Vishnu Annapareddy, Centurion Organisation, is a partner to SALESWORKS GROUP ASIA, conducting face-to-face sales and fundraising for SALESWORKS’s clients in both Malaysia and Philippines.

The sales industry is worth billions, yet many people don’t quite know how to make the most of it. Here are two hurdles that every wannabe sales professional faces:

1. Fear of rejection

This seems to be the top reason that makes people shy away from sales. I understand it, no one wants to be told ‘No’, so the million-dollar question is how to overcome this fear of rejection.

My best advice is to not take rejection personally.

After starting my career in face-to-face sales, I learned quickly that rejection was not about me. When I met rude customers, I reminded myself that they were good people having a bad day. I thanked them politely for their time and moved on.

There is simply no point in dwelling on rejection – shrug it off and keep going.

2. Long-term consistency

Seeking out new customers, and doing sales presentations every day is not easy, so finding the motivation to keep working hard is essential.

The importance of setting goals cannot be underestimated. I have been in sales for 12 years and my personal goals are what has kept me going strong. Working towards them helps me push myself to maintain sales consistency.

Having something to aim for will provide you with daily drive.