SALESPEOPLE ARE crucial to the success of any business because, no matter how good the product or service, revenue will dry up unless someone gets out there to sell it.
That maxim applies even when the overall economy is accelerating steadily and explains why companies in Hong Kong - in virtually every sector - are on the hunt for good salespeople to help them capitalise on the opportunities for growth in a buoyant market.
'Demand for talented sales professionals is high at all levels and in all industries,' said Anthony Thompson, managing director for Hong Kong and Southern China at Michael Page International.
Retailers, banks, insurance and logistics companies were among those hiring in the final quarter of last year when, according to the Census and Statistics Department, the overall unemployment rate held at a six-year low of 4.4 per cent.
Government data on employment distribution also show that sales-related roles now account for 10.8 per cent of workers in the wholesale and retail trades, 16.3 per cent in import and export, 9.7 per cent in real estate and business services and 7.4 per cent in restaurants and hotels.
Demand for staff in the retail sector was particularly strong, with December sales of HK$21.5 billion representing an 8.1 per cent increase over November and an 11.5 per cent jump over the corresponding month in 2005.