working in sales: a *brutally* honest Q&A | quotas, stigma, what i dislike

[@patv7023]

I’m so glad you addressed the impact of your job in the world bc I have never seen anyone else do that. I think about that constantly bc I don’t want to go to school my whole life just to contribute to the negatives of this world. You continue to be raw, empathetic, and insightful and I appreciate it so much

[@GreenStephh]

I’m in a career prep program for minorities and we just had a webinar last week with Adobe tech sales reps! Tech sales is definitely getting discussed more to college students, so thankful for your channel for introducing it to me!

[@tmc1373]

What's the name of it?

[@Fohnzii]

My Alma Mater has a partnership with SV Academy which I'm working with currently to get into tech sales.

[@estebansubaustesubauste3938]

@@Fohnzii how did it go?

[@Fohnzii]

@@estebansubaustesubauste3938 Hey it went great! I actually found an SDR position with Dun & Bradstreet that I'm starting on Monday before I even finished the program. I'm on week 6 currently and finishing up the internship with Talend which was a really great experience. I got familiar with an awesome tech stack that includes tools you might find on the job. Got to cold call prospects, email, video outreach, social media outreach, etc... The program managers are awesome, the community is helpful and driven, and the mentoring that I just started is really great too. The next steps after finishing the program would be to work with the Career Transition team (although I already got hired) and work with a career-development coach as well as just continue to network with other cohorts, alumni, job fairs, etc... Never hurts to be well connected.

[@jefflouie1312]

As someone currently taking a left turn in my career to break into tech, an industry I've realized I'm passionate for, I sincerely appreciate your honesty and counsel through all of your videos. Hope you keep the amazing content coming and all the best in your endeavours!

[@KiaraMadisen]

This video was so helpful! I was thinking about going into medical device sales and some of the reasons I was turned off by the field are things you described. Keep being awesome 💗

[@milorocky6960]

you probably dont give a shit but does someone know a method to get back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly lost the account password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me!

[@leonardlucian4175]

@Milo Rocky Instablaster =)

[@milorocky6960]

@Leonard Lucian thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and Im trying it out now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@milorocky6960]

@Leonard Lucian It worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thanks so much, you saved my account :D

[@leonardlucian4175]

@Milo Rocky you are welcome :D

[@natashad.5754]

loved the honesty in this, looking forward to part two

[@qnicole1679]

This was so interesting to watch because I used to work as a business development rep before I quit to work as a field manager for various political campaigns lol. I agree w/ sales' lack of diversity. I never felt like I was making a difference, either, and also I was surrounded by people who believed the exact opposite of what I did (politically, socially, etc.). I gotta say, though, working at non-profits doesn't bring the purpose you might think it does. It's mostly a lot of paperwork, stress, no-show interns, and red tape. It's being bogged down by bureaucracy and realizing there's nothing you can do about it. I've become disillusioned with it a bit; now I wonder if maybe keeping a less fulfilling but higher paying job in the end does greater good for the world, because you can fully allocate where that extra money/time/attention goes. Just some food for thought.

[@mancjo3]

Typical millennial review. “Don’t feel like making a difference” 😂😂 you getting paid is making a difference in your bank acc

[@qnicole1679]

@@mancjo3 did you not read my comment? that's exactly what I said..

[@Mualcaina]

Love these videos! Now that I recently graduated college, it was difficult to rebrand considering how a lot of my content focused on college and seeing how you gracefully transitioned your content, it’s really inspiring!

[@valeriehu5702]

thank you for sharing your experiences Kath! I’ve been watching your videos since you were at USC but never really commented and it’s been super cool to follow your journey from college to post grad life and I love how open and candid you are!

[@sarahmunroe355]

10:40 When you talk about how sales is not marketing to an abyss, this really spoke to me! I'm in marketing now but am frustrated that my social media posts and marketing emails seem less impactful than actually marketing directly to an individual. I don't care if my emails are seeing higher open rates, click-through rates, etc... I care that my actions resulted in a DEAL. Tangible, concrete wins are critical for my sense of fulfillment. I guess I need to go into sales too. :)

[@OiVinn-eq1ml]

This was probably the best video on sales. It hits everything & honestly

[@emmanuelmonteclar5370]

katherine I've looked up to you a lot for these past few years. Im in college rn and working in retail sales so at a super micro level i can relate LOL, and as a fellow pisces im not surprised that i agreed w a lot of what u said (i.e. dissonance w the capitalistic reality of it all, dealing w disappointment of not closing deals, etc.) Im a psych major but i think sales could be a career option for me, so thanks! really enjoyed your honesty haha!

[@TeneshiaEldridge]

I really appreciate you being transparent in this video!

[@SimplyMayaB1994]

This was pretty interesting for me. I'm working on my MA and hoping to get into academia one day, but as a plan B (and since I research digital culture anyways) I've been thinking about which jobs in tech could work for me as a non-programmer. Good to hear more about what it's like on the inside!

[@evelynengen600]

wow!! I’m a junior at USC majoring in business admin w/ an emphasis in sales! This video was so helpful because I’ve been interested in the tech industry and you also touched on the cultural significance which I totally felt. Loved your video!! ✌🏻

[@jcsodapop86]

14:47 this is something i have struggled thinking about for so long, feeling like i’m going to end up pushing capitalism in the corporate cog. but i definitely think what you said is so true! thanks for discussing your take on this

[@hailemenelik]

Great video! i’ve recently got out of sales for some of the same reasons you mentioned (mainly the dissonance) but have recently been reconsidering and this video has helped me with that!

[@louisamakeup2436]

I also work in sales but in England, we do res sales so like door to door in charities and energy, so im either saving people money or raising money for charities. Everyone at work is different and come from completely different background, and the best part is I didn't need to go to uni (college) to get this job and I love it!

[@tyler-path]

Have you met anyone who came from an accounting/Big4 firm background that ended up going into tech sales?

[@shakiras5679]

KATH FOR MY LUNCH BREAK? Ayyyy Also “theATRE??” Killed me. Also I don’t blame you for not working at a nonprofit! It is exhausting sometimes lol

[@kirbywitty3807]

I started tech sales in Austin this past summer and i relate to your videos so much lol.. Love the content!

[@earthangelmadd]

learning so much from these videos, thank you so much. determined to land my first SDR role this month and these have really helped me.

[@lolalillies]

Hey Madds, sounds like you would be an awesome fit for the tech sales program I'm currently in! Feel free to email me (contact is on my channel page). I'm more than happy to chat about my experience. Maddy

[@SamElle]

sales is something i was recommended to go in and try it!! however the sales i would do is more on the microbiology side because thats the field im currently in!

[@PapillonBleuNoir]

I really like you! How you communicate and how you think about things, and present them. You've really answered all the right questions in the right way. Awesome!

[@guestiestguest4048]

Your candor was so refreshing, thank you Katherine!

[@laurenhills239]

I’m graduating nursing school soon and it’s just not something I want to pursue anymore. Hopefully I can get into tech sales!!!

[@nicha1594]

I work in a version of sales for a resort and completely agree about the capitalism vs. producing resources/funds for the other employees, plus the tourism it brings to the city

[@levantaaaaaaaa]

I am using your videos to learn English and improve my listening skills. Thank you :)

[@raneemalzaben146]

Yay! Ive been waiting for a video like this because I am in medical device sales but I just started working from home and started my new job last week. I love your work routine videos! I would love to see some more!

[@princessrockz1000]

You are such a good role model ❤️

[@g6mogulthepeoplesmogul]

Love the internal and external impact. I lime that ! I help fund my coworkers

[@Kelleyo]

Love how you candid you are with your answers. Lots of people like to sugarcoat what their job is ~really~ like and I appreciate your transparency. I'm wondering how we can make the sales industry more diverse (recruitment?) but it seems to be a bigger issue/more systemic

[@ssssssssss13]

yaaay Katherine you’re one of my fav youtubers❣️

[@g6mogulthepeoplesmogul]

Great Q&A , 🎉❤ definitely appreciate it, especially about the quota part

[@Sophie-zp1tj]

I JUST finished an SDR interview here in Seattle and wished I would have seen this.

[@chrissybeverle]

Im also in marketing thinking about transitioning into sales. I was worried because i am more of an introvert but im glad that shouldn’t effect me too much as you say i am a good listener. Theres not that much money in marketing in uk honestly on average obviously not including multinationals

[@saleswithemily]

Thanks for sharing. The questions you have answered were all very key ones. Especially, I love you said that it is not like everyone hit quota every quarter. Because so many sales people only like to say how great they were doing, achieve 100%+ quota attainment and go to president's club (or whatever name it is in your company) just wondering where I can find part 2 of the video.

[@liamaaniable]

i have like no interest in going into sales but somehow you make it so interesting! love ur vids

[@createwithmeo.o]

Wuaw I looooved ur answer on how the job is not itself for a grater good but it serves its purpose etc. Like I am SO conscious about capitalism and corporate America, but also honestly and truly passionate about communication and helping people therefore sales. U just said it so perfectly. Thank u!

[@antoniopatete1853]

Your honest comments that is the reason I watched it till the end you were very genuine I learned something's from you thank you.

[@NaseemLarson]

there are a few things you mention that I agree with you on and disagree. I used to work in software sales for 10+ years and yes it is true, you have to be ambitious and a self-starter but you also need to be comfortable with taking criticism and following metrics/KPI's on a daily basis from upper management. Software sales is cut throat and it requires mental toughness!

[@emmartherandomer]

Loved the honesty of this video- thank you 😊

[@Carla-de2sz]

That is awesome that you found this job at a career fair!! I actually looked into Adobe's tours, and they don't really go to many CSU, only UCs :(

[@TheNb0601]

Just started an internship working at a fellow tech giant, but in marketing. When you started talking about the capitalistic flaw of our jobs... yeah I felt that 👁👄👁

[@musiccouturexo]

Do you have a corporate matching program for donations? You can have your followers venmo you the money so you can max the corporate matching program and have our collective dollars stretch out more!

[@kc0tlh]

Love the unfiltered hot takes!

[@chriscardoso]

Do you have any advice for someone 3-4 years out of college wanting to get into entry level tech and feeling like every job application just falls in a black hole and never hearing anything?

[@ExploreLearnEnglishWithGeorge]

everybody uses the term "marketing" loosely...especially as it entails almost everything a company does

[@CaseyZhao]

kat i love this video so much! its so informational and i like how you pinpoint the lack of diversity (glad to recognize that and see a problem with it) (-:

[@tmc1373]

Can you work tech sales remotely only?

[@Alexia-kx7dq]

Thanks for being so honest!

[@pizzaearthpancakesandother2549]

The ABCs of sales: A- Always B- Be C- Closing COFFEE IS FOR CLOSERS ONLY

[@jesusbalderas329]

♥️💸💸💸

[@Reverendpluto]

I have an interview tomorrow with a sales apprenticeship program and this was so helpful, thank you!!!

[@ciaobella8941]

Where can I get a sales internship in FLorida?

[@Reverendpluto]

@@ciaobella8941 just check LinkedIn

[@sustainabilityaxis]

Nice, a very honest view of the situation. Thanks

[@aperson-vv1hu]

Few years later... I sometimes still come from this channel from that story booth video...

[@haddys2425]

you are so well-spoken!

[@rosereed2833]

What are you doing to increase diversity in tech sales?

[@ivanfausto8937]

I have no experience in sales at all. Is this something I can get into without experience or degree?

[@hm2332]

sales people keep the lights on and of course with the help on the rest of the team.

[@jonahsd1818]

So do you think I could get into sales only having my associates degree or do most jobs not care ?

[@lolalillies]

From my experience, I've seen people without degrees get into the tech sales industry. It's more to do with your skills and prior experience that you can apply to the job. Feel free to message me if you'd like to chat more about my experience!

[@Lanae8199]

Is tech sales stressful? Do you can you work remotely doing it?

[@googlesecurity2955]

Ive never been described so exactly. If this aint for me I dont know what is.

[@Tania_shine_bright]

Thank you for sharing your experience 👌💫

[@thequietstorm12]

I love that Keke Palmer meme 🤣🤣

[@64roddan]

Hi Katherine, first of all just wanted to say that this was an awesome and helpful video! In general, I have found your videos very helpful and encouraging. Just a quick question though: regarding what you were saying about lack of diversity, is that true just for tech sales, or do you think that it is an issue in the tech industry in general?

[@clearancejohn]

great video! Thank you so much!

[@anamirovic1028]

Hi Katherine, thank you for SUCH an informative video! I have a question regarding pivoting into tech sales- something I've been exploring for a while. I currently work for a University (in donor relations at the Assistant Director level). Do you have any idea if/ how I could make the switch into tech sales (specifically, at what level I could come into)? From what you've spoken on here, I recognized that a lot of my skills would be better suited in this industry than a non-profit. Thanks in advance!

[@TheTashaXD]

What would you say are the easiest jobs to get into business? I’m a business marketing major and scared I won’t find a job.

[@ownitaddict]

Can someone succeed in tech sales jobs in smaller towns / cities?

[@margherita6075]

I work in sales in Italy, it is pretty different from your job but the concept is the same. I totally relate to everything you said, for me it is especially difficult as a 25 year old woman to be taken seriously, but I try my best everyday and it is very rewarding when people tell me they’re happy with my products and give my number to other companies so I can increase my business. 0% of my salary is guaranteed because I am self-employed and have an agreement with my company, so I feel the “fire up my ass” you’re talking about every. single. day. Working in the cardboard industry I have to close sooo many deals everyday to earn decent money and I can’t miss anything but what worries me the most is that I won’t get any help when I will have kids. I still wouldn’t give this job up for the world so I am sure I’ll manage somehow. The pressure is high and neverending but I feel so lucky that I have this job when people my age and older here are still at their parents’ house with their degree(s) waiting for at least one opportunity. Anyway, thank you for sharing this, I’m subscribing for more content I can relate to 100% 😂

[@Charlie-vh9xr]

It’s not a true sales position but a customer and sales support position but not real sales. Think about it. The AE role outbound would be more of a truer tech sales job!

[@theecon867]

Do you have any advice for sales internships?

[@amazonseller-yf8vv]

A lack of diversity is a good thing in many cases as long as it's a relfection of the small percentage of diverse applicants who apply. Descrimiation is illegal, and therefore if that's happening then companies should be held accountable, but a lack of diversity is often a relection of the type of people who apply not descrimiation on the part of the people doing the hiring. We live in a free socity and there for we shouldn't try to prefent minorities from working in sales, however the opposite is also true that we should try to push minorities into sales just to make ourselves feel good that there is more diversity in the work place. Otherwise this can lead to a diversity hiring policy simlar to what many companies in silcone valley have, where they intentioinally give preference to anyone who's not a straight white male, just because they wish to make the work place look more diverse. An HR department should't be seeking to hire more minorities to make the work place look diverse, they should be seeking the absolute best candidates regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. I personally worked in construction for many years and I can say there is an extreme lack of female and sexual minorites in those jobs, but it's reflection of the fact that most wormen and sexaul minorites would never apply for those jobs, and that's totally understandable. In a free society people need to be free to apply for any job they wish and they also need to be free not to apply and except the fact that people from certain backgrous often gravitate towards certain carreers.

[@robd1859]

You left out the most important question of all. You didn't tell us how much you make and what your. Commission structure is and you're bonus and bisalary and how long you've been at the company. Give us some numbers. !

[@richardyoon1]

always helpful :)

[@FrigginRights]

Wow what an amazing and detailed list of dislikes that 100% apply to a sales position lmao

[@stephalvia5360]

Great content!!

[@adzlyfe8592]

I rediscovered you after like 3 years....woah...last I watched was your Disneyland vlog I guess

[@dalilah444_]

Thanks for this!

[@ammarif618]

I'm here again

[@tiafayed7545]

You are the best person on this app

[@lisabrooks178]

do you see yourself staying in tech sales for the foreseeable future?

[@RonCecchetti]

I'm glad to see a woman talking about it. Seems like it was all bros

[@duskshadow25]

It might be harder for people that isn't a minority in the U.S. to notice white privilege, but it is a big issues as you go higher in positions in the work industry. Sales don't align with my interest, but I do know it is very skewed toward white males in high authority position in the United States. This also include non-sales related jobs, but for the most part in term of high authoritative positions it is mostly white males.

[@87cakeface]

Yes I 1000000% agree. Not to mention, those white males then pass on connections to their white male friends and families and the circle grows within that

[@87cakeface]

Dale Ritter yeah so that then they are forced to drop out? Because they can’t keep up? Hmmm

[@87cakeface]

Dale Ritter haha okay thanks

[@lamzy3773]

@Dale Ritter Wtf? What state or country do you live that admits based on colour?

[@lamzy3773]

@@87cakeface What are you talking about???

[@dashab863]

lol I was a theatre major and now I am in Sales

[@KyleRoberts22]

this needs time stamps

[@NotA_____Supremacist]

what's an even more faker major is a music major of a particular medium...

[@alexwyler4570]

should you tell the people regularly throughout your video to destroy the like button to help with the youtube algorithm? since your talk was about tech sale, i thought that was a good time to bring it up...

[@sundaemamax2]

Okay- we need to be friends or at least in the same network :)

[@Jasper-ql3te]

best tech sales degrees?

[@declanmellor2244]

Do you work at a fortune 500 company, and if so what letter does it start with?😂

[@faithlovlet]

How are you doing as far your thyroid??

[@alexc2265]

How are the hours?

[@shelleyn2884]

so informative thank you

[@EthanNoble]

excellent video. Real af. Helped me a pot

[@peterherman1477]

I’m 21 and I never went to school. Do I still have a good chance of getting into this career? Do you recommend any skills I should learn to stand out on applications?

[@emmyclark8763]

Great video :)

[@hushplush5242]

The amount of ads..

[@elliehiggins1006]

This video is exactly what I need right now since I work in sales. I sell Cutco Knives

[@bjmartinphotography]

Actually females have an edge, my friend who is a pretty good salesperson and he's a male and he says females always have an edge in getting a leg in the door and they are his competitor. Same thing in medical sales.

[@APosMMEBERLITZ]

How old are you?