Rising from Rock Bottom:

Every sales professional knows the terrain is fraught with highs and lows, but hitting rock bottom can feel like a blow to the very essence of your ambition and drive. It's in these moments, however, that the seeds of transformation are sown. For women in sales, these periods of struggle are not just challenges to overcome but opportunities to harness our unique strengths and propel ourselves to new heights. This blog post is a testament to the resilience, empathy, and innate power of women, guiding those at their lowest to ascend to the pinnacle of sales success.

The Journey from Rock Bottom

Hitting rock bottom in sales is often marked by a series of missed targets, rejected pitches, or perhaps a feeling of disconnection from your work. It's a place where motivation dwindles, and the light at the end of the tunnel seems dim. But it's also a place where reflection, reevaluation, and rebuilding begin. As women, our journey through these trials is underpinned by an inherent resilience and a capacity for emotional intelligence that can turn the tide in our favor.

I hit my rock bottom in 2018. I had been juggling a professional sales role at a 60/40% split for commission. We also were running a clothing business, and balancing work, life, mom, and relationships took a toll on me. Instead of losing myself mentally; I actually lost myself physically and became very ill. That is when I think the power of being a woman came into play because I was able to stand back and realize that I was not on the right track. Embracing Femininity as Strength

In the competitive world of sales, the qualities traditionally associated with femininity—empathy, intuition, and nurturing—can be mistakenly viewed as weaknesses. Yet, it's these very attributes that set us apart and drive success in a field built on relationships and trust. Embracing your femininity means recognizing these traits as powerful tools in understanding clients, anticipating their needs, and building lasting connections.

1. Empathy: Our ability to empathize allows us to genuinely connect with clients, understand their challenges, and offer solutions that resonate on a personal level. This emotional connection can transform a simple transaction into a loyal partnership.

2. Intuition: Women often possess a keen intuition that guides us in reading between the lines and sensing the unspoken needs or concerns of our clients. This insight can be the difference between a missed opportunity and a closed deal.

3. Nurturing: The nurturing aspect of our nature fosters long-term relationships. It's not about making a sale and moving on; it's about caring for the client's journey, ensuring their satisfaction, and nurturing a connection that grows over time.

Strategies for Rising Above

1. Reflect and Realign: Use this low point to reflect on your approach, goals, and strategies. Realign them with your core values and strengths, ensuring that your path forward is one that truly resonates with you.

2. Invest in Personal Growth: Commit to learning and growing both professionally and personally. Attend workshops, seek mentorship, and embrace new challenges. Every skill learned and every piece of knowledge gained is a step toward your comeback.

3. Build a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with a network of supportive peers, mentors, and role models. The collective wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration of other women can be a powerful motivator and resource.

4. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate every victory, no matter how small. Each win is a building block in the foundation of your future success, and acknowledging them keeps motivation high and momentum going.

5. Leverage Your Unique Perspective: Remember, your perspective as a woman is unique and valuable. Use it to innovate in your approach, differentiate yourself in the market, and connect with clients in meaningful ways.

The journey from rock bottom to sales success is as much about personal transformation as it is about professional achievement. For women in sales, it's an opportunity to redefine what success looks like, to leverage our inherent strengths, and to carve out a path that honors our authenticity and ambition. Remember, the power to rise above and succeed lies within our grasp, fueled by the resilience, empathy, and intuition that make us uniquely powerful. Let's embrace these qualities, support one another, and forge ahead to a future where our femininity is celebrated as the source of our strength and success in sales.

Rising from Rock Bottom: as a Woman in Sales