Sales consultant (Sales consultant)
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A sales consultant is a person who is responsible for a variety of activities aimed at selling products or services. More specifically, there is a responsibility to bring in new customers and maintain existing customer relationships. In that context, the activities of a sales consultant are, among other things, aimed at providing advice to customers. An active attitude towards responding to the needs of existing and new customers is also part of the tasks. The name sales consultant usually indicates that this is an employee who has the necessary experience and knowledge and can therefore be regarded as a specialist. This is important in order to be able to respond to the needs of customers with the knowledge and experience. For example, a sales consultant feels what a customer needs because of the available expertise and translates that concretely into a customer deal. One of the important aspects of this function is that there must be genuine attention and interest for the customer. The work varies per day and is carried out both inside the company and outside the company. For example, it is part of the tasks to visit customers and existing relations. The evaluation of these customer contacts is also part of the work, as is the management of contracts. For example, to see when it is possible to extend a contract, where the rates are also a point of attention. A sales consultant works within a certain industry, such as in technology or in the field of agricultural vehicles. In that context, there is talk of acting as a link between commerce and the sector in question. The purpose of the position can be summarized with activities aimed at stimulating sales in combination with customer loyalty.
A sales consultant can therefore be regarded as a representative and as an account manager. It is therefore a function with combined activities of these professions. A sales consultant works both in the office and in the field. In that respect, there is a relationship with the position of both internal and field employee. In that respect, there is of course also a link with the position of back office employee who works within the same company. When it comes to the specific activities, such as maintaining the customer relationship, there is a connection with the profession of relationship manager. When building relationships, a sales consultant can be seen as a networker. In the part of the work that is aimed at providing advice, the employee can be regarded as a consultant. The purpose of the work as a sales consultant is not only to maintain and develop relationships or give advice, but also specifically aimed at sales. In that respect, there is of course an interface with selling positions, such as those of a sales employee, but also those of a sales specialist just like a sales advisor.
RELATIVELY NEW PROFESSION
The profession of sales consultant can be regarded as a relatively new profession. The content of the function is broader and focused on more than just the pure sale of services or products. A sales consultant is the extension of the company when it comes to the final sale, where the advisory task and responding to the need are central. Actively helping customers is important, where a sales consultant is actually already ahead of the customer in offering a solution. So it is not the case that a sales consultant, such as a sales employee in a store, waits for the customer to come to him. It is precisely the task of a sales consultant to go to customers with a proactive attitude and to bring in new customers.
WHAT DOES A SALES CONSULTANT DO:
- Listening to prospects
- Responding to customer needs
- Proactively approaching customers
- Network building
- Relationship management
- Advise
- Thinking along with customers
- Binding customers to the company
- Checking contracts
- Check rates
- Renew agreements
WHAT DOES A SALES CONSULTANT DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A SALES CONSULTANT
There are various courses that form an excellent basis for working as a sales consultant with or without the necessary work experience. For example, an MBO junior account manager course is a stepping stone to gain work experience and to work as a sales consultant with the knowledge and experience gained. Another college-level degree program that offers the prospect of working in the position of sales consultant is a college degree in commercial economics.
COMPANIES WHERE A SALES CONSULTANT CAN BE EMPLOYED
Sales consultants work at all kinds of different types of companies. For example, at companies where the work focuses on bringing in customers to sell products or services. Think of a manufacturer, but also of an ICT company just like hotels or a bank or insurer. Similarly, it is conceivable that a sales consultant is employed by a mediation agency and in that capacity also acts as a mediator. In that context, it is possible that the position is located at an external organization and a sales consultant therefore works for several companies.
COMPETENCES SALES CONSULTANT
In the end, it's all about selling and retaining customers to the company. That is why it is very important to have a commercial and decisive attitude. In the field of relationship management and the development of contacts, it is important to be a strong networker and to have a proactive attitude. A representative appearance is also important, just as you must have perseverance. Within the execution of the work, being able to plan and organize well is also a point of attention. An institution that is focused on acquisition and customer loyalty is, just like being able to listen well, an indispensable competence. Other competencies include a quick adaptability and having connecting qualities.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A SALES CONSULTANT
The profession of sales consultant is relatively new and in that respect it is true that the labor market perspective can be called optimal. It is increasingly important not only to focus on sales, but above all to put the customer first. Incidentally, there are options from the position to develop yourself further. Among other things, it is possible to become a sales manager or aftersales manager or to fulfill the function of department manager. There is also an option to make the switch to the position of personnel trainer. In that respect, the position of sales consultant offers different perspectives on further development within the career.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY SALES CONSULTANT
The salary of a sales consultant is usually between 2,600 euros and 3,600 euros gross per month. It is possible that a bonus payment applies when achieving the objective. A higher salary is therefore certainly conceivable. The other employment conditions differ per employer, but it is possible that a lease car and extensive training opportunities are part of this.
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