Becoming a Sales Professional: An Apprentice’s Diary
Hi, I’m Maria Deben Amparan.
This piece is very close to my heart. It reflects what I’ve learned as a sales apprentice, not just about sales, but about people, connection, and the quiet power of belonging.
Belonging is more than a word, it’s a smile that lifts a day, a hug that says: “You’re not alone”, a presence that whispers: “I’m here for you.”
It’s what keeps us moving forward through peak operations, personal challenges, and the toughest times.
When I first joined as a sales apprentice, I wasn’t sure if I would ever feel like I truly belonged. Everything was new: the systems, language, expectations, and at times it felt overwhelming. I was learning, studying and trying to prove myself all at once. There were days when I asked myself: “Do I really fit in here?”
Discovering belonging
Belonging doesn’t happen overnight; it comes in small, quiet moments. For me, it started with simple gestures:
- A colleague who shared advice without judgment.
- A manager who believed in my potential.
- A team that welcomed my endless questions (and there have been a lot: thank you for your patience!).
Those moments made me feel seen and reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this journey.
Belonging in action
Belonging and sharing have helped me build meaningful relationships. I’ve found good friends, people who walk beside me and are there when I need them. I’ve met the most amazing team who never hesitate to cheer me up when I’m having a hard day. I am, and will always be, there for them too.
Because belonging is a reciprocal connection: you give, and you receive something that helps you keep going.
I feel my presence is meaningful. I am not just a salesperson; I am a friend, an advisor, a partner. Someone who shows up quietly… or sometimes a little loudly, depending on what is needed! I never hesitate to share my perspective, my feelings, my help, my support and to be present. I care deeply, and that drives me to go the extra mile, both personally and professionally.
Belonging has awakened my competitive spirit and my sense of shared purpose. It pushes me to give everything to achieve mine, my team’s and the organisation’s goals.
Belonging and the bigger picture
An organisation is like a machine and we are its engine. Every part matters and each of us is a critical piece that keeps the whole system moving.
When one-part struggles, the machine slows down, but when we work together, aligned and connected, the engine runs smoothly and powerfully.
Belonging is what makes this possible; it’s the oil that reduces friction, the spark that ignites collaboration. Alone, we can function, but together, we create momentum that drives the entire organisation forward.
We need each other, not just to meet targets, but to thrive as people, teams, and as a company. When every piece works in harmony, the machine doesn’t just move; it accelerates.
Facing hard times together: peak operations
When hard times come, like peak operations during Christmas, a lot of us are affected. The company prepares for it in advance: plans and changes are put in place to face the challenge.
Flexibility is something we all need to adopt, but the reality is that behind every professional in an organisation, there is a personal story and challenge.
Some people face separation from their loved ones, others feel lonely and struggle to find motivation while still meeting work demands. There are colleagues dealing with health issues, grief over the loss of someone important, or stressed with university work.
We all face challenges in different ways, but when we belong and share a connection, things become a little easier. It helps us keep going, to support others, even if we don’t know all the details.
Sometimes, just sharing a smile, offering moral support, or bringing a moment of joy can make a difference.
For me, during a very personal tough time, receiving a hug was the thing that showed me I am not alone, and I don’t need to be!
These small acts of care are gifts we can give and receive, no matter what.
Presence with customers
Sometimes, during conversations, we discover that customers are facing difficult times, personal challenges, business struggles, or moments of uncertainty.
In those situations, what matters most isn’t just the product or the service; it’s presence. Listening without rushing, showing empathy, and offering support that feels genuine.
A kind word, patience, or simply being there can make a difference. You don’t need to solve everything; you just need to care.
Because in those moments, connection matters more than any transaction.
The power of presence
You don’t need to know everything, or change your life, or be special. You just need to be, because presence is the most important thing.
A gesture, joke, smile, hug, moment, celebration, dance, song, meal, or simply a coffee. But you need to want it, and it should come from your heart. Words may fade, but moments are special and meaningful.
Giving to receive
Belonging isn’t given, it’s built through actions. When we give, we receive. A smile, a word of encouragement, a moment of care, these small gestures create bonds that help us face challenges together.
That’s the quiet power of belonging.
I am here for you, always. Because belonging is about giving and receiving, about walking together through challenges and celebrating wins. It’s about showing up, caring deeply, and never hesitating to support others. That’s what makes us stronger as individuals and also as a team.
Belonging isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence.
Show up with care. Speak with honesty. Give without expectation.
Because when we give, we receive. When we belong, we become.
And when we care, we create spaces where growth isn’t limited to roles or titles: it’s human.
Belonging isn’t something we find. It’s something we build.
One gesture. One conversation. One act of kindness at a time.
What does belonging mean to you at work? How do you create it for others? Share your thoughts by commenting on my post; I’d love to learn from you!
ISP learning path: Building belonging through learning
Belonging isn’t just about feelings, it’s also about skills that help us connect, support and grow together. ISP offers training that strengthens these foundations:
- Customer Engagement & Experience: Learn how to create meaningful interactions that go beyond transactions.
- Teamwork & Selling as a Team: Collaboration builds trust and belonging within your organization.
- Managing Meetings & Communication Skills: Presence and empathy start with listening and understanding.
- Negotiation & Relationship Building: These modules teach how to balance goals with care and respect.
When we combine technical skills with human connection, we create workplaces where belonging thrives.