Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Co-Founders
Michael, Co-Founder at SolarGroup & FleekSleek, recommends that undergraduates or graduates seeking entry-level positions in the field should start with sales roles to develop crucial skills, as "sales is everything" and integral to various aspects of life. Michael emphasizes the importance of learning to handle rejection, suggesting aspiring sales professionals practice by asking for discounts to become comfortable with being told "no over and over again."
Sales Skills, Entry-Level Positions, Resilience, Communication Skills, Customer Education
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Michael Gombert
Co-Founder
SolarGroup & FleekSleek
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
Business Management & Admin
Technology, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Communication and Marketing
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Sales is a fundamental skill applicable to various aspects of life, including job applications, relationships, and interactions with coworkers.
2. Entry-level sales roles, even commission-based, provide valuable experience in understanding customer needs and educating them on relevant solutions.
3. Practicing sales techniques by asking for discounts in everyday situations can help individuals become comfortable with rejection and build resilience.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate or graduate student might consider?
I would do sales first because sales is everything. One, even if you try to get an internship or a job, you have to sell yourself. You're selling yourself every day, to coworkers, to a job.
If you're trying to find a relationship, you're selling yourself to a potential partner. You're consistently selling. So, to get into a role, even just commission-based, learn those skills.
Learn how to educate users or consumers on what they're looking for and be okay with being told no multiple times. Most of my sales guys come in, and I tell them to go to a coffee shop and ask for a discount.
Go anywhere and just ask for a discount. You will get told no, and just be okay with being told no over and over again. So, when you get told no in the future, it doesn't discourage you. You just go, "Okay, onto the next one."