Somebody asked my uncle “hey buddy, now your son is graduated with flying colors. So, what’s next in his basket? Why don’t you tell him to go for an MBA from an Elite-B school? its very trending and will shower money like anything”.
These questions forced me to put on my thinking cap again if doing a Full-time MBA is fruitful, or it’s fading day by day?
The registration for various prestigious B-schools normally open worldwide once a year, and candidates start the rat race once again to secure the coveted seat. But a question? Do Do you think this costly degree is well enough to survive in the fast pace scenario?
Looking for a competitive superiority is an obsession for those beholding to do the MBA; several students burn their midnight oil to push their applications to the top of the pile. Let’s first understand the different types of MBA programs we can get these days. Yes, different kinds of MBAs all thanks to the resources and the marketing done by the B-schools.
Full-time MBA or Regular MBA: Full-time MBAs include a full course load, similar to undergraduate degrees. Part-time MBA: Part-time MBAs typically evening classes so students can maintain a consistent day job. Online MBA: An online MBA allows students to make their own schedule while studying from home. Executive MBA (EMBA): It is a good fit for experienced professionals who want to earn a credential reflecting their business credibility and advance their career. Distance learning: You will get the study material from the colleges.
More than a decade of experience in this domain would like to share my thoughts. There are so many reasons which I have listed below which prove the death bells for the Full-time MBA Program may be coming closer:
“Humans, don’t you think you are living in a different world? Don’t you see that water, Air, and Sky is more beautiful than ever before? Now Human is caged, and Wildlife is moving on the roads freely.
Human beings were so relaxed and ignorant a few months back. We used to travel for vacations; the Economy was booming; We were spending fuel, water, and electricity without even thinking about our future generation.
Race, race, and only race….. It has become the ultimate goal of our life to succeed in all the parameters. We always run to succeed in our goals, career, personal and professional lives no matter where it takes us at the end. Certainly, we always believe in getting or taking everything from Nature without even thinking a single time about returning back. However, It’s bad that we never understood our responsibility – the bitter truth is that we have been extremely SELFISH! And we are still SELFISH.
We are encompassed in a small cabin / four-wall home, and just looking left right and comparing ourselves and be sad/ happy, that’s again nature’s creation. We, as human beings should think further and bigger about what is needed for the world, not just about a place surrounded by four walls!
Humans cut so many trees and forests to adjust ourselves In the existing environment and make way for a town. So, imagine if there is no forest, then life will also deplete. We are also rapidly changing the environment by adding too much waste to it in various forms. I don’t want to comment on any one’s eating habit that entirely a personal choice, but what if we purposefully destroying the ecosystem by killing the animals without even thinking about the aftermath of all these. During our school and college, we studied how plants, animals, and birds are dependent on each for the smooth functioning of our Nature.
Spotted Malabar civet… A critically endangered mammal not seen until 1990 resurfaces for the first time in calicut town.. seems mother earth is rebooting! #COVID2019pic.twitter.com/oG6Kg8Opoi
Nowadays, it seems like we are living in a “different world” due to the outbreak of CoronaVirus (Covid-19). For time being, several countries are imposing the policies not to use the restaurants, cinemas, not even gym and swimming pool; Schools are closed, e-learning is promoted, malls & markets are almost empty. People are scared, and everyone is taking all the serious precautions. While the corporate world is encouraging WFH (Work from home) to fight the Corona-crisis, this is the time to think over that “how one should effectively use the work from home”. Few people are already used to WFH, whereas many are still adjusting to this new atmosphere and Work from home culture.
one can save nearly 20% extra time of “Effective Office hours (let’s assume that we start getting ready for office at 07:30 AM, start driving at 08:00 AM – reach office at 08:30 AM, work until 05:00 PM then reach back home around 06:00 PM). This means around 11 hours when going to office vs. 08 hours when you do WFH (Work from Home). Females may take a little longer to get ready 😊.
“Are you sure you want to go to the sales stream or want to be a Female salesperson? Why don’t you do some course which will be easy for you.” Why don’t you change your stream? “You have to travel a lot.” “Who will look after the kids when you will be out the whole day for the meetings?.”
Probably, these are a few common comments or suggestions which people gave before judging a female salesperson. But it is not the end, loads of judgments, sacrifices, and misunderstandings, women might face a lot. I would say that the life of a salesperson is always challenging, either it is a male or a female.
Various sales movies in the past used to show the main character as a male always, People thought these tough roles are for the male. Time has changed now, and if you search now, then most of the top-performing salespeople are women.
Unlike the past now, you can find the name of several female salespeople in the list of top leaders. Women have registered their presence in almost all fields, including sales. Above all, if we will refer to LinkedIn statistics, it indicates that women represent 41% of the active sales workforce — and it’s growing.
Females Salesperson/businesswoman and the graph showing the monthly growth
There are no hard and fast rules that only guys can perform to achieve sales. But the traits you need to close more sales are gender-impartial. I would say it is all about your relationship-building skills, right attitude, rapport building and understanding your customers’ needs.
As per my learning and the experience I think the following traits would make a female salesperson a star and help to achieve their goals:-
Be a good Listener:
The client always wants to see a person who likes to listen to their issues. They are happy about it because they know you are listening to them, and they can trust you. As a female salesperson, if you are not a good listener, whereas most of the time you prefer to talk, you may not understand the concerns of your clients. And it applies to both male and female salespeople.
If you are a good listener, then it will be easy for you to build great relationships and networking. Female Salesperson, those who are good at relationship building they generally end up hitting all the goals. “People buy from those they like, not the product they like.” Focus on helping your prospect or achieving their company’s needs, not just making sales.
Keep your Emotional Intelligence high:
People say women are emotional and can’t make rational decisions. I would say this is the unique quality that keeps them apart from men; they have empathy and feel and understand other persons’ needs well. You should always know what is running in another person’s mind and know exactly how to customize the conversation based on indications of their prospects.
Learn Quickly and know your product better:
As a woman, if you want to succeed in this men’s world, then always ready for the changes and be quick to adapt all the technologies and situations around you. Continually update your knowledge and skills as per the market and the requirements of the product.
Set your trends:
Figure out the things which are suitable for your personality, and your customers also like it, don’t just blindly follow anyone. Try to be the person that everyone turns to for guidance, and help. I saw various female sales executives, at some point in their careers, start thinking, or behaving to be a part of the male’s club. So, try to be original and comprehend your skills, strengths. Similarly, believe you have the charm and the intelligence which always set you apart from others. I’m hesitant to categorize selling styles as male versus female salesperson, it’s great to have a diverse selling style. As a result, understand your weaknesses and work on your strengths.
A happy Female Salesperson with a smile and confidence showing graph over blue background
Always be confident and natural
Confidence is a jewel which no one can steal from you unless you allow them. Courage and your inner strength will never let you down, no matter what the circumstances are. Therefore, always be great with your strengths – be a great communicator and listener. Trust in your intuitions well.
Take a Stand for yourself and step out of your comfort zone:
Certainly, always take stand for yourself and for what is right. If you are clear about your thoughts and ideas, take a stand for it even if it will take time to convince others. Buyers don’t have time to beat around the bush. Be to the point and quick in your approach.
Don’t shy away with the thoughts you carry in your mind. Always try to speak your mind. Sometimes it will be challenging, but it would be great if you bring your thoughts and ideas on the table for discussion. Because It will be helpful for you to make your reputation and your value to the organization will be visible. Hence, ask questions and clear doubts. Share your point of view if it was asked or you can share the details or any changes you know that can bring a good chance in the organization.
Get yourself a sales mentor or a guide:
Have a sales mentor or a guide who helps you with the enlightenment and guidance whenever needed. It will boost your self-esteem. They always help you to solve various career-related issues. It is still great to consult the multiple leaders from the industries; which will bring the best of you or sometimes change your perspective. Furthermore, It is not necessary to have someone from outside; you can learn from books, presentations and from your own experiences. You can follow any Women leader or a female salesperson on LinkedIn and get more insights and learnings.
Lastly, never settle for the less:
Never settle for the average results but always strive for the best. Similarly, always try to polish yourself and outshine. Please work with your team and be a leader to whom they look upon. Therefore, as a female salesperson learn new things and implement them for the betterment of the organization.
Finally, being a female is not hard to be industrious or develop great relationships. Firstly, They need some support from everywhere, either it is a family or a company. If either of them will not understand the value or trust them, it will be more robust for them to perform with all the hurdles. Secondly, The female salesperson is a crucial part of any organization as they bring charm, persistence, and new ideas to the organizations. Therefore, It’s not essential always to act like a man to bring results, perform in your skin and follow your style. Be consistent in your approach and at the end believe in yourself !!
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Hey Ciana, “What are your hobbies?” Alex asks Ciana. “Shopping,” replied Ciana. She grabbed the attention of all the family members. Ciana is an Independent girl working for an MNC. Her lifestyle is very luxurious. Earning a good salary and spending it all on her clothes, jewelry, movies all the time. Luckily Alex ignored her answer and said yes for the marriage. Thanks to the expensive clothes and the parlor visit to Ciana. When she is happy, she shops. She shops when sad she shops and to celebrate anything she shops. Shopping is an integral part of her daily life. She buys when she is happy; she shops to suppress her sorrows.
As time passed, Ciana moved with her same habit of earning and spending. She is still the free bird enjoying her life fullest with friends and family; what an incredible time it was. After a few years, there was a hard blow on the economy, and Alex lost his job due to recession. Ciana’s office informed her that either she has to work for less pay or else look for a new job. As the job market is terrible, she couldn’t even think about the second option. So, she decided to stick to her ongoing job with less pay and no extra perks, which leads to No parties, new clothes, jewelry, and movies. With no savings and no role for her husband, so things are a bit awkward and challenging for her. She sold all the branded stuff she owned before, and the banks blocked her cards due to nonpayment.
One day Ciana was in a grocery store to buy the basic needs (Earlier, she used to have a maid and a driver for all this work). One of her friends saw her and took some time to recognize her. Ahhh, maybe because she was not looking that glamorous and dazzling. She moved towards Ciana, and yes, it was Ciana only. They both met and opted for a nearby café to sit. After getting to know Ciana’s condition, Tina decided to help her friend. She gave some golden tips to her on saving and managing funds.
How to Manage Your Salary and earnings for the rainy/hard days:
1. START WITH BUDGETING: The first thing before saving is the planning of your basic needs, such as Utility bills, monthly rent, Fuel, Insurance, groceries, Kids school fees (if any), etc. Always make a list of your monthly requirements/spending in advance before you plan to visit a grocery store. Divide your expenses into three parts:Need/Important, Optional/ Unrestricted, and entertainment/Travel. Nowadays, various apps will help us to plan our Budget Like, Excel sheet, simple diary, mobile app, Bank apps, or desktop.
Here is the list of the few budget apps for money management (on Android) like AndroMoney, Financial Calculators, Google sheets, Money Manager, My Budget book, My Finances, Wally, Acorns.
2. PLANNING: Once you get your salary immediately, park 20-30% amount in a saving/secondary account for saving. If you don’t know where to put it, the separate bank account is the easiest way, and generally, it has a fixed deposit linked to it, which will give better rates on your money.
3. STRUCTURE YOUR MONETARY GOALS: Try to divide your goals into three categories: short-Term, medium-term- Term, and long-term goals. Then focus on each one, along with the number of years to achieve each, and the exact amount you will need is it for House, Car, or holidays.
4. INVEST IN RIGHT TOOLS: I am sure the most significant dilemma you will be facing is where to invest the money. Start with Recurring deposit or fixed deposit. Once you realized your target, then plan for converting your savings to investments. Then take into thought other factors like returns, liquidity, and tax liability before choosing an asset class. Do not blindly take advice from anyone but conduct your research about the market before finalizing anything.
5. SAVE FOR THE CRISIS: Some so many people are in the excitement of making money, the urge to buy expensive things, and willingness to save for the bigger goals the new earners sometimes forget the preparation for financial traumas. When anything sudden happens like the loss of a job, medical contingency, or unexpected financial support required by a family, they have to be ready for eventualities. So the first thing you should do, even before you start saving for minor goals, is to form an emergency corpus. It should be equal to 3-6 months of your household expenses and should also include any loan refunds and insurance premium responsibilities. This amount should be in such a manner that it will be accessible.
6. AVOID DEBT TRAPS: When you will start earning, you will surely opt for the credit cards. There are so many scammers out there who steel the data and try to trap the people. Please do not share your details with any fraud like OTP, CVV, etc. Be careful if you are using credit cards; remember that these are useful only if you restrict the credit to one month, and you are paying the bills on time.
Apart from these, try for some excellent Insurance, which serves the purpose and optimize long term savings.
“Ciana, I am sure that you have understood the value of savings and now onwards you will be more careful in the future as well.” I am sure we all have learned something from the insights provided, as financial planning is a must for every one of us.
