2008-03-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

The hunt is on...

This page is dedicated to outlining the current B2B job market in Vancouver and compare it to other cities. We will look at pay difference, and see if you have what it takes to make it!

What is B2B?

Business to Business (B2B) is simply described as one business doing business with another; other variations include B2C and B2G which stand for business to consumer and business to government.
When you are working in B2B sales you have the option of working with countless industries. Whether it is selling big ticket items like manufacturing equipment and machinery or selling consulting services like Dale Carnegie, the foundation will always be the same.

Why B2B Sales?

It's a matter of sheer volume. Who do you think makes more commission, the salesperson who sells one table to a single customer or the sales person who sells 500 tables to another business?The answer is simple. Business to Business sales usually deal with services or 'big ticket items', this is where the money can be made!

What's the pay like?

Example: Starting pay scale for an outside sales representative (payscale.com)

note: The numbers shown here are total amounts including bonuses and extras.

Here is a further breakdown of how you can expect to get paid: (payscale.com)

Click on image to view larger scale

Vancouver vs. Toronto Job Opportunities

After looking up a few different scenarios at payscale.com it was easy to see that people who work in Toronto will have slightly higher salaries than someone in Vancouver doing the same job with the same experience. People continue to choose to live and work in Vancouver based purely on its beauty and accompanying lifestyle, even though it might cost a little more to live. However, the opportunities in Toronto are more attractive and lucrative but you have to be willing to part with the scenery.

Using a popular job search site, monster.ca, I compared the difference with searching for a sales rep job in Vancouver vs. one in Toronto. Here’s what I found, 250 hits in Vancouver and 700 in Toronto - Toronto had an overwhelming victory, and the pay was typically higher as well. There is no question that the jobs are out there, so if you are motivated and have some experience in sales, "you're in".

This is an example of the same job In New York
(Outside Sales Rep with 5yrs Exp)

Do You Have What It Takes?

B2B is all about developing strong business relationships that are meant to continually benefit both parties over a long period of time. Be professional and treat your clients with respect, it's doing all the little things right that will set you apart from your competition - always go the extra mile.

The two most important elements when it comes to doing well in sales are to be a hard worker and have a great attitude - If that's all you do, you will do well. The salespeople that continue to excel and break believe barriers are those who continue to learn and strive for success, whether it is attending a seminar are reading a motivational book.

It is also important for any salesperson to believe in the product they are selling. If you have conviction in the product or service you are selling it's going to show and you'll do well. The nice thing about B2B sales is that there are so many industries and directions you can follow, choose one that interests you and that you believe in - That's when it gets fun.

B2B Sales and Vancouver