“What I’ve been astonished to discover […] is how often women tend to downplay their experience and expertise. Ladies, your experience and perspective IS unique, and you have a SUPERPOWER to share with the world! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”
– Barbara Giamanco
We couldn’t have said it better than the legendary Barbara Giamanco herself.
Women In Sales have powerful stories to tell and experiences to share as they create change in their communities and pave the road for the next generation of women sales leaders.
That’s why, for the month of October, we set out to celebrate and highlight the women who are doing just that: elevating the entire sales profession.
Every day on LinkedIn, we highlighted one woman and a snapshot of her story.
We asked: “What is your advice for women in sales?”
We captured the highlights from this series right here. Keep reading to get the community’s best advice for women in sales, from women in sales.
Stephanie Lippincott
“Who we are brings value to our clients, workplaces, & communities.
The differences in our sexes, ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds bring with them unique perspectives.
There’s only one person like you.
Only YOU can use the skills and talents that you’re endowed with.
To women: Trust that your uniqueness is not a detriment or something you need to overcome. It’s an asset to your clients & your employer.
Be uniquely yourself & trust you have what it takes.”
Kristen Cinalli
“Women in sales, my greatest recommendation is to behave as if women already have an equal share in the industry. Society’s expectations will rise to meet us.
Don’t be afraid to call out inequities in management representation.
I’ve been called a lot of things for behaving just as a man would, but you can’t let it get to you. Use it as a motivation to change the labels (or own the labels & change the connotation).
Also, the biggest asset we have is each other!
A blade sharpens a blade, and we need to make each other stronger, not see each other as competitors. […]
Now, as a leader, it is my goal to build a diverse team of smart & talented voices. My dream is to see the women around me succeed and shine in their greatest light.”
Ashley Levesque
“TAKE. UP. SPACE.
This doesn’t mean that you only speak & never listen.
This means that what we’ve learned as women is to cower and hide – to make ourselves small so others around us can appear larger.
Unlearn this.
Practice it.
And then watch yourself become a model for other women who now feel they have permission to do the same.”
Caroline Celis
“Remember, it’s a ladder!
Someone helped you get where you are, so it’s your job to reach down and pull another woman up too.
It’s like the karmic universe but of badass sales ladies.”
Maria Bross
“Serena Williams: Pro since age 14. 22 Grand Slam titles.
She practices every day, has a coach, & likely watches films from her matches.
Likewise, be a pro saleswoman:
Proactively seek out call coaching. Listen to your calls. Find areas to improve & implement the feedback regardless if you are struggling or a top performer.
P.S. You’re not limited to getting feedback from within your current company. There are great communities to connect and collaborate with sales leaders (ahem Sales Hacker).”
Paula White
“There are many talented and strong women in sales that are sometimes overlooked, being seen as delicate and sensitive.
It’s time to look through a new lens:
It is ok to be empathic and nurturing. In fact, it is necessary.
It is ok to cry. In fact, it shows the passion and grit you have for your career.
I encourage every woman to take the time to invest in themselves to understand their personal strengths and let them shine.
Most importantly, be grateful for each day.”
Nicole Morsilli
“Yes, listening is key to understanding the problems we are trying to solve.
But you also have a voice and don’t be afraid to use it with confidence.
Just because you aren’t the loudest in the room does not mean that your thoughts do not matter.”
Alexine Mudawar
“Allow your success and skill set to speak for itself!
People will underestimate you when you’re the only woman on the sales team — let them.
Then show them how wrong they were when you blow your sales numbers out of the water!”
Lori Hopper
“Take care of your mental state.
Find a way that works for you to avoid getting stuck in rejection depression.
No matter how good we all are, we will be rejected by somebody.
Our product won’t be what they need, they won’t like salespeople, they’ll be too busy to talk — there are so many different reasons we get rejected every day.
Do not let this stop you. Get back on the horse, and act like the boss you are!!!
Remember, if we don’t get rejected, we never know how to improve. Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn, but promise yourself you will never lose!”
Lexi Liebo
“Call it a mantra, call it cliché, call it what you want…
But I believe these are some of the most impactful and necessary words-to-live-by in any sales capacity:
Action conquers fear.
Fortune favors the BOLD.
People buy from people they like.
Never stop learning.
Never rest on your laurels.”
Rosalyn Santa Elena
“You can have it all.
Career, home, spouse, family.
It is tough, but it is possible.
You are stronger than you think, and you have so much more potential than you ever dreamed possible. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
Oh, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Emily Meyer
“Remember first that you are an individual.
There is a lot of focus on gender right now, which is good, but never forget you are an individual.
If you work hard and smart, you will accomplish any goal you want.
There are no limits if you set your intentions and go after it.”
Chaniqua (Nikki) Ivey
“You are enough.
This profession needs you and depends on your participation and success.
You have been tried, tested, and proven to be critical assets.
Remember this when you are spoken over and interrupted.
Remember this when you are negotiating your pay.
Remember this anytime a circumstance makes you doubt yourself.
Own your power.“
Amy Hrehovcik
“Chase butterflies.
My dad used to ask my sisters and me at the dinner table each night:
‘When were you uncomfortable today?’
The analogy he used was ‘ s in the stomach’ and often reminded us that all growth takes place outside our comfort zone.
The unspoken lesson being: If we did not have s to report nightly, clearly we had not grown that day.
Needless to say, I continue to chase butterflies to this day.
This is not to be confused with waterfalls. Definitely do NOT go chasing those.”
Lindsey Boggs
“I would be lying if I told you it was easy being a woman in sales and in a leadership role. It’s not.
Throughout the last 10 years of my career, I’ve been told that I’m “really good in sales…for a woman.” No woman should ever have to hear that.
My goal is to help break the stigma of sales only being a man’s world and show what’s possible out there for women.
Seek mentorship early and surround yourself with people that lift you up, not bring you down.
You EARNED that seat at the table, so don’t think twice about sitting in that chair.”
Cindy Ruiz
“Sales is a wonderful career for women.
It allows you to use your ability to develop and nurture relationships, solve problems, and make a difference. Sales is helping people get what they need.
To advance in sales, do what seems natural. Meet people, find out what you have in common, develop a relationship, and determine if you can be helpful.
I recommend finding a mentor who can help you use your natural ability, learn the needed skills, and blend the two to be successful.
Never stop learning. Read or listen to learn from the experts. Attend conferences and webinars. Form a mastermind group of other women in sales to learn and grow together.”
Do you have advice or encouragement for women in sales?
Add it to the community discussion below!
