Renewable Energy Sales Professional - For The Smart Sales Professional, It's a No-Brainer
Calling all salespeople! Whatever it is you're selling, whether it be cars, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, or whatever, here's something you might consider, especially if you're thinking of changing jobs: Renewable energy use is growing at an astounding rate. According to the U. S. Energy Information Administration in their Annual Energy Outlook published in 2010, renewable energy use in the United States is expected to increase from 8% in 2008 to 14% by the year 2035. What that means for the Renewable Energy Sales Professional is that renewable energy is a product that will practically sell itself in the years to come.
What exactly IS renewable energy, you ask? Renewable energy is energy that is generated from natural resources, such as sunlight, wind, water, or geothermal heat, and which can be replenished at the same rate it is used. Naturally, the purchasing and installation of the necessary equipment in order to utilize renewable energy sources is expensive; that's why as of now, only slightly over 8% of all energy used in the United States comes from renewable energy. However, our government does offer a few incentives in the form of credits toward the building of renewable energy sources, as well as rebates after the fact, for those individuals and businesses that wish to convert to these environmentally-friendly energy sources. It is these credits and rebates that will likely continue to speed the growing trend towards renewable energy sources, causing a growing demand for someone to sell the equipment, and offering unlimited advancement opportunities for those individuals smart enough to jump on the bandwagon early.
As a sales professional, you would need to have an understanding of the renewable energy market, as well as an understanding of the customer's needs. You would most likely be responsible for designing a renewable energy system (or 'package') for your customer which meets their specific needs. You would need to have the patience and knowledge to explain various designs and concepts to customers as well, in order to help them assess their own needs.
Most sales professionals in this highly motivated market earn upwards of $50,000 a year, so it's definitely a high-end profession. Sales are based on commissions, however, so if you aren't motivated to make appointments and follow through on the sales calls, then you probably won't do very well. A high-energy and outgoing individual usually does well in this type of profession. The best part of a career in renewable energy sales is that most companies don't require a college degree, just ambition and a sincere desire to succeed. It also doesn't hurt that you're selling something that helps keep us from deleting our energy reserves and that also reduces carbon emissions.
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