Being a technical person, I’ve always neglected the importance of sales. I’ve spent countless hours mastering new skills — from development to analytics — but never really focused on the money side of things. I would dive deep into learning, figuring out how things work, and breaking down complex topics into bite-sized pieces that anyone, even non-technical people or clients, could understand.
But while I was immersed in technical knowledge, I overlooked one crucial aspect: sales.
When I finally stepped into the market to showcase my skills, I realized something big. Despite all the knowledge I had accumulated, I didn’t know how to sell it. I could tell people about my expertise and what I could do, but when it came time to actually sell, I felt like I was in the deep end.
I’ve started to explore sales more seriously, but it feels like a whole new world — a world full of techniques like cold calling, cold DMs, and even knocking on doors. As an introvert with little socializing experience, it can feel overwhelming. I constantly find myself thinking, ‘What if I message this business owner and they don’t respond? Or worse, what if they insult or reject me?
I realized that these fears are part of the sales process. Rejection is inevitable, but the more you experience it, the more you learn to handle it. It’s through the rejections that you grow stronger and more confident in your ability to sell.
I’m still in the process of learning, and I’m sure there will be more bumps along the way. But I’m embracing it. Let’s see how things unfold as I continue to push myself out of my comfort zone.