If there’s one marketing job that’s easily adaptable to a remote setup, it’s probably an inbound sales representative. An online inbound sales representative job is similar to its traditional counterpart. The difference is that you’re working at your home instead of an office desk. As the country remains in lockdown, inbound sales jobs from home become more appealing.
This change may not seem too great, but add this together with recent events, and it becomes a significant change. Not to worry, here are some tips that can help those looking for inbound sales jobs from home. These tips range from how to better connect with inbound customers to making the perfect workstation at home.
Duties and Responsibilities of Online Inbound Sales Representatives
Before moving into this article’s main topic, it’s worth mentioning the duties and responsibilities of an inbound sales representative first. Why bother mentioning this, you may ask? Because it’s vital to know what you’re supposed to be doing so that you can work confidently and efficiently.
Some of their duties and responsibilities include:
- Managing both inbound lead and customer service inquiries according to the best practice standards.
- Understand customer needs and requirements and perform consultative selling.
- Ensure a premium level of client satisfaction in one phone call.
- Achieving daily, weekly, and monthly sales targets via following successful marketing strategies and tactics.
The starting salary for an online inbound sales representative job ranges from 19,000 to 28,000 pesos. It also increases as they gain experience. This salary range makes an online sales job attractive, as it’s both convenient and pays well.
Remain Polite and Cordial with your Clients at all times
Now that I’ve talked about your duties and responsibilities, here’s how you can be more efficient in your online sales job. Let’s start with something that applies to both remote work and traditional setup. Every inbound sales representative must ensure that they converse with their clients in a way that will make them feel comfortable and interested in you.
Now, I know what you’ll say. You’ll say that this is marketing 101. Yes, you’re correct on that one, but can you continue to be polite and cordial if your client is rude? What if you’re having personal problems, yet you need to answer a call from one of your clients? What if you’re being distracted by your family members while on an important call?
To maintain your composure during these times, remain focused on your client and blot out any distractions you’re experiencing. Remember, the way you talk to your clients will affect how they’ll view your company in turn. As the saying goes: “first impressions last.” Make sure your client will have a positive image of you and your company after conversing with you.
Establish a Proper Workstation at Home
Connected to my previous tip is this. With so many distractions found in your house, the best way to minimize their effects is to find a spot where you can work in peace. Establish your workstation either in your room or somewhere in your house where you won’t be accidentally interrupted by your family.
Your workstation must also be comfortable and ergonomic enough that you won’t feel exhausted just by being there. A comfortable workstation allows you to relax after a particularly stressful day of work. Or perhaps after finishing an important call with your client. Another effect of a good workstation is that it keeps you focused and motivated to your work.
Have a Stable Internet Connection
With most of your job being reliant on online communication, it’s only natural that having a stable internet connection is a must nowadays. Unfortunately, the current state of our country’s internet providers poses a challenge to this. Sudden loss or weak internet connection are just a few of the issues we face when using our current internet service providers.
The good news is that the government is trying to improve our country’s internet service, the problem is that it may take some time to feel these improvements. The best thing that we can all do for now is to have an alternate internet connection just in case, such as mobile data. Alternatively, you can get your clients’ phone numbers so you can still contact them while offline.
Take a Break Once in a While
Another piece of advice that most Filipinos often forget is that being efficient doesn’t mean you’re burning yourself out. If you’re feeling exhausted from your online job, don’t forget to take a step back and rest. Doing this allows both your mind and body to regain their strength. So that you can be at your best the next time you talk to your clients.
Taking breaks also allows you to spend more time with your family; while working on your online inbound sales representative job. These don’t have to be anything grand. It could be as simple as having lunch with your family during your lunch break. Or it could also be just talking to them about their day during your afternoon or morning break.
Doing these activities while on break not only alleviates your stress but also grounds you on one of the reasons why you’re working. Remote work offers you the opportunity to be closer to your family during this pandemic. So I suggest that you don’t waste this opportunity to regain lost time with them.
Observe the Proper Dress Code while Working
Look, just because it’s remote work doesn’t mean you can slacken on proper work habits. Being an inbound sales representative means that you’re the face of the company to your clients. Connected to my first advice is this; aside from being cordial and welcoming, you also need to look presentable to your clients.
But you may then ask: “But I won’t meet my clients in person anyway. Why do I have to go to the trouble of dressing up over a phone call?” The answer to this question is simple: what if your customer requests to do a video call with you? You don’t even need to dress formally throughout the day. You can remove your formal clothes and change back after you finish your video call.
Conclusion
Although an online inbound sales representative job is similar to its office-based counterpart, transitioning to it can still be challenging. Differences such as accidental distractions by your family to personal problems can make remote work challenging but not impossible.
With the tips that I have mentioned, I hope you’ll find it easier to adjust or prepare yourself for working in online sales while at home. These tips will help you be more efficient and productive at work. While also giving you time for yourself and your family.
