In the competitive sales world, the allure of titles like Director or Vice President (VP) often takes center stage. These positions signify authority and prestige, making them sought-after career goals. However, it's essential to recognize that your career success shouldn't hinge solely on titles.

In this blog, we'll explore why it's acceptable and strategic to consider sales positions that might not carry the Director or VP label, as they can offer significant opportunities for long-term career growth.

The VP/Director vs. Sales Position Dilemma

Many sales professionals aspire to climb the corporate ladder and secure high-ranking titles such as Director or VP of Sales. These titles are associated with leadership, decision-making, and, often, higher compensation. However, focusing solely on these titles can limit your career growth potential.

The Value of Sales Positions

Rather than dismissing sales positions, consider the unique advantages they bring to your career journey.

· Building Strong Foundations

Starting in a sales position allows you to build strong foundations within the new organization. A sales role requires you to learn about the product, understand the team dynamics, and immerse yourself in the company's culture. Doing so establishes a solid foothold within the organization, positioning yourself for long-term success.

· Expertise Development

Sales roles provide a unique opportunity to learn about a company's products and processes, which may differ significantly from your previous experiences. This specialized knowledge can set you apart and open doors to advanced roles in the future.

· Proven Performance

Your track record and ability to meet and exceed targets matter more than your title in sales. Excelling in a sales role allows you to demonstrate your skills and abilities to the new organization, making you an attractive candidate for future leadership positions.

· Path to Leadership

Many organizations prefer to promote from within. Excelling in a sales role positions you as a strong internal candidate for future leadership positions, potentially including Director or VP roles.

Quality of Opportunity Over Titles

When considering career moves, always prioritize the quality of the opportunity:

· Company Culture

A company's culture is vital to job satisfaction and long-term career growth. Assess whether the organization's values align with yours and if it provides a supportive environment for your career development.

· Growth Potential

Evaluate the potential for growth within the company. Some organizations offer well-defined paths for advancement and professional development for top-performing sales professionals.

· Work-Life Balance

Consider your work-life balance. Some sales roles balance work responsibilities and personal life better than higher-level leadership roles.

Success Stories: Sales Edition

Numerous success stories highlight professionals who thrived in sales and eventually advanced to leadership roles. They understood that titles are not the sole measure of success. Instead, it's about the impact you make, the expertise you acquire, and your contributions to the company.

An example is a candidate, Sarah, whom I recruited a few years ago. I found Sarah while recruiting for a sales role for one of my clients. She had experience in pharmaceutical sales and was a Regional Sales Manager. Sarah did not have experience in medical device sales, but she did have a long and successful track record. I contacted Sarah to see if she was interested in a sales role with my client.

Sarah had spent several years in the pharmaceutical industry, holding various mid-level management positions. Her career had been steady, but she felt a growing desire for a new challenge. The medical device industry had always intrigued her with its innovations and potential for impact, but she had never worked in that field before.

I first reached out to Sarah to gauge her interest in a sales position with my client in the medical device industry. Sarah's interest was piqued because she had been contemplating her career trajectory at her current company, where she held the role of Regional Sales Manager. She was still determining the future growth opportunities her company offered.

With curiosity and cautious optimism, Sarah explored the potential career shift into the medical device industry. She acknowledged that moving from her role as a Regional Sales Manager to a straight sales position changed her career trajectory. However, the allure of the medical device sector's innovation and growth prospects was exciting to her. She agreed to interview for the role and ended up getting the position.

Upon joining the medical device company as a Sales Specialist, Sarah immersed herself in her new role. Her seasoned sales expertise and ability to build relationships proved invaluable, even in the unfamiliar terrain of medical devices. Sarah quickly absorbed the industry's intricacies, from product knowledge to navigating the regulatory landscape.

Sarah and I kept in touch as she referred several candidates to me for other positions I had. Each time we talked, she updated me on how she was doing and thriving. She consistently met and exceeded her sales targets. Her clients valued her as a trusted advisor, appreciating her deepening knowledge of healthcare solutions. Her excellence in connecting with her customers, something she had learned from her pharmaceutical sales experience, set her apart from her competitors.

Sarah's dedication and impact didn't go unnoticed. The company's leadership recognized her potential and soon promoted her to a leadership role as the Director of Sales —a position she had initially contemplated as a potential career move but hadn't foreseen materializing so swiftly.

Sarah's story is a testament to the rewards of embracing new opportunities, even when they initially appear to be a step back regarding title. Sarah smoothly transitioned into a different industry by aligning her career with her passion for sales and her commitment to personal and professional growth. She climbed the ranks to fulfill her career aspirations within the medical device field. Her journey serves as a reminder that career success often hinges on the substance of the role and the dedication to one's craft rather than solely the title.

Title Isn’t Everything

It's both acceptable and strategically wise to consider sales positions that may not carry the Director or VP title. These roles provide unique opportunities to establish a solid foundation within a new organization, develop specialized expertise, demonstrate your skills and capabilities, and create a path toward leadership.

Don't let a job title hold you back from exploring incredible opportunities. If you have confidence in your abilities, align with the company's leadership, are fascinated by its technology and growth potential, then rest assured that the right title will follow suit. Many recruiters and hiring managers admire candidates who are willing to take a step back in title to propel their careers forward. It showcases your self-belief, work ethic, and determination to earn respect within a new organization.

Always remember that your career success hinges on the quality of the opportunities you embrace, the culture in which you thrive, and your potential for growth and development. Embrace your journey in sales, recognizing that it can lay the groundwork for a rewarding and prosperous long-term career. Starting at the grassroots level, "carrying the bag," can rapidly earn you credibility and respect from the sales team you may one day lead!

Kesha Courville is the Founder/CEO of Cour Consultants. For the last 25 years, Kesha and her team have been helping exceptional talent find their perfect job opportunities in the MedTech, HealthTech, and Life Sciences industries.