But let's do a deeper dive, specifically what does a sales manager do? Firstly, they set goals and objectives. The sales manager must also translate strategic plan goals, and strategies, and tactics into actionable goals for the sales team. Generally, this task can be broken down into two components. One, a sales manager must set overall sales goals for the organization. Two, a sales manager must break overall goals into individual product territory in sales goals. Secondly, a sales manager determines sales force size and structure, they are an organizational specialist, that is they must determine the optimal size of a sales force and how it is to be structured. Part of this might include developing sales territories. Key to this task is a solid understanding of a firm's customers and their respective needs. Next, the sales manager recruits, selects, and trains the sales force. In order to achieve a firm sales goals, one has to have a very high performing sales team. The sales manager must recruit, select, and train these individuals. Turnover of a sales force is a fact of life, and this particular aspect of a sales manager's job is an ongoing function. The key here is to pay careful attention to recruitment, selection, and training to minimize sales turnover. Another duty of the sales manager is to estimate demand and sales. As part of the overall firm planning and control, a sales manager must estimate anticipated sales. Part of this task involves being able to estimate demand for a firm's product. Next, the sales manager compensates, motivates, and leads. They serve as the leader of the sales force. The sales manager must motivate his team to achieve the corporation sales goals. Compensation is a big part of sales force motivation and a sales manager develops and administers the compensation program. Another duty of the sales manager is to evaluate performance, a sales manager must evaluate their sales force in terms of their individual performance. Sales is a direct connection to the firm's revenue and a sales manager must examine sales performance on a regular basis. Part of that evaluation involves individual salesperson analysis. If a salesperson chronically does not achieve goals, a sales manager must diagnose and remedy the situation. Lastly, the sales manager must sell. Most sales managers come from the ranks of working sales professionals, and generally speaking, tend to excel at sales. Often a sales manager leads by example.