If you’re a motivated sales professional looking for the next big thing, a growing market sector that you can jump in early enough to make a difference and get a leg up on your competition, you need look no further the SaaS (software-as-a-service).

SaaS (or “on-demand” software) is the buzz term for any software application that can be accessed through a web browser, without having to download and/or install anything. You most likely use it often without even realizing it. Widely adopted SaaS applications include Salesforce.com, most recruiting solutions (Taleo), even consumer apps like Mint.com and Quickbooks (online version.)

The SaaS model makes sense because it’s a lot quicker, easier and cheaper for a company to adopt new technologies that are “hosted” (meaning the systems run on external servers that the users never see) then it is to purchase expense non-hosted applications. And there’s a solution for just about every business need out there.

So, what does this mean for salespeople?

It means that there’s tremendous opportunity out there, and early enough that you can learn the basics quickly and start making an impact today.

Here are the 5 reasons why SaaS makes sense for salespeople that are looking to maximize their income and sell something they can get excited about:

1. It’s cutting edge and everyone wants to learn about it

Just saying you work for a SaaS or cloud computing company is enough to get any business professional’s attention, before you even tell them specifically what problems your software solves. Savvy business leaders know that cloud based computing is the wave of the future and to stay ahead in their market, they need to learn all they can about it. Letting a prospect know early on that you work for a SaaS company will get you in the door much quicker then just about anything else these days — especially if you can work “how it can save you money” into your pitch. Which brings us to:

2. SaaS can help companies save money and make money

If you can’t explain in one sentence how what you are selling today can save a company money or help them make money, you are probably struggling to close deals — big time. There are dozens, if not hundreds of up and coming SaaS applications that are designed specifically to help companies save time and money, as well as make it. Salesforce.com is an easy example — by automating the sales processes, sales reps are able to manage and close prospective deals faster and more often, resulting in increased revenue for an organization. Coupa.com is an eProcurement and spend management solution that helps companies get a grip on their purchasing of goods and services, and get the best possible pricing while doing so. The list goes on.

Most importantly, and to quote Jeff Kaplan of ThinkStrategies and SaaS-Showplace, “because the SaaS vendor is responsible for operating the infrastructure that supports the application, businesses no longer have to pay for the servers, ancillary software, third-party consultants or in-house support staff to keep it up and running.” Just going with a SaaS solution (vs. traditional software) in and of itself saves a company money right off the bat!

3. Residual commissions

As a commission-based employee, there’s nothing worse then closing a bunch of big deals, having a killer month, being the hero for a week, and then starting the next month at zero again. Just about every on-demand application charges a monthly license fee — some companies look to collect a year’s worth of payments up front – but most customers demand quarterly if not monthly payments.

This means that you can close a deal, and move on to the next one, but know that you’ll collect commission on all previously closed deals each month. You’ll build a portfolio of accounts that continue to pay, on and on, and you’ll watch your “run rate” grow over time. The longer you stick with it, obviously, the higher that monthly residual number will grow.

4. You can do it from anywhere

On-demand software encourages us to operate in a virtual world, and many SaaS companies operate (at least in part) virtually, with employees spread all over the country (or world) depending on their function within the organization. As a sales rep, you’ll find yourself conducting web demos from home, e-mailing and speaking by phone with prospects, and doing it when it is convenient for you. The days of sitting in a lobby waiting 20 minutes for your prospect to come out and greet you are gone — decision makers don’t have the time to visit with sales people, and would rather just get the high point overview on a 15 minute call/demo. That frees you up to focus on lining up and closing more prospects, when and where you want.

5. Options

Probably the most exciting part about SaaS are the options available for you to choose from. If you spend enough time researching the market, you’ll find an on-demand solution for any business problem you can cook up — even ones you never thought existed. I spoke with a company today, BlueSkyLocal, who’s application helps restaurants capitalize on lost revenue on slow business days. Who would have thought?

This gives you choices — but stick to your knowledge base if you can. If your relationships are with CFOs and Finance/Accounting types, you may want to leverage that and stick to that vertical. Same with HR, Purchasing, Sales, Marketing, etc. — so many options to choose from. And the choices continue to grow as new problems are being solved every day by on-demand technology.

So if you are considering what direction to go with your sales career, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better space then SaaS. Spend some time reading the blogs and checking out the latest and greatest on-demand apps at directories like SaaS-Showplace or Dream Simplicity.

Find companies you can become passionate about, make connections, and start selling!