Hey, gang. Ed here. We’re tackling a tough one today and one that’s happened to me a few times in my sales career: Losing a sales job.
Losing a job — whether you’re fired, laid off, doesn’t matter — is never easy, especially in sales where your performance is tied so closely to your identity.
However, how you handle the situation can significantly impact your future opportunities.
Here’s my advice on navigating this challenging time.
1. Don’t Burn Bridges
First and foremost, don’t leave on bad terms. I know it’s tough, but resist the urge to let emotions take over. It’s crucial to maintain good relationships with your supervisors and co-workers.
Why? Because you might need them for references, insurance, or other support as you search for your next role.
Keep it professional, and leave on the best terms possible.
2. Get a Reference or Recommendation
Before you walk out the door, try to secure some form of reference or recommendation.
Even if it’s a difficult conversation, having a positive endorsement from your previous employer can be invaluable in your job search.
3. Gather Your Data
As a salesperson, you should be well aware of your performance metrics—close rates, revenue contributions, customers managed.
It’s essential to gather as much non-confidential information as you can. This data will be critical in your next interview when you need to demonstrate your accomplishments. Not knowing your numbers is a cardinal sin in sales.
You may not be able to share specific figures, but be prepared to discuss your performance in broad terms.
4. Take Time to Process
Losing a job can be a blow to your confidence, and it’s natural to feel anger or frustration.
Take some time to absorb what’s happened and think about your next steps. Eventually, you’ll need to recreate a sense of structure in your life.
The sooner you can do this, the sooner you’ll be ready to tackle your job search with a clear head.
5. Treat Your Job Search Like a Job
Looking for work should become your new 9-5. Use the same skills you honed in sales to aid in your job search.
If you were making 30+ calls a day in your previous role, do the same now—but this time, you’re calling potential employers, networking contacts, and recruiters.
If you used a CRM to track sales leads, use it to keep track of your job search contacts.
6. Don’t Isolate Yourself
One of the worst things you can do after losing a job is to isolate yourself. Job searching is a team sport—it’s not done well in isolation.
Go to networking meetings, find others in similar situations, and meet with them regularly. Volunteering is also a great way to keep yourself active and expand your network.
The key is to avoid sitting at home alone, dwelling on your situation.
7. Set Up Daily Rewards
Finally, set up a system of daily rewards to keep yourself motivated. Just like in sales, you need to create incentives for the activities that will lead to success.
If you make a certain number of calls or reach a specific milestone, reward yourself—maybe with a bike ride, a favorite snack, or some downtime.
These small rewards will help keep you on track and make the job search process a bit more bearable.
Wrap-up
Remember, losing a job isn’t the end—it’s just a new beginning. Stay focused, stay motivated, and approach your job search with the same determination you brought to your sales career.
Thanks, gang. See you in the next one.
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