6 Causes of Sales Burnout

Although a “burning desire to sell more” is one of my “Twelve Qualities of Wildly Successful Salespeople,” it seems that these days some salespeople are more susceptible to sales burnout than they are to burning desires.

There are six reasons why salespeople experience burnout. Know what they are so you can avoid this malady of the sales industry.

1. Overworking.

Working hard is a good thing. But overworking for extended periods is a bad thing. Your work life is only one portion of your entire life, so keep everything balanced and synchronized. Extended overworking leads to bad stuff, and everybody’s definition of overworking is different. Know what overworking is for you in your life.

2. No Break.

Alright, Miss super salesperson, how long has it been since your last vacation? You say you went to Mexico in 2002? Good for you, but what about your fragile mental state in the current year? Everybody needs a break. If you’ve cheated yourself out of a vacation or at least a chance to sleep in with your cat Muffin for a week, get it on your calendar now.

3. Unresponsive Customers.

One of my coaching clients recently told me this: “Everything I touch seems to turn to ?&$%)!” A string of sales failures can not only be damaging to the sales ego, it can be damaging to the drive to keep moving forward. Let go of these sales failures and forge some new ground so you can start feeling whole again.

4. An Unappreciative Boss.

Years of non-appreciation can lead to sales burnout. Find someone who can pat you on the back. Ask your customers for testimonials. Ask your boss’s boss how you’re doing. Don’t let your boss get you down.

5. Too Much to Do.

Figure out what to get off your plate so you can breathe again. Delegate tasks to others when possible and practical. Put non-revenue-producing tasks on your backburner so you can focus on creating revenue now. Effective prioritization can reduce feelings of burnout.

6. Isolation.

Challenging business environments can lead to isolation, and isolation can lead to feelings of burnout or even depression. Connect with colleagues, friends, or even professionals if you need to. Your support network is waiting to help. Quit eating at your desk!

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1. Burnout is in Your Head