5 Mistakes New 1099 Sales Reps Make (and How to Avoid Them)
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Joining a career as a 1099 sales rep offers exciting freedoms and the potential for high earnings. This independent path, however, also comes with unique challenges. At Riverside Payments, we've helped many talented individuals make their leap into 1099 sales, and we've also witnessed some of the common pitfalls that new reps have encountered.
Don't worry - these mistakes are completely avoidable! By recognizing these potential roadblocks and implementing the following tips, you can set yourself up for a successful, rewarding, and lucrative career.
Mistake #1: Lack of Planning and Organization
Unlike a traditional 9-5 sales role, the onus of organization falls entirely on you. This means you set your own goals, schedule your own time, and manage your workload effectively.
How to Avoid It: Create a daily or weekly schedule that outlines your prospecting, follow-up calls, meetings, and administrative tasks. Utilize project management tools or a simple calendar to stay organized. Develop clear goals and track your progress regularly. Join our daily conference calls to hold yourself accountable, connect with your team members on their goals, and to learn about ongoing bonuses. Take advantage of one-on-ones with our National Sales Managers and utilize our remote online trainings to enhance your sales skills!
Mistake #2: Not Prospecting Consistently
Your sales pipeline is your lifeline as a 1099 rep. Without a steady stream of leads, your income can suffer.
How to Avoid It: Dedicate a specific amount of time each day or week to prospecting activities. This could involve networking events, cold calling, online lead generation, or social media outreach. If you have an industry that you’re already passionate about, you can use that to connect with local business owners who are also passionate about the industry. If you're passionate about cars, build your pipeline by pitching at auto shops and dealerships. If you were a nail technician in a previous job, make beauty and hair salons your first stop. When getting started, it is important to lean on the strengths you brought with you. We recommend you take advantage of the warm leads we provide to our sales representatives.
Mistake #3: Poor Communication and Presentation Skills
Whether on the phone, in person, or through email, strong communication skills are crucial for building rapport, demonstrating your expertise, conveying our value, and ultimately, closing deals.
How to Avoid It: Actively practice your sales pitch to refine your communication style. Invest your time in our training resources or workshops to hone your presentation skills and learn effective communication techniques. We send out regular care packages to provide you with all necessary materials to make your pitch even better. Dress professionally to show business owners we respect their business and time.
Mistake #4: Not Understanding Your Target Market
Tailoring your approach to the specific needs and pain points of your target audience is vital for success.
How to Avoid It: Conduct thorough research on your target market. Understand their challenges, buying motivations, and preferred communication channels. Small and Medium sized businesses (SMBs) have their own unique challenges that we are able to offer solutions to. Each business will have their different pain points and will be impressed when you show up sympathetic to their unique needs.
Mistake #5: Neglecting to Build Relationships
In the world of sales, building strong relationships with clients and prospects is key to long-term success.
How to Avoid It: Focus on establishing trust and maintaining regular communication with your clients. Follow up after sales, provide exceptional customer service, and show genuine interest in their business needs. Networking and attending industry events can also help you build a robust network of contacts. Remember, rejection is a part of sales, and demonstrating genuine care for a business can ultimately win the deal.
For example, our Director of Sales, April Everhart, when she was an Outside Sales Representative, would become a regular at businesses that initially turned her down. If she was trying to sign a restaurant, that’s where she would go for date nights. Before long, her persistence paid off, and she would sign the deal. Building solid relationships with business owners can go a long way.
Riverside Payments: Your Trusted Partner for Success
Embarking on a career as a 1099 sales rep is both liberating and lucrative, but it comes with its own set of challenges. By avoiding common pitfalls like poor organization, inconsistent prospecting, weak communication skills, lack of market understanding, and underutilizing available resources, you can pave the way for your success.
At Riverside Payments, we truly understand the unique needs of 1099 sales representatives. Our proven model has enabled many to achieve their dreams. Keep these common mistakes in mind, take advantage of our bonus opportunities, and lean on your mentors. With dedication and the right support, you will succeed!
