July 10, 2024
In Episode 4 of Merchants of Change, host JR Butler interviews Samantha Schlicht, a former Big Ten cheerleader who successfully transitioned into a thriving sales career. This episode offers valuable insights for athletes and veterans considering a shift into sales, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, resilience, and leveraging unique skills.
From Cheerleading to Sales
Samantha’s athletic background began with cheerleading for the University of Minnesota, a journey that provided her with unforgettable experiences and a strong team camaraderie. She fondly recalls the camaraderie and the thrill of cheering for a Big Ten team, noting how these experiences taught her the value of teamwork and perseverance.
Early Career Challenges
Transitioning from college to a professional career in sales presented its challenges. Samantha started with a major in business marketing and management, initially exploring both marketing and sales through internships. Her first sales internship was a door-to-door sales role, a challenging experience that taught her resilience and adaptability. Despite initial hesitation, she recognized the value in the role and stuck with it, gaining valuable skills that would later benefit her in a B2B sales environment.
Finding Her Path in Sales
Samantha’s first full-time sales role was with Honeywell, where she joined a sales rotational program. This role brought her to Massachusetts, where she managed the New England territory. Samantha appreciated the variability and people-oriented nature of sales, which contrasted with the monotony she found in marketing.
Advice for Aspiring Sales Professionals
Samantha offers several pieces of advice for those considering a career in sales:
Embrace Uncomfortable Situations: Samantha emphasizes the importance of putting oneself in challenging and unfamiliar situations to foster growth and learning.
Network Extensively: She encourages aspiring sales professionals to network and learn from others in the field to better understand the industry and identify potential opportunities.
Evaluate Training and Career Progression: Samantha highlights the importance of joining a company that values training and offers clear paths for career progression.
Leverage Unique Skills: She advises women in sales to use their unique perspectives and skills to their advantage, viewing gender diversity as a strength rather than a disadvantage.
The Importance of Adaptability
Throughout the episode, Samantha underscores the significance of adaptability in sales. She notes that her ability to cancel out distractions and focus on the most important tasks has been crucial to her success. This mindset, coupled with her willingness to embrace new challenges, has enabled her to thrive in her sales career.
Closing Thoughts
Samantha’s journey from cheerleading to sales serves as an inspiring example for athletes and veterans considering a transition into the business world. Her story highlights the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and leveraging unique skills to achieve success in sales.
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