up with your significant other every 5 minutes when working in sports sales. You’ll spill out your best pitch only to get an “I’m not interested, please stop calling.” Then you’ll hang up and make another call. Can you handle that for an 8 hour shift everyday?
- Are you confident? Sports sales is not for those who are shy. You will be in an office making calls for everyone to hear. You will make mistakes and stutter and everyone will hear you.
- Do you have a competitive nature? You’ll succeed more in sports if you’re competitive. You will be surrounded by co-workers who are making sales. Although you’ll be happy for them, their success is supposed to drive you to want to make sales and beat them. Nobody wants to be at the bottom of the sales lists.
- Are you a self-starter? You will receive a call list to start off, but if you really want to be successful, you will have to prospect on your own. Are you the type of person who will branch out and find leads without someone assisting you?
If you answered yes to all of the above, then you may be ready for a career in sports sales.
Do you have any other tips on how to excel in sports sales?
I think I don’t have the guts to be on Sports Sale… But one day, I will try this if I can make it. Thank you for the info.
@LauLau81
Its all about confidence! Sports sales can be difficult but also very rewarding.
1 A plan: you have to establish an unique strategy for all your prospects… never try to sell sponsorship without any plan
2 Acting as a Networker: do not waste time and opportunities.. You must find a way to be introduced by someone in your circle (friends, parents, ex colleague… linkedin/twitter contacts etc…)
3 Consultative sells: Prepare various questions in order to understand the business needs of your prospect, and find his “compelling reasons to act”…