Working in Financial Services Sales: What is it Like?

Working in financial services sales can be a lucrative and rewarding career path for people passionate about finance and who enjoy building relationships with clients. In this field, you will be responsible for selling financial products and services to individuals and businesses, such as loans, insurance, and investment opportunities. As a financial services salesperson, you will need to have a strong understanding of the financial industry and be able to communicate complex financial concepts to clients in a way that is easy to understand.

One of the most important aspects of working in financial services sales is building relationships with clients. You will need to be able to establish trust with your clients and understand their financial needs and goals. This involves listening to their concerns and providing them with tailored solutions that meet their unique needs. Additionally, you will need to be able to communicate effectively with clients, both in person and over the phone, and be able to explain complex financial concepts in a way that is easy for them to understand.

If you are passionate about finance and enjoy building relationships with clients, then this may be the right career path for you. With the right skills and training, you can build a successful career in financial services sales and help clients achieve their financial goals.

Overview of Financial Services Sales

Financial services sales is a dynamic and challenging field that involves selling a wide range of financial products and services to clients. These can include insurance policies, investment products, loans, and other financial instruments.

As a financial services sales agent, you will be responsible for identifying potential clients, building relationships with them, and helping them navigate the complex world of finance. You will need to have excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of financial products and services, and a talent for building trust and rapport with clients.

One of the key advantages of working in financial services sales is the potential for high earnings. However, this figure can vary depending on factors such as your experience level, the products you are selling, and the size of your client base.

See how sales professionals rate 200+ companies in the finance industry

Another advantage of working in financial services sales is the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients, from individuals to large corporations. This can provide you with a diverse and interesting career, as well as the potential for growth and advancement within the industry.

Business-to-Business (B2B) vs Business-to-Consumer (B2C)

A key consideration when looking at financial services sales opportunities is whether you prefer a B2B or B2C role. While you can sell financial services in either environment, there are many important differences between the two.

Selling B2B Financial Services

If you are selling B2B financial services, your customers will be other businesses. This covers a very wide range of businesses — large and small, domestic and international, across a wide spectrum of industries. 

A common B2B financial services sales role would be selling banking, insurance, accounting and other financial products and services on behalf of a financial institution that specializes in these offerings. This role can be done over the phone, in-person in an office, or in the field, which is where sales reps go on-site visiting prospects and customers.

Selling B2C Financial Services

In B2C financial services sales, you’ll be selling products and services directly to individuals.  This may include products like life insurance, home and auto insurance, investment brokerage services, or financial planning. In this role, you’ll work with a broad range of people from many different backgrounds and in different stages of life. The setting for a B2C financial services sales role can vary widely — from door to door sales, to selling over the phone in a call center.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Working in financial services sales can be a challenging and rewarding experience. As a financial services sales agent, you will have a variety of day-to-day responsibilities that will keep you busy and engaged.

Client Interaction

One of the most important parts of your job will be interacting with clients. You will need to be able to build relationships with clients and understand their financial needs and goals. This will involve listening carefully to their concerns and providing them with advice and guidance on how to achieve their financial objectives.

You will also need to be able to explain complex financial products and services in a way that is easy for clients to understand. This will involve using clear and concise language and providing examples that illustrate the benefits of the products and services you are offering.

Sales Strategy and Execution

Another key part of your job will be developing and executing sales strategies. This will involve identifying potential clients and reaching out to them to offer your products and services. You will need to be able to identify the best channels for reaching your target audience, whether that be through email, social media, over the phone, or in-person meetings.

Once you have identified potential clients, you will need to be able to develop a sales pitch that is tailored to their specific needs and interests. This will involve highlighting the benefits of your products and services and explaining how they can help clients achieve their financial goals.

Finally, you will need to be able to close deals and generate revenue for your company. This will involve negotiating with clients and overcoming objections to close the sale. You will need to be persistent and confident in your sales approach, while also being respectful of clients’ needs and concerns.

Skills and Qualifications

If you are interested in working in financial services sales, there are certain skills and qualifications that are essential for success.

Communication Skills

As a financial services sales professional, you will need to be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, from clients to colleagues to senior management. This means that you should have strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as the ability to listen actively and ask questions.

In addition to these basic communication skills, you should also be able to build rapport with clients and colleagues, demonstrate empathy and understanding, and be able to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. This requires strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to read body language and respond appropriately.

Financial Acumen

To be successful in financial services sales, you should have a solid understanding of financial concepts and products. This includes knowledge of financial markets, investment vehicles, and risk management strategies.

You should also be able to analyze financial data, interpret financial statements, and develop financial plans that meet the needs of your clients. This requires strong analytical skills, as well as the ability to think critically and make sound decisions based on data.

With these skills, you will be well-equipped to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.

Challenges and Rewards

Working in financial services sales can be both challenging and rewarding. Here are some of the things you can expect to encounter:

Meeting Sales Targets

One of the most significant challenges of working in financial services sales is meeting sales targets. Your job is to sell financial products and services to clients, and you are expected to meet specific sales goals set by your employer. This can be stressful, especially if you are struggling to meet your targets.

To be successful in this field, you need to be passionate about sales and have excellent communication and negotiation skills. You should also be able to work well under pressure and be willing to put in the time and effort required to meet your sales targets. You also need to be well-organized, and willing to put in the effort of doing the day-to-day tasks that will lead to success.

Building Client Relationships

Another challenge of working in financial services sales is building and maintaining client relationships. You need to be able to establish trust with your clients and provide them with the information and support they need to make informed financial decisions.

To build strong client relationships, you need to be a good listener and be able to understand your clients’ needs and goals. You should also be able to communicate complex financial information in a way that is easy for your clients to understand.

Rewards of Financial Services Sales

The rewards of working in financial services sales can be significant. If you are successful in meeting your sales targets and building strong client relationships, you can earn a good income and enjoy job security.

Compare sales salaries on RepVue

Overall, working in financial services sales can be a challenging but rewarding career choice. With the right skills and attitude, you can succeed in this field and enjoy a fulfilling career.

Career Path and Progression

If you are interested in working in financial services sales, there are various career paths and progression opportunities available to you. Here are some of the entry-level opportunities and advanced roles you can aim for:

Entry-Level Opportunities

To start your career in financial services sales, you can apply for entry-level positions such as sales assistant, customer service representative, or financial advisor trainee. These positions will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the industry.

As a sales assistant, you will be responsible for supporting the sales team by handling administrative tasks, scheduling appointments, and maintaining client records. As a customer service representative, you will be the first point of contact for clients and will assist them with their inquiries and concerns. As a financial advisor trainee, you will be trained by experienced advisors and will learn how to analyze financial data, develop financial plans, and provide investment advice to clients.

Check out current sales job openings

Advanced Roles

Once you have gained experience and developed your skills, you can aim for advanced roles such as senior financial advisor, sales manager, or regional director. These roles require a higher level of expertise and leadership skills.

As a senior financial advisor, you will work with high net worth clients and provide them with customized financial solutions. As a sales manager, you will lead a team of sales representatives and develop sales strategies to achieve revenue targets. As a regional director, you will oversee multiple sales teams and ensure that they are meeting their performance goals.

In addition to these roles, there are also opportunities to specialize in certain areas such as retirement planning, estate planning, or investment management. Specializing in a particular area can help you differentiate yourself from other sales professionals and provide more value to your clients.

Overall, working in financial services sales can be a challenging and rewarding career. With the right skills and experience, you can advance to higher roles and earn a competitive salary.