Overview of the role in sales in Myanmar

The function of the sales department in a company or organisation in Myanmar is to be at the forefront of connecting the company’s product to the prospective and current customers. The job of the sale’s department put very boldly is to sell the products. But there is a lot more to it than that, as the job of sales is to build strategies to attract customers, close the deal with prospective customers, and follow up with these customers to ensure the customers are happy. The sales department is very target driven. On a day to day basis the sales department will be working on sourcing prospective clients, sourcing business growth opportunities as well as retaining current customers through building loyalty. Included in all of these steps are methods such as forecasting opportunities, compiling information for customer interactions, monitoring the market and competitors, and developing a strong customer base. In today’s digital age reviews and feedback of a product can be very influential, and it is the job of sales to ensure that the customers are happy at any given time. To be good in sales not only does the product have to be good, but the sales department needs to have infinite knowledge of what they are selling, as well as an ability to maintain relationships. Sales is highly competitive, so it is imperative to try and stay one step ahead of competitors. For example, if a customer is not happy with the product (whether it be a stereo, car or life insurance) they are unlikely to complain and more likely to search for an alternative provider and simply switch brands. Not only is their loyalty is gone but they will not recommend the product to anyone. To be good at sales, one needs to be extremely good under pressure as well as a master of balancing many balls at the same time to not only meet targets but maintain relationships. This is the downside of the job: the stress. But on the upside, for those that love fast paced environments and interacting with people face to face and building relationships (not to mention well paid with very often a good bonus system) it is ideal.

Career advancement in sales in Myanmar

To work in sales, a degree is not always essential, even though many will have an education in their chosen field of sales as a lot of product knowledge is required, especially for more complex products. Many of the employees in the sales department may have come from somewhere else within the company, or may have come from a sales function in a different industry. To move forward in a sale’s environment regardless of one’s level, targets must be met. But saying that, if targets have been met and a good track record has been achieved, there is much scope for movement. If one has a good track record in a sales department a move to a different industry is highly possible as the skills are transferrable. Especially considering the economic growth that Myanmar is currently experiencing. With such an abundance if new companies and the arrival of multinationals, the possibilities are quite endless.