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IT Sales Executive Duties and Responsibilities

Selling IT hardware and software involves several duties and responsibilities, such as those listed below:

Maintain Knowledge of Industry Trends Whether they sell hardware or software, IT sales executives have to pay close attention to trends in the IT industry in order to understand what customers need. This involves following industry publications and attending industry conferences.

Maintain a Strong Knowledge of Products and Services Offered IT sales executives have to be able to speak about IT products and services with conviction. This requires expertise in fundamental IT principles in order to answer technical questions asked by prospects.

Conduct Market Research to Find Sales Prospects IT sales executives don’t just rely on soft sales skills to close deals. They are responsible for conducting detailed market research to find the ideal prospects for their current campaign. This duty requires analytical and organizational skills.

Go to Sales Meetings with Prospects The bulk of IT sales executives’ time is spent out in the field in sales meetings. They are responsible for conveying the features and benefits of their products and services, and then closing the deal using sales and negotiation tactics.

Participate in Sales Strategy Meetings Sales strategy meetings take place on a daily basis, and IT sales executives are expected to participate. These meetings include discussing changes to sales pitches and other sales materials, as well as brainstorming ways to generate more business.

Maintain a Database of Prospective and Current Customers IT sales executives use client relationship management (CRM) software to maintain a database of prospective and current customer information. They use this database to help them guide their leads through the sales cycle.

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IT Sales Executive Skills

The role of IT sales executives is a sales position that requires a unique amount of technical skills to succeed. People in this position have a passion for using computers and, more importantly, a passion for understanding how they work. An intricate knowledge of hardware and software is required to speak with conviction about what they sell. IT sales executives are great communicators. They are able to explain the features and benefits of IT products in a way a layman would understand and possess the negotiation skills to close deals. As in any sales role, IT sales executives have to be able to overcome rejection and be able to work under pressure to meet quotas. In addition to these character traits, the following skills are required to get hired as an IT sales executives:

  • Strategizing with management and fellow IT executives based on feedback from the field
  • Analyzing demographic information from nearby regions to determine worthwhile territories
  • Using IT expertise to explain product features and benefits to prospective clients
  • Converting prospective clients into customers using IT and sales acumen
  • Organizing current and prospective customer data using CRM software
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IT Sales Executive Education and Training

IT sales executives generally have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, or a related field. They also have to have IT expertise, so those with IT or computer science degrees can be found in this position. During their studies, students learn things such as the principles of sales and marketing, economics, and how to communicate. Most of their sales skills and product knowledge comes through on-the-job training.

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IT Sales Executive Salary

According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for sales executives, which includes IT sales executives, is $60,000. Those at the bottom of the scale make $33,000 and those at the top of the scale make $124,000. The wide range is due to the commission-based nature of sales positions.

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IT Sales Executive Resources

For more information on a career in IT sales, check out the list of resources below:

National Association for Sales Professionals – Although this organization includes sales professionals with a wide variety of job titles, there are many IT sales executives among its ranks.

Sales and Marketing Executives International – This is another general sales and marketing organization, but the sales tactics taught in webinars and seminars are applicable to IT sales executives. Their Professional Sales and Marketing certification is a good way to make oneself more marketable.

Hubspot Sales Blog – Hubspot is an inbound marketing platform that also maintains an amazing blog. Not only is it updated regularly, but it has years of archived content with advice on any sales topic.

Heavy-Hitter IT Sales Strategy – This book was compiled from more than 1000 interviews with IT decision makers and top IT salespeople. It contains sales techniques backed by real-world field experience.