Overview

An inside sales representative is responsible for selling an agricultural product or service for their company over the phone or via email. They manage the accounts within their territory, maintain positive relationships with existing customers – providing customer service and addressing issues when they arise – and form relationships with new and potential customers. Overall, they help companies increase brand awareness and product recognition while following leads (a person or business who has the potential to become a client).

What responsibilities will I have?

• Collaborate with the marketing and sales teams to determine leads
• Influence, develop and maintain relationships with new and existing customers
• Build relationships with customers over the phone and by email
• Understand and resolve customer conflicts and issues
• Stay up to date on business and market conditions
• Maintain and grow accounts within assigned territory
• Analyze, develop and implement sales goals plans
• Participate in brand forecasting function and accuracy
• Develop and implement a sales call process
• Contact leads from sources such as social media, referrals or advertisements
• Overcome objections from potential customers

What education and training is required?

An associate or bachelor’s degree in agribusiness, marketing, finance, agricultural communications or an agricultural degree that relates to the product you are representing (e.g., animal science, poultry science, agronomy, turf grass etc.) is required.

To pursue a career as an Inside Sales Representative:

The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, business, accounting, statistics, public speaking, communications, mathematics and personal finance.

Where can I work?

Employers may include commodity supply companies, seed production companies, chemical/fertilizer distributors, animal processing and health companies and equipment dealerships. There are also some opportunities to be self-employed.

Future Job Market / Outlook

Excellent

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• National Association of Sales Professionals
• Professional Sales Association
• National Agri-Marketing Association
• Agriculture & Applied Economics Association
• Women in Agribusiness
• Agriculture Council of America
• State agribusiness associations