Why You Need to Future-Proof your Sales Career
Reading Time: ~2 Mins | Written By: Sydney Vardja
Is your sales career “future-proof?”
Can it withstand different seasons, new technologies and “I have three Master’s degrees”-qualified competition?
If two lines into this blog post you’re already doubting the “future-readiness” of your sales career… don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Future-proofing your career stands as a cornerstone of Shane's extraordinary course. Let's take a glimpse into the reasons behind this concept.
What is future-proofing?
For Shane, future-proofing your career means putting the foundational skills investment in place to prepare for changes in the future, but also for what’s in demand today.
To ensure the profitability of your career in the years to come, it's crucial for sales professionals to grasp the skills, attitudes, behaviours, technologies, and insights that warrant investment at this moment.
How to future-proof your sales career
Without giving away too much from the course, let's look into one of Shane's most emphasized points.
Future-proofing and a departure from tradition go hand in hand. True preparation for the future entails shedding outdated methodologies and embracing adaptability—an attribute we often boast about in job interviews.
"I'm highly adaptable! I actually enjoy taking on my colleagues' tasks."
While this claim is often made, the reality is that employees tend to grow comfortable with their established routines.
But rather than adopting a negative mindset that envisions management conspiring to complicate your life, why not view the challenge of learning new and more efficient methods as an empowering opportunity?
The increasing role of AI and automation
AI and automation are assuming increasingly prominent roles across various industries, including sales. A McKinsey Global Institute study projects that nearly half of today’s work activities—spanning even white-collar roles—could be automated by 2055.
Rather than feeling threatened by AI and automation, Shane likens them to Iron Man. In the Iron Man narrative, a person throws on a suit and becomes a superhero—the potential of technology in sales mirrors this concept.
Why you need to future-proof your sales career
Like most sectors, the sales industry is always growing and adapting. This is what makes it such a thrilling career path, after all.
By embracing adaptability, staying attuned to industry shifts and fostering a mindset of continuous learning, sales professionals can remain equipped to navigate the challenges and capitalize on future opportunities.
Closing with what Shane refers to as a cynical reflection, the significance of adaptability can be captured in the words of Jack Welch: "If the rate of change on the outside exceeds the rate of change on the inside, the end is near."
And closing once more with a quote a little more optimistic…
