When I started my career in sales, I was scared but excited.
I was doing something oddly risky.
I was an engineer with a good salary, and moving into sales meant going against my education and what my parents wanted me to be. An engineer. You know, typical Persian parents. lol
While I was good at coding, something just didn't feel right. No matter how much effort I put into my projects, I felt like my growth and opportunities weren't aligned with what I wanted. Plus, I'm a people person.
One day, my manager at the time, who was also a great mentor, asked me, \"Why don't you become a seller?\"
I was surprised. He continued, \"I would buy from you. You're great at research, and believe it or not, your accent makes you memorable.\"
That conversation changed a lot for me.
Looking Back
Did I make the right choice? Absolutely.
Did I make mistakes? Many.
Am I happy? I would do the same if I could go back in time, including getting my computer science degree.
I don't regret my engineering background. In fact, it's part of what makes me the seller I am today.
Three Lessons Sales Taught Me
Over the years, I've learned three important lessons that go beyond sales.
1. Life Was Never Meant to Be Fair
Sometimes you pay a high price for your lessons, and you should be okay with that.
Not every decision works out. Not every effort gets rewarded. Sometimes you make mistakes that cost you time, money, or opportunities.
But those experiences are part of learning and growing. What matters is what you take away from them.
2. We're Not Owed Opportunities
We're given opportunities, and what we do with them is on us.
I've learned that getting an opportunity is only the beginning. What you do with it, how seriously you take it, and how much effort you're willing to put in matter just as much.
3. Consistency and Resilience Matter
Sales comes with rejection, uncertainty, and plenty of setbacks.
You can work incredibly hard and still not get the outcome you expected. You can do everything right and still lose.
That's why consistency and resilience matter. You have to keep learning, improving, and showing up, even when things aren't going your way.
What's Next?
I'll eventually share more about how it all started, the mistakes I've made, and the lessons I've learned throughout my career.
And if you've been part of my growth along the way, I'm thankful for you!