There are some crucial things to think about when contemplating a commission only job and if this type of job is right for you. I have personal experience in obtaining and holding down a commission only position and as a business owner…I have a TRUE commission only job! Some commission only jobs are truly great positions; so don’t be scared off at the words “Commission Only”. Most if not all commission only jobs are in the sales arena and this is where I am going to focus this blog entry.

Commission only jobs are the best paying job out there and they also can be the worst paying job, sometimes at the same time! You must first separate the facts before taking a commission only job. How long has the company been in business? Are there currently salespeople making money? What is the product you will be selling? What is the total ticket price per sale and how many sales could you make in a month? Does the company have promotion and growth possibilities?

I would not advise someone with limited or no sales experience to take a commission only job. Your financial security relies on you closing deals and if you are not a seasoned salesperson, this is not the place to learn unless you have an emergency fund saved up to allow time to learn the ropes. Regardless of what the potential employer tells you, do not assume you are going to go out and make sales and commissions on your first day. There has never been a product or service that truly “Sells itself!”

If you have asked yourself the above questions and are satisfied with the answers, you may well be on your way to your first commission only job. The next questions to be asked are not about the prospective employer, but about YOU!

Every commission only job has its unique challenges, but I have never been involved in a position where I was not given the necessary tools and opportunities to succeed. The management and owners of the company want you to succeed and make money. The more money you make, the more the employer makes. Most companies that offer commission only positions will hold weekly or monthly sales meetings where they will go over products, services, sales pitches, and closing techniques. These are activities you will not be getting paid for directly. However, these activities will help you gain knowledge and skills to help you close more deals and make more money.

Take the amount of money you will make in this commission only job and then add up all the hours of cold calling, meeting with clients, closing deals, training sessions, and other job related tasks. Then divide that by the amount of hours you would need to work per week to earn that money. If it doesn’t add up, then the position may not be a good fit for you!

Most sales positions require someone who can work on their own with little supervision. They pound the pavement and work the phones all day long to make a sale. If you are not a motivated person who can deal with these types of conditions, you may want to think long and hard about a commission only job. However, if you are someone that likes to get paid based on the amount of work and skill needed for a commission only job, then go for it and make some money! Rejection must not distract salespeople. You must be willing to have the door slammed in your face all day long, then get up the next day and do it all over again. Sales are strictly a numbers game, the more contacts you make, the more closed deals you will have building your paycheck.

If you are willing to take the plunge into a commission only job and you are willing to do the work; a commission only position will most likely be the last pay method you will ever choose!

If you are a talented salesperson that is ready or have been performing in a commission only environment, email me your resume. SurfYourName.com is always looking for great salespeople that are ready to take their career and paycheck to the next level!

Erik Bledsoe, CEO
SurfYourName.com
Erik@SurfYourName.com