Sridhar Vembu's advice to engineers entering business: Learn to sell, face rejection

Moving into business from engineering, medicine, or science often requires learning a skill that many professionals don't encounter in their daily work: selling. In a recent X (formerly Twitter) post, Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu shared some simple advice for engineers, scientists, and doctors who wish to enter the business world—go on sales calls and learn to handle rejection.

Vembu stressed that technical knowledge alone isn't enough to build a successful business. He argued that speaking directly to potential customers can help professionals articulate their ideas more effectively, comprehend the value of sales, and acquire the skills necessary to run a business.

Vembu emphasized that business begins with selling. He suggested that for those transitioning from technical backgrounds into business, a crucial first step is to "go on a lot of sales calls, face rejection if necessary, but persist." According to Vembu, sales can enhance communication skills. Professionals with deep technical knowledge of their products or ideas may struggle to explain them to others and convince them to purchase.

He noted that "you will develop better communication skills as you realize that explaining your ideas is not so easy."

Facing rejection through sales calls can also change the way professionals perceive salespeople. Vembu stated that individuals who spend time attempting to sell a product may develop a deeper respect for those whose job involves interacting with customers and enduring rejection daily. He added, "You will develop respect for sales people. You may even become good at business!"

At the core of Vembu's advice is a fundamental truth: a business cannot thrive without customers and sales. Vembu wrote, "There is no such thing as a business without selling something. Sometimes the most obvious thing has to be said!" The essence of his message is clear: for those in technical fields entering the business world, learning to sell and face rejection is essential to building a successful business.