5 Ways Women Can Boost Their Careers in Sales
By Tracy Fry, Director of Sales at Yesware
 
Today there is much attention given to the gender pay gap, and sales is not an industry immune to this concern. However, according to a study published in 2014 by Xactly, women in sales are more likely to meet their quotas than men, despite lower base salaries and commission rates. In sales, women are outperforming men in terms of quota attainment, helping to even the playing field for women to join the game.
As Director of Sales at Yesware, I have experienced first-hand the reality of working as a woman in sales. I know that despite the opportunities that do exist, women still face challenges. Yet, there are a few simple tips that have helped me succeed in sales while still having time for a family and personal life.
 
#1 - Don’t underestimate how useful your natural skills can be in sales
Sales is painted as a career more naturally inclined for men because they are competitive, aggressive and strong-willed.  There are 2 problems with this.  1. Women can be equally as aggressive and competitive as their male counterparts and 2. listening, intuition, and empathy -- all of which come naturally to many women -- are also critical skills to being successful in sales. So don’t sweat it; you likely have the skills to succeed in sales.
#2 - Don’t worry about having it all
There is a common assumption that women can’t have families and successful careers. But I believe that they are not mutually exclusive--you can have both. I have a great support system, and my family and I work together to make it happen. The routine I’ve created for my family includes me doing the tucking my kids in at night while my partner handles the mornings when I’m at the office early. We decide who will manage events with the kids and I carve out time in my professional schedule to ensure I can attend the ones I’ve chosen.  While being a mom and striving to succeed in my career is certainly demanding, motherhood has not put me on the bench in the sales world.
#3 - Don’t stay on the sidelines
While you can stay heads down and do your job 9-5 and do it well, the reality is that a lot of success in sales (especially in leadership or field roles) depends on networking and building relationships.  You’ve got to get yourself out there.  It might mean that you find yourself as the only woman in a room full of men at an event; but don’t opt-out just because it might be intimidating.  The more you do it, the easier it gets and the relationships you build will help you throughout your career.
#4 - Depend on yourself
In sales, you have the autonomy to succeed based on what you do, not the assumptions of others. Being a female professional can sometimes feel like a disadvantage, but in sales, your hard work cannot be undermined; the numbers are the numbers. Be confident and harness your strengths to achieve your goals and the sales profession will reward you.
#5 Find a Mentor
While your success in sales is a result of your diligence and dedication, the importance of relationship-building cannot be understated. I’ve benefitted throughout my career by raising my hand and asking for insight. I’ve actively identified and pursued mentoring relationships with individuals who had the skills and expertise in areas I wanted to pursue. I have had both formal and casual mentors—both types have been incredibly positive and had a lasting impact on my career development.
 Tracy Fry
 Director of Sales at Yesware