Hi Community members,

As the U.S. celebrates Black Heritage Month in February, I’d like to share one of our recent blog posts that remind Black sales professionals are not alone in this profession (even though it may seem and feel like so). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 80% of Americans in sales and related occupations are white. There is no denying that sales needs more diversity, and the good news is that sales leaders now recognize why and are starting to make changes, beginning with adjusting hiring practices.

Here are seven pieces of advice with insights from those who’ve helped blaze the trails to maximize the opportunity you have and thrive in this space:

1. Everyone starts somewhere: Even if you have no sales experience, you can be a great salesperson. Anthony Clay urges Black professionals to not treat experience as a barrier. There is no right background for this job. People from all walks of life succeed in sales, and everyone starts somewhere.
2. Go all-in: Fully commit to your craft. As Dzifa Abodapki advices, ask yourself if you really want this career, and if you do, go all in.
3. Have faith: Trust the process, especially early, when selling can be uncomfortable. You might fail a lot in the beginning, but stay mentally strong and continue moving forward.
4. Focus on the details: The little things make a big difference. Clay says sellers need to “sweat the details” because those big moments are a result of small moments. Learn best practices from the senior folks that have been selling effectively for years.
5. Less can be more: Effective selling is the result of effective preparation. We’ve all heard of this before, but “quality over quantity” truly matters in sales, whether it’s on the phone, sending out emails, or forecasting revenue.
6. Bloom where you’re planted: Focus on where you are right now to get where you want to be. Maximize the opportunity that’s in front of you. Figuring out how to climb in your own leaderboard is the best way to prepare yourself for the next opportunity.
7. Find or build a community: Join ERGs. You aren’t the first Black person to start in sales, and everything you’re feeling, others have felt it as well. A community can make it a little easier, and some companies have groups for Black professionals to join.

If you are hungry to learn more, check out the full blog post for LinkedIn Learning courses that can help you build a strong foundation for starting your sales career. I’d also like to invite everyone to share any selling tips or career advice for aspiring Black sales professionals. With another year of hybrid work and The Great Reshuffle, it’s a tough terrain out there, but we can all make it a little better and kinder for each other.

Remember, we see you and you are not alone.

Thank you and looking forward to the discussion,

Eva C.