The gender gap in sales is narrowing. In a world where women continue to be underrepresented, it’s refreshing and encouraging that there are so many taking charge of their own destiny
Women have long been underestimated in the sales world. For years, it was assumed that men were the natural salespeople while women were better suited for other roles.
If you’ve ever been in sales, you know that it’s a dog-eat-dog world. There’s always someone trying to outsell you, and the competition can be fierce. But what if I told you that the odds are actually in your favour? That’s right, ladies. If you’re a woman selling products or services, you’re actually more likely to close a deal than your male counterparts.
New data shows that women are closing more sales than men. In fact, female sales reps are 11% more likely to win deals. So what’s their secret?
It turns out that women naturally approach sales differently than men. For example, they’re more likely to build relationships with their clients and to really understand their needs. They’re also better at handling objections and emphasizing a product’s or service’s benefits. More importantly, they show compassion, a skill that wasn’t a necessity for sales 30 years ago but is 100% required in today’s marketplace. As a result, women are seeing success in sales, where men have traditionally been the dominant force.
So, if you’re looking to close more sales, take a cue from your female colleagues.
Things are turning around.
41.9% of sales representatives are women, and 58.1% are men.
Compare that to a decade ago, when 70% were male, and 30% were female.
So, ladies, your hard work is paying off, and companies are starting to recognize your value in the sales workforce.
Here are 3 tips that could help you excel and get promoted in a world that doesn’t always see your value.
1) Get your voice heard.
It can be difficult for a woman in sales to get her voice heard. You might have the perfect solution to a problem, but your male colleagues are more likely to be listened to. One way to combat this is to be assertive and confident in your ideas. If a man suggests an idea you had first, don’t be afraid to speak up and claim it as your own. This will show that you are not afraid to assert yourself and will put you in a position of strength and leadership. In sales, it is essential to be confident and assertive to succeed. Don’t let anyone silence your ideas – make sure your voice is always heard.
2)Step out of your comfort zone & try new ways to sell.
Any salesperson worth their salt knows that it’s always better to apologize than to ask for permission. Closing a deal is all about being in the right frame of mind and putting your comfort zone to the side. If you’re currently selling in a way that’s working, then there’s no need to change things up. However, it’s time to switch things up if you do not see the results you want. Trying new sales techniques can be scary, but it’s often necessary to find success.
The odds are in your favour. Recent data shows that women are 48% more likely to change and replace bad habits or be open to improvement than their male counterparts. This translates very well in the corporate world.
3) Learn from other women in sales.
Sales can be a challenging profession, no matter what your gender. But women sales pros have an extra set of challenges to contend with. That’s why learning from other women in sales is so important. “Women Sales Pros” is a great resource for sales insights and advice, designed specifically for women sales professionals. In addition, the website contains articles and engaging podcasts that can help you advance your sales career and attract more women to sales roles. Quota Crushers Agency has been a member of this organization since Day 1.
A big Mission of Quota Crushers Agency is to even out the playing field.
So, apply today for your next quota-crushing + Pipeline Bursting sales challenge.
