Culture is arguably the most important factor in determining the trajectory of your sales career. It impacts far more than your ability to be successful today. Working for a company with great sales culture early in your career will also set you on course for a successful future in sales.
Here are three reasons why it’s so important to find a company now that has outstanding sales culture:
- Personal Happiness
The happier you are, the better you will perform. It really is that simple. As Steve Jobs said to a graduating class at Stanford in 2005, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” If you enjoy working for a company, a specific team or even an individual sales manager, the more effort you will put into being successful. According to Oxford University research, happy workers are 13% more productive.
A key part of achieving this is seeking out managers who foster the kind of culture you appreciate. The Frontline Leadership Project found that 57% of people quit a job because of their boss; but they were more likely to stay if their manager fostered a culture of recognition. Research has found that of employees reporting high morale at work, 94% say their bosses are good at recognition.
- Professional Growth
Great culture often includes an environment of learning and training. Companies who care about their employees invest in training and career development. This in itself will help advance your career – people who learn at work are 21% happier, and companies that invest the most in workplace learning yield higher net sales per employee. These companies also often have realistic and achievable career paths.
- Professional Relationships
Over your career you will make countless connections with colleagues. You will most likely align with winners and people that you experience success with. Picking a company with a great sales culture early in your career will help you connect with the winners, and foster life-long professional relationships. Many of these relationships will open doors and create new opportunities for you, even years down the road.
What does great culture look like?
What makes great culture? According to the World Economic Forum, the top indicators of great culture in a company are:
- Employees feel respected
- Supportive leaders
- Leaders live core values
- Ample benefits, perks and learning opportunities
One of the biggest complaints I hear from sales leaders is that reps hop from one job to another. If a company has a great sales environment, and they are investing in culture, reps will stay. A Columbia University study demonstrated that organizations with healthy sales culture experience a mere 13.9% employee job turnover, while job turnover in companies with poor sales culture averages 48.4%.
When you finally land at a company with good leaders and great sales culture, the lightbulb will go on. You’ll see what it is you’ve been missing.
To find the companies with the best sales culture, do your homework. Talk to current and former reps and ask for sales culture examples (hint: if they can’t name one off the top of their head, that’s a red flag). Ask the management team what they are doing to promote and build sales culture. And if you take a job that you think has great culture, but doesn’t, get out sooner rather than later and find one that does.
a great sales culture is still one of many factors that contribute to a successful sales job. Learn How to Find Your Dream Job in Tech Sales and you’ll have the complete picture!
