‘Planning is a must in sales domain jobs’

Sales is all about high work rate, high success rate, high pressure and a vision for the next day. Atul Jain, an alumnus of Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus (AIMETC), works as the Senior Sales Officer at Berger Paints. Atul says the one who makes an action plan, will always have the numbers on his/her side. Let us learn more about what the sales officer has to say:

What does work revolve around on a regular day?

My day starts at 9:00 am. Firstly, I prepare my tour and sales plan. I feel planning is very crucial in a sales domain job. Without planning, how can we achieve the targets and numbers? A systematic approach is essential in this line of work.  Hence, I believe in making a sales plan daily, as it helps me to achieve my monthly figures before time. I have spent almost 3 years as part of corporate life as well as with the help of my daily sales plan, I have achieved my numbers before month end.

The activities which I perform during my day include meeting with the associated retailers and distributors. Remember, it is essential to build good relations in the market. I have to also conduct meetings with contractors in order to make them aware of our product range. Network expansion is crucial, it plays an important role for your future sales numbers. By the Almighty’s grace, I have won the regional sales topper award in the network expansion category and achieved the first position in my zone.

Is sales a high pressure job? Tell us about the expectations from your post?

Pressure arises when you don’t do your 100% on a daily basis. Some people don’t do their work on a regular basis, and experience high pressure towards the end. I have observed this frequently in the corporate sector. You need to change yourself first according to your job. You need to focus on all parameters to keep growing in your corporate life. In a purely sales job, you have to travel a lot and meet up with new people. I have learnt two things from my seniors: Have patience and never lose your morale. You need to be super aggressive to achieve your goals. These learnings have helped me grow in my career.

Tell us about the AIMETC days?

AIMETC was a temple of learning for me. I had a great learning-time, where I acquired management skills which I apply routinely in my corporate life. Crucial life skills like time-management, planning, execution of tasks, all these I learned at AIMETC. So, I had a great time there!

Were you campus placed? How did you train yourself for the interview and selection process?

Yes, I got my placement through the college campus. I was able to crack both Berger Paints & ICICI BANK. I went ahead with the first choice. I had a group of 7 friends and we would all practice group discussion rounds together. I also had a team of mentors who prepared me and helped me to make a better CV.   I would like to thank Neha Kalra ma’am from AIMETC who helped me with her guidance and knowledge.

Tips for students preparing for  placements

– Firstly, prepare your mindset!
– Don’t follow other people’s advice blindly!
– I would strongly advise you to choose your field according to your interest.
– Be open to changes. Most students stay stuck due to location barriers in their mind. Be ready for pan India placement before the interview

What’s your future calling?

I want to get a much higher position in the same organisation by providing my 110%. That is the plan as of now!