NAVIGATING THE B2B SALES MAZE: INSIGHTS FROM A MILLENNIAL NEWBIE
In our previous posts, we explored the high-level struggles facing B2B sales teams, the frustrations of procurement, and the challenges of sales enablement. Now, let’s shift gears and take a look at what it’s like to navigate this world as a millennial entering the sales arena.
Hey! So, you’re fresh out of the gate and ready to take on the world of B2B sales, huh? Buckle up, because it’s gonna be a wild ride. As a fellow millennial just dipping my toes into the sales pool, I’ve learned a thing or two about the art of getting time with busy buyers. Let me share some insights to help you hit the ground running.
The Reality Check: It’s Not as Easy as It Looks
Let’s be real—breaking into B2B sales is a trial by fire. You start with high hopes and a LinkedIn profile full of buzzwords only to realize that getting time with busy buyers is like trying to get a concert ticket to a sold-out show. No one knows you, no one cares. If you send one more generic email, you’re going straight to spam.
Cold Calling: A Rite of Passage
They say cold calling is dead, but that’s a lie. It’s very much alive, and it’s terrifying. The first time I had a prospect laugh and hang up mid-sentence, I questioned my entire career choice. But over time, I learned that persistence and not taking rejection personally are key. The trick to being effective? Make it personal, make it relevant, and don’t sound like a robot reading a script.
The LinkedIn Hustle: Networking or Stalking?
Gone are the days of knocking on office doors. Now we slide into LinkedIn DMs. The key is to build connections before you start selling. Engage with their posts, comment thoughtfully, and add value before hitting them with a pitch. Be familiar first. If you act like a spam bot, expect to be ignored like one.
Learning to Speak “Buyer”
One of the bigger hurdles? Investing time to understand your buyer’s priorities. My first few calls were filled with product pitches and crickets. It’s what I learned in onboarding. Practice the pitch. Know your value. Here are our features compared to the competition. You have to know those things, but in the language of the buyer. You have to intimately know the buyer’s problem your product solves. The moment I started leading with their pain points rather than my company’s benefits, conversations started happening.
The Millennial Advantage: Playing to Strengths
Tasks Learned: How to Survive and Thrive
Personalization wins. Buyers can smell a copy-paste email from a mile away. Make every interaction feel genuine.
Rejection is part of the game. The sooner you embrace the “no’s,” the closer you get to a “yes.”
Adaptability is key. The sales landscape is always changing; keep up with new tools and trends.
Relationships matter. People buy from those they trust. Build credibility through good preparation before making the pitch.
Breaking into B2B sales isn’t easy, but with the right mindset, persistence, and a little humor, you can navigate the maze and come out on top.
Up Next in this Series:
● Mastering the Art of Getting Time with B2B Buyers: Insights from a Gen X Sales Veteran