General Contractor Sales Jobs: What You Need to Know
The construction industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, and general contractors are at the forefront of this growth. With increasing demand for their services, general contractors are constantly on the lookout for skilled sales professionals to help them attract new clients and grow their business. If you`re considering a career in general contractor sales, here`s what you need to know.
What is a General Contractor Sales Professional?
A general contractor sales professional is responsible for generating new business and building relationships with potential clients. They may work for a contractor directly or as an independent sales representative. They are often the face of the contractor, meeting with clients and pitching their services. Depending on the contractor, they may have different responsibilities, including:
• Setting up appointments with clients
• Managing client relationships
• Negotiating contracts
• Developing marketing strategies
• Generating leads
• Creating proposals
• Closing sales
Skills Needed for a Successful Career in General Contractor Sales:
A career in general contractor sales requires a unique set of skills. Some of these skills include:
• Excellent communication skills: This is a must-have skill when dealing with clients, contractors, and vendors. A general contractor sales professional needs to be able to convey ideas effectively and build strong relationships.
• Good organizational skills: A sales rep should be organized and able to multitask. They need to manage different tasks from different clients while keeping tabs on timelines, budgets, and goals.
• Strong technical knowledge: Knowledge of construction codes, materials, and operations are a plus as it helps in understanding the clients’ needs and delivering the best possible solutions.
• Strong negotiation skills: Contractors expect their sales reps to negotiate deals and contracts in their favor. A successful sales professional should understand the delicate balance between the contractors’ business goals and the interest of their clients.
• Persuasive: General contractor sales require a persuasive personality that can convince clients why their services are the best fit for their needs.
How to Get Started:
A degree in Construction Management, Business Administration, Sales or Marketing, are valuable academic foundations for pursuing a career in general contractor sales. In addition to educational requirements, some skills are also highly recommended to help get started:
• Sales experience, preferably in the construction industry
• Internships that provide experience in construction or sales
• Knowledge in software like Microsoft Excel, Salesforce, and CRM
Conclusion:
A career in general contractor sales is both exciting and lucrative. Working in this industry requires strong communication, organizational skills in addition to the technical knowledge necessary to understand the needs of clients. The construction industry is booming, making it an ideal career path for those seeking growth opportunities and job security. If you`re interested in pursuing a career in general contractor sales, start by building up your skills and looking for opportunities to gain experience.