Sales

There is a reason a majority of the CEO's have a former sales background. This is because they likely value the ability to build relationships, deliver presentations and take risks that have high rewards. Most people do not take a sales job thinking "I Want To Sell." In my case I was SOLD on the idea this was a starting point to a larger role. I have no regrets!

Sales is what makes the world go round. Politicians, Attorneys, and Teachers are all selling whether they believe it or not. They are trying to get their point across and hoping that others will follow their lead. However if you asked either of these professions if they are sales people they would all say no.

Sales does not have to be brutal and the most effective sales people in the world have an ability to build a relationship and rapport quickly. Does this sound like some of the same characteristics a leader has, it should. There are some people that are very data driven, process oriented and technical and they do not think they have sales ability. I would argue everyone has a sales ability ultimately to be successful in sales it is not rocket science. You have to have passion and knowledge of what you are selling. If you have each of these and you can build rapport you will be the next rainmaker.