B.C. and tech sales: the perfect combo
There has never been a better time to get into tech sales in British Columbia (BC). After last year’s layoffs among larger tech companies, the province’s tech sector is growing in strength, so much so that from Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, the Okanagan and across Vancouver Island, tech startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are changing the career landscape in BC.
BC’s tech scene employs 250,000 people in over 11,000 companies, part of a record of growth that has seen the tech sector move to the front of the province’s economic growth in the last decade. If you’ve been wondering how to be a part of BC’s tech revolution, the great news is that there’s a place for you, even if you don’t have a tech background, or a degree in software engineering.
Technology needs people
Here’s the thing: technology doesn’t sell itself, at least not yet. So the result of all this growth in BC’s tech sector is that there is a huge demand for people who can sell technology solutions to businesses in growth. Tech needs people from all kinds of backgrounds, and with all kinds of skills. In fact, one of the most in-demand positions in tech right now across the country is business-to-business (B2B) sales.
Opportunities in tech sales are just one part of the economic diversity that is transforming Canada’s Pacific province, so it’s important to understand that there’s a place for you here. What else can we say? How about this: according to the BC Tech Association, wages for tech workers in the province exceed the average provincial salary by up to 75%. With so much potential and growth, let’s take a closer look at the role of a B2B tech sales professional, and see why it just may be a perfect fit for you, no matter what your background is.
Business-to-business (B2B) tech sales and you
When we talk about B2B tech sales, what we mean is selling new technology. People in these kinds of positions can also expect to be selling new business processes, or better ways of doing things. The important thing to remember is that working as a B2B sales professional is not the same thing as retail sales, where people sell things to consumers. Tech sales representatives reach out to companies and business owners who need answers, and solutions. And rather than selling complicated equipment, more often than not, a B2B sales professional connects people with SAAS (software-as-a-service) technology.
You can start to see why there is so much opportunity in the role when you think about all the different transferable skills it takes to become a successful B2B professional. After all, selling solutions means building relationships, and it also means being able to actively listen to what customers are saying. When it comes right down to it, B2B sales requires excellent interpersonal and intercultural skills, which means that if you are coming from another career background, such as hospitality, or in any field that is customer facing, you are already miles ahead when it comes to tech sales.
As a newcomer to Canada, or as someone who is coming back to work after caregiving or parenting, the reality is that you have a wealth of transferable skills that will drive your success in tech sales. No matter how you look at it, B2B tech sales is a great career regardless of your age, background, and experience.
Lucrative earning potential
One of the most attractive aspects of a technology sales career is the potential for substantial financial rewards. According to Glassdoor, salaries for B2B sales representatives in Canada start at $48,036, while overall, average salaries for B2B professionals come in at around $69,096, when you add in commissions and bonuses.
Remember that the high demand for great B2B tech sales people translates into lucrative commission structures and bonus incentives for successful sales reps. You can expect to be working for innovative companies offering new and exciting products and services, so the value of what you’ll be doing is immense. And here’s one thing we know: there is a shortage of tech sales talent in Canada right now.
Building a great lifestyle with tech sales in BC
The province’s lifestyle and culture give residents of BC an unparalleled quality of life. In addition to a high standard of living, excellent public health care, and a culturally diverse population, BC is renowned for its natural beauty and sophistication. Studies and rankings including the Economist’s Liveability Index and Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking consistently place Vancouver high on the list of great cities in the world.
These kinds of results speak to BC’s high quality of life, safety, and liveability.
There is probably no better way to enjoy all the benefits living in BC offers than through the financial freedom that B2B tech sales offers. It’s an accessible career choice that can help you build a comfortable lifestyle, and provide you with great opportunities for personal growth, investment, and financial security. That’s important, because we all know that in addition to having one of the most beautiful natural environments in the world, BC can also be an expensive place to live.
Flexibility means your career on your terms
The rise of the tech sector has been great news for just about everyone in the province, and not just because of how it contributes to economic growth. Tech companies have been at the forefront of culture change in the workplace, far out ahead when it comes to recognizing the importance of work-life balance, perks such as flexible hours, pay transparency, and a commitment to workplace inclusivity.
Whether it’s working remotely, setting your own hours, or working in a career with a few limits, the flexibility and independence you’ll find in B2B tech sales means you can start building the kind of future you want right now, and in one of the most beautiful places anywhere.
A great stepping stone—and career gateway!
If you’re ambitious for career growth, it’s hard to think of a better choice than B2B tech sales. That’s because after you start out as a sales development representative (SDR) or as a business development representative (BDR), you can expect to move up the ranks quickly. B2B salespeople often move on to more challenging and rewarding roles in the business, working as account executives (AEs) or as account managers (AMs) or even as customer success managers (CSMs).
No matter where you begin, the skills you gain in an entry-level B2B sales role are so transferrable and desirable that you’ll find few barriers to your career success.
Constant growth and skill development
The technology industry never stops evolving, and the same goes for technology sales. Working in this field requires a hunger for constant growth, which means as a sales professional you will never feel like you’re stuck doing the same thing. Tech companies take lifelong learning seriously, which means you can expect opportunities for ongoing training and skill development to enhance your product knowledge, perfect your sales techniques, and build your interpersonal skills. These kinds of experiences will not only contribute to your career advancement, but also foster personal development and a deeper understanding of the ever-changing tech landscape.
Let SalesCamp open the door to a great lifestyle for BC
As we’ve said before, there is no better time to build a great new career in B2B tech sales in British Columbia. If you’re wondering where to begin, there’s no better choice than Palette Skill’s flagship B2B upskilling program SalesCamp. The fun and challenging bootcamp is a 6-week hands-on, live and online career transition and upskilling program designed to give you the practical skills to succeed in a B2B tech sales role. And the best thing is that the program is designed for anyone looking to make a dedicated career change.
SalesCamp will help you level up your professional skills, and help you learn how to succeed as an effective member of a tech sales selling team. Along the way, you’ll be introduced to our extensive network of employers in BC and across Canada to ensure your future career success.
Interested? We thought you would be. Sign up for SalesCamp today!
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