How to learn Sales in 2024 – Complete Guide and Resources

Last updated: December, 2024 • 13 min read

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the best ways to learn Sales, from recommended books and courses to finding expert mentors who can accelerate your learning journey.

Before diving into learning Sales, a word of caution: While there are many resources available online, it's important to follow a structured learning path and avoid getting overwhelmed. Having a clear goal and roadmap will help you stay focused and make steady progress.

If you're looking for a more guided approach, you may want to check out our Sales mentors who can help create a personalized learning plan and provide expert guidance throughout your journey.

Getting started with Sales

In this guide, we'll cover:

Let's explore each of these areas to help you create an effective learning path for mastering Sales.

How can I start learning Sales?

Getting started with Sales is very achievable with the right approach and resources. Here are some key steps to begin your learning journey:

  1. Start with fundamentals. Begin by learning the core concepts and principles of Sales. This builds a strong foundation for more advanced topics;
  2. Take online courses. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer structured Sales courses for beginners. These provide guided learning with hands-on practice;
  3. Read documentation and books. Official documentation and recommended books can deepen your understanding of Sales concepts;
  4. Connect with a mentor. Our experienced Sales mentors can create a personalized learning plan and guide you through your journey efficiently.

Can I learn Sales on my own?

While self-study is possible, having expert guidance can save you months of trial and error and help you avoid common pitfalls. Here's what to consider:

  1. Self-paced learning. Online resources and tutorials let you learn at your own speed, but it can be challenging to know if you're on the right track;
  2. Community support. Join online communities and forums to get help, though responses may vary in quality and accuracy;
  3. Professional mentorship. Working with a Sales mentor provides personalized feedback, industry insights, and accountability to keep you progressing;
  4. Structured approach. A mentor can create a customized learning path based on your goals and current skill level.

Can I learn Sales in one month?

While you can grasp basic concepts of Sales in a month with dedicated study, becoming proficient typically takes longer. Here's a realistic timeline:

  1. First month. Master fundamental concepts and basic principles of Sales;
  2. 3-6 months. Develop intermediate skills and work on increasingly complex projects;
  3. 6-12 months. Build advanced knowledge and professional-level expertise;
  4. Accelerated learning. Working with one of our expert Sales mentors can significantly speed up this timeline through focused guidance and industry best practices.

Learning Resources for Sales

One of the most effective ways to build a strong foundation in Sales is through carefully selected learning resources. Let's explore some key materials that can help you master this field.

Essential Reading Materials

Books remain one of the most comprehensive ways to learn Sales in depth. They provide structured knowledge and detailed explanations that are often missing from online tutorials. Here are some recommended reading approaches:

  • Start with beginner-friendly books that introduce core concepts and fundamentals
  • Progress to intermediate texts that cover more advanced topics and real-world applications
  • Keep reference books handy for looking up specific concepts and techniques

Recommended Books for Sales

The Sales Engineer Manager's Handbook

The Sales Engineer Manager's Handbook

A simple framework designed for everyone - from SEs thinking about moving into management to the newest of new SE Managers to a Global SE Vice President.

CODE Sales Training

CODE Sales Training

A to Z - Two Complete Sales Training Program by CODE Sales Development Co.With this book, you can learn how to sell. you can teach how to sell. you can sell succesfully what you have.

A Simple Guide to Technical Sales and Field Application Engineering

A Simple Guide to Technical Sales and Field Application Engineering

Thinking about launching a new career or progressing in your existing career as a field application engineer or a technical sales professional? Do you dream of a career visiting and helping engineers in multiple industries, international travel, and a great salary earned using your ever-increasing technical knowledge? If so, then this is the audiobook for you.

Look Me In the Eye

Look Me In the Eye

Way back in early 2020 you needed a Zoom account, a camera, and a bit of privacy – and you were good to go for virtual meetings. Yes, it all still seems remote, tiring, and unemotional. Julie Hansen’s Look Me In The Eye can help you change all that.

View all recommended books for Sales →

Online Learning Platforms

Online courses provide structured learning paths with hands-on practice. Here are some recommended platforms and course types:

  • Interactive courses - Learn by doing with coding exercises and projects
  • Video tutorials - Watch expert instructors explain concepts step-by-step
  • Practice exercises - Reinforce learning through hands-on challenges

Recommended Courses for Sales

meSE Sales Engineer Certification Coursework

Sales Engineers (SE's) are a critical sales team member in many companies worldwide. They are more than just technical experts in their respective industries. Highly successful SE's must build and maintain parallel expertise in "soft-skill" disciplines such as business acumen, presentation skills, …

The Road to Sales Engineering

In The Road to Sales Engineering, I will walk you step by step through the entire process of fixing up your resume all the way to negotiating your salary and accepting the deal. For the first 20 registrants, you will have weekly access to me as I help you with building your resume, practice intervi…

Technical Sales: The Role of the Sales Engineer

Salespeople sell the product. Developers build the product. Sales engineers bridge the gap. Sales engineering, also known as technical sales, is an in-demand and well-paid role. But many people don't know the job even exists. This course introduces the role and responsibilities of the sales enginee…

Certified Professional Sales Person (CPSP)

Looking to grow in sales? Want to make a lasting change? Then why not do something about it? Change the way your salespeople approach sales, and communicate one-to-one, in a group, in a meeting, presenting, on the phone, in every way. Develop their full potential and enter the new world of sales.

Get help with your learning journey

Learning through online courses can be challenging. Get 1:1 guidance from an experienced mentor who can help you stay accountable and answer your questions along the way.

View all recommended courses for Sales →

Learning Communities and Support

Having the right support system is crucial for learning Sales. Here are some ways to get help:

  • MentorCruise Community - Join our active community of learners and mentors to get support on your journey
  • 1:1 Mentorship - Get personalized guidance from our expert Sales mentors
  • Work Reviews - Have experienced Sales mentors review your work and provide detailed feedback
  • Discussion Forums - Connect with peers to share knowledge and ask questions

Ready to accelerate your learning? Find a Sales mentor who can guide you through these steps and provide personalized support.

Expert Guidance

Learning Sales is more effective with expert guidance. Our mentors provide:

  • Personalized Learning Plans - Get a customized roadmap based on your goals and current skill level
  • Industry Best Practices - Learn professional standards and workflows
  • Career Development - Get advice on job searching, resume building, and career advancement

Want more options? Browse all 115 Sales mentors to find the perfect match for your goals.

Professional Certifications

Earning certifications can validate your Sales skills and boost your career prospects. Here are some recommended certifications:

Sales Professional Certification

Hosted by udemy.com

Welcome to Sales Professional Certification. This assessment helps to employees and companies in internal certification procedures. Its not a course with theory, its exam for certification / assessment. Udemy doesn't provide certificates for exam type of courses yet. You may: Include info a…

Certified Inside Sales Professional

Hosted by emblazegrowth.com

When you earn the CISP, you exhibit to your prospects, colleagues, and employer that you have the critical skills and competencies required to be an effective inside sales professional. For the CISP designation, you must demonstrate you meet the high standards set by Emblaze and its Accreditatio…

CPSL®

Hosted by nasp.com

Improve the way you approach sales leadership and influence the behavior of your sales professionals to increase performance and revenue. Develop your full potential as a leader and enter the new paradigm of sales leadership.
CPSL is for:
Presidents and VPs of Sales
Directors of Sales<…

CERTIFIED SALES PROFESSIONAL (CSP®)

Hosted by cpsa.com

We are now offering a CSP® Bootcamp, which we can run for individuals or corporate teams. This online course will help you prepare for your Certified Sales Professional designation exam. During this course you’ll have the opportunity to work through challenging content areas, complete sample tes…

Our mentors can help you prepare for these certifications through:

  • Exam Preparation - Get structured guidance to master certification topics
  • Practice Tests - Work through sample questions and mock exams
  • Study Planning - Create an effective study schedule to achieve your certification goals
  • Hands-on Practice - Apply certification concepts through practical exercises

View all recommended certifications for Sales →

Career Guidance

Beyond technical skills, succeeding in Sales requires strategic career planning. Our career mentors provide:

  • Industry Insights - Get insider knowledge about Sales roles and companies
  • Career Strategy - Build a roadmap to reach your professional goals
  • Resume & Portfolio Review - Optimize your professional materials for Sales positions
  • Interview Preparation - Practice technical and behavioral interviews with experienced professionals
  • Salary Negotiation - Learn to advocate for yourself and negotiate competitive compensation

Ready to accelerate your Sales career? Connect with a career mentor to start building your professional future.

Quick Summary

  • 🎯 Best for: beginners and intermediate learners
  • ⏱️ Learning time: 8 certification paths available
  • 💰 Required investment: Courses, books and mentorship to certification (~$500)
  • 🎓 Prerequisites: None
  • 🔗 Related fields: Entrepreneurship, SaaS, Business Development, Business Strategy