The Ideal Career Path in Tech Sales

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#techsales #B2BSales #SaaSSales #SDRJobs #BDRJobs

[@s3rgioooo]

Really excited I found your channel! Trying to transition from real estate sales to SaaS sales and have been having a hard time. Made it to 2 final interviews but didn’t get either /: super disheartening. Most recent was today actually at a Proptech startup, everything was going great until the roleplay SMH totally folded. Doubting I’ll get the job after that performance. Haven’t explored your channel just yet would love common objection handling vids or some live role play perhaps. Pretty down on myself for not nailing that roleplay but I’m not giving up

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Was it cold call or a discovery call role play?

[@s3rgioooo]

It was a cold call with a V suite exec

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@s3rgioooo Got it, we'll try to make a cold call video specific to interviews. Why do you think it didn't go well?

[@s3rgioooo]

No excuses just a bad cold call roleplay and couldn’t generate enough curiosity to set an appointment. Simple objections like what’s this about, I’m in a meeting, we already have this covered.

[@theblackpuma9]

Were you going for an SDR or account executive?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

▶Take our free tech sales course: app.higherlevels.com/c/tech-sales-mini-course ▶Break Into Tech Sales (Tech Sales Ascension): www.higherlevels.com/ascension ▶Become a top peforming SDR & Get Promoted to AE (SDR Accelerator): www.higherlevels.com/sdr-accelerator

[@TruthfulOnly]

Underrated channel

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Appreciate it!

[@shanna9579]

I’m a teacher in my 30s. Can I transition to tech sales?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Hey Shanna, definitely possible, my brother actually just did the same thing this year! That said it took a bit to learn about the process and he ultimately broke into an ed-tech company selling to schools. Just keep a longer-term perspective as it is a process that may take 3-6 months. If you're open to it feel free to send me an email at [e-mail] and I can connect you both and he can connect you with other teachers who have done the same. Also if you have any other questions let me know!

[@deidrascott8871]

Yes! Check out Course Careers!

[@mark22390]

currently a software quality engineer and wondering if SE is a better fit, def seems to have a higher ceiling. Wonder if anyone else has made that move from QA to SE or Software dev to SE

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Hey Pedro I interviewed Devon who went from engineering to SDR and ultimate sales engineering: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYDWZJada8l3kMk Highly recommend taking a look and his LinkedIn is in the description. He's a really knowledgeable resource. And yes you are likely right about the upside. Is there any opportunity within your own company to become an SE? Perhaps you can reach out to an SE manager and ask them about how you could prepare to transition to that role. Let me know if you have any questions I can help with

[@angelbenitez8035]

thanks

[@jireh9635]

Hey Guji, I'm 24 from Singapore and currently working as a digital marketing account manager. Yet to try applying for SDR roles as I'm taking on a part-time degree in marketing but would rather spend the time and money on more relevant tech sales courses and experiences. Taking the degree as I believe it would be a pre-requisite to landing an interview at MNCs like Google. Wanted to get your opinion on the best way to land an Account strategist/ AE / SDR role at MNCs? Appreciate your time and response (:

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks for reaching out! If you are interested in tech sales courses, we have a course dedicated for folks trying to break into tech sales: www.gujirecruiting.com/tech-sales-coaching Pending how much experience you have in digital marketing, you may be able to push for an AE role out of the gate. If you have any further questions on our course or otherwise feel free to reach out! Thanks.

[@saleswithemily]

Hi my fellow Singaporean, "Taking the degree as I believe it would be a pre-requisite to landing an interview at MNCs like Google." - it is not necessarily true else where in the world, but in Singapore's job market, I would say almost all the people applying for those SDR role are already bachelor degree holders. I knew Asher Chua who did polytechnic then went to SMU after NS, so that is about the market condition. "Wanted to get your opinion on the best way to land an Account strategist/ AE / SDR role at MNCs?" - first of all, the order is SDR ->AE ( I am not sure what is account strategist, never heard of such role, "Strategic Account Manager" Yes.) Best way I guess is to look for those internship in your year 3 or 4 of Uni, and get some experience, so when you graduate you are better than those fresh grad. There are plenty of those internship on LinkedIn. Wish you all the best! I have this newsletter for people looking to be SDR/BDR/AE www.linkedin.com/newsletters/sdr-bdr-a-career-in-tech-sales-6952566069756624896/

[@maximilianoibarra9747]

Do you think it is a good idea to change jobs in these times of recession, or is it too risky?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

I'm not sure I would make a move right now unless it's going to a very large company that likely is immune from layoffs. I'm sure some may disagree but that is my take. There are still plenty of job openings for the time being.

[@dariusballou777]

I’m in car sales looking at getting into tech sales what’s the playbook? Is course careers worth it?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

hey Darius, I recommend Higher Levels: www.higherlevels.com/ascension Sam went from car sales to tech sales: www.higherlevels.com/testimonials/samuel-hurtado And we've supported several other students. Additionally, many like Jacob took both course careers and Higher Levels, this was his feedback: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpScnoKMZ7Odg80 Let me know what questions I can help with

[@samyuerulagann7447]

Hey Guji, I'm actually in college studying mechanical engineering and thinking to transfer into Tech Sales.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks for reaching out! Glad to hear you're thinking about it already, it will be much easier mentally to change right into sales out of school. If you're not aware, we have a bootcamp dedicated to STEM professionals that you may find a lot of value in: www.gujirecruiting.com/tech-sales-coaching. This would include direct access to me weekly, and talks about how to take your experience and mold it to tech sales. How soon will you be graduating and looking for a tech sales job?

[@enhancedutility266]

Any chance for a 33 old guy with some college no degree but is very adept to sales and customer service.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

What kind of sales experience do you have and what kind of tech do you want to sell? You'd likely want to look into SDR roles but its definitely possible.

[@enhancedutility266]

@@techsales-higherlevels I have limited sales experience but I mostly did customer service at a retailer I would sell any tech sophisticated or not. But I have my customers that say that I have very good communication and interpersonal skills when it comes to talking about the particular products that I do sell at my store so that's a reason why I'm looking into doing sales and tech sales for the potential high income.

[@enhancedutility266]

@@techsales-higherlevels also thank you for taking your time to responding to my comment I appreciate it.

[@enhancedutility266]

@@techsales-higherlevels I've also looked into SDR and I came to that same conclusion myself I just wanted your take and I really appreciate it

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@enhancedutility266 No problem, it's definitely possible to break in. I'd just be really targeted with your applications and message managers directly etc... Come to them showing you've already done research on the company and B2B sales and they're willing to take you seriously. Degrees arguably don't matter at startups or only at ones where it is highly highly technical. There are tons of folks that would take a chance on you, but again go out of your way to show them your interest in their company, not just sales as a whole. Any particular topics I could make future videos on for your reference? We're starting to work towards interview/application based vids. I'd also recommend checking out the long video we made that is a complete guide to resume and LinkedIn creation for tech sales: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4mlaH-kgbSln9E

[@eashaniyengar3681]

I have the following offer for an SDR role at a series c tech startup in the bay area: 80k OTE (52k base, 28k commission) and 2500 shares of equity. Commission is uncapped, but the pay is still low for the SF/Bay Area. How would you suggest negotiating this offer?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Do you have other offers you can leverage or is this your only one? How does that offer compare with glassdoor data? Do you get the sense they are interviewing other candidates? If you have built up rapport and want the job you could consider something like 'I really appreciate this offer. Given I'd be based in the Bay Area I would love to move forward and accept the offer if you would consider an OTE of (INSERT DESIRED OTE). If you can provide more details to the questions above I can provide more specific feedback. If you can do that on the phone though they would definitely respect it and you could handle objections in real time.

[@eashaniyengar3681]

@@techsales-higherlevels Thanks so much for your reply! I compiled averages from various sources (Glassdoor, Indeed, BuiltinSF, etc.). After averaging the avg. total compensation for an SDR in SF and Palo Alto from Glassdoor, I calculated around 88k/yr. However, I did the same for BDR and it came out to 94k/yr; BDR is now what my role is listed as on their careers page. To answer your other questions, I don't have any other offers right now, and they mentioned that I was chosen over some other candidates for one of a few spots they have for SDRs/BDRs on the team. I am still waiting on a written offer from them, but I would like to be prepared to negotiate appropriately in the event it gets to that stage this week. Also, does negotiating OTE imply that I would like an increase in my base salary? Thanks :)

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@eashaniyengar3681 It's all negotiable. If you decide to negotiate I would just come in with a firm ask of total OTE and how you want it broken up between base and commission. It sounds like you're in good standing but also if there is a benefit to just taking the job versus negotiating for ~10k OTE more than that's worth considering. Keep me posted if you have any more questions but in either case just come prepared, and also its best to have that conversation on the phone. Doesn't hurt to practice while you're driving, doing chores, etc...

[@eashaniyengar3681]

@@techsales-higherlevels thanks so much for your perspective! I will keep you posted on how it goes :)

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@eashaniyengar3681 No problem! I also made a video about it for you and everyone's reference that went live this morning. Hope it helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/goq3iKqXiZmmmsk

[@drj-pi9ob]

I have a question for you.. If someone has 20plus yrs in sale's but no degree, or cert , can one still break into tech?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Definitely possible especially with extensive sales experience. Just ensure you know the differences between the sales you were doing and B2B tech sales

[@drj-pi9ob]

@@techsales-higherlevels yeah b2b is different im sure! Thank you for responding to all my comment's btw! I've been checking out tech sales for some time on KZbin now

[@focuslofi]

How should I transition from tech recruiting to tech sales? I currently work for a tech recruiting agency, but want to transition to sales

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Have you already started looking? What is your target job? SDR? Any companies you're looking at specifically?

[@focuslofi]

I have been passively looking, but not applying. I would love to work with a startup or mid-market company. Would the path start as an SDR or BDR and then move into an account executive role? I wouldn’t think tech recruiting is sufficient experience to move right into a account exec role, but maybe I’m wrong

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@focuslofi Most likely SDR as you mentioned. Keep me posted as you ramp up your application efforts, happy to help with any questions you have.

[@dragonboy87ify]

@@focuslofiI’ve just made the transition from tech recruitment happy to help

[@sandtanmaroon]

where do you find jobs with start ups?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

LinkedIn, Repvue, Bravado

[@sandtanmaroon]

@@techsales-higherlevels Thanks so much. I have over a year of combined experience with telemarketing sales. Right now I do event sales with my specialty in tech events. Should I keep working to get more experience or start applying to tech sales jobs now? Thanks again!

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@sandtanmaroon start now, no reason to wait

[@edmarican]

hey guji! im eddy from singapore. i am currently doing telesales at Citigroup Investment bank. my ideal pathway is to transit to tech sales one day . is working in telesales , gaining experience a relevant field and also resume booster to enter tech sales. Do advice thank you🙏

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Yes that is good experience, take a look at our resume bootcamp and make sure you're properly displaying your experience in the context of tech sales. I go into depth on how to do this here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4mlaH-kgbSln9E Thanks for watching!

[@justinepaolatarga4642]

Hi, I’m very interested to transition into tech sales. I come from healthcare background and from the UK. Do you think there’s a lot of opportunities that are remote?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

There are lots of opportunities in the UK relative to the rest of Europe. Many European sales teams are based in the UK and there is a large amount of fintech companies in the UK. Do you have a specific type of tech or company you're hoping to work for?

[@justinepaolatarga4642]

@@techsales-higherlevels Thank you for your quick response! I’m still at this very early stage where I don’t know anything about tech sales but I’m slowly learning from free online courses and seeing if this is something I might like in the future so I haven’t really thought of or researched a specific tech company yet.

[@saleswithemily]

@@justinepaolatarga4642 Hi Justine, since you mentioned UK and switching from other industry, I thought Matt Tizzard's video maybe very relevant www.youtube.com/@Matt_Tizzard.

[@zu3u]

Do you think they are going to hire you if you have an accent? I'm from Eastern Europe, I have experience in sales but I don't know any sales people in tech who don't speak native English

[@techsales-higherlevels]

I haven't been a position where I've hired anyone, however, if your interview goes well I don't think they would have concerns about accents so long as you are very fluent in English. Even within the US there are many accents depending on where you are from. Have you had any resistance to it?

[@ernestot55]

2 year exp in phone retail store, no degree, realized b2c is a dead end low paying field. Trying move into b2b tech sdr position. But just don’t know if my exp is just enough. Any thoughts or advice?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Have you already started to apply to SDR roles?

[@ernestot55]

@@techsales-higherlevels I applied to one and got rejected but probably due to bad resume. After that I fixed some details but haven’t applied yet. I just wonder if even if it is possibly would I be able to land a good entry paying job at least better then what I have now.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@ernestot55 I'd highly recommend this video that we made detailing in depth (with templates) how to make a tech sales resume: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4mlaH-kgbSln9E That should be a good start. Also make sure you do research on what discovery calls are in tech sales, and continue to learn about the companies you are interested in and B2B sales as a whole

[@ernestot55]

@@techsales-higherlevels I appreciate your time and I will give that a shot. B2B will def be a life changer for the good

[@krystalmarie5637]

Hello, do you think it’s necessary to have a degree in order to get a job in tech sales? How do think this career will hold up during the recession/depression? Also, is this a career path that you can do remote? Thanks

[@techsales-higherlevels]

You don't need a degree to get your foot in the door, particularly with startups or fast growing companies. Great sellers will always be employed even in a recession, and often are some of the first headcount added back as companies try to emerge from a recession (always dependent on ability/timing/etc...) Most roles are hybrid or fully remote, particularly once you have experience. Are you looking into tech sales?

[@krystalmarie5637]

@@techsales-higherlevels Hello, thanks for your speedy response. Yes, definitely exploring tech sales as an option to pursue a new career path.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@krystalmarie5637 Nice, we have tons of content around tech sales so feel free to take full advantage of all of the info. We also have a Bootcamp with direct coaching from myself and the co-creator of the course if you get to the point where it's worth having dedicated coaches. If you have any questions feel free to reach out [e-mail]

[@ur_fav_darkskin]

Ik it’s possible to brake into tech sales without a degree, but which degree would you recommending getting in order to make it easier to get your foot in the door

[@techsales-higherlevels]

While it can be difficult, the ideal path would either be a STEM degree major with a business minor, or a business major with a minor in computer science. The biggest thing I'd recommend is getting sales internship/co-op experience during your time in school regardless of what your major is. Are you preparing to go to university now?

[@ur_fav_darkskin]

@@techsales-higherlevels Ok thx, and no I’m not prepared to go to university now I still have a few years of highschool left lol. I’m just curious about tech sales because becoming an enterprise account executive seems like a really cool career

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@ur_fav_darkskin It's a great career if you're cut out for it and willing to play the long game. It's great you're thinking about it this early. Best advice would be as mentioned in my previous comment, and also try to get an internship at a very reputable company. You have plenty of time to figure it out, but even knowing that before you go to college is more awareness than I had. Let me know if you have any questions in the future!

[@ur_fav_darkskin]

@@techsales-higherlevels Ok, thx so much for the advice!

[@yahwehkno]

Hey Eric how do you feel about course careers?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

I actually interviewed their founder Troy (video coming) and recently partnered with Course careers. It's a great option especially if you're looking for a college alternative and/or guided course walking through the process. They have a lot of success stories, but like anything, you get out of it what you put into it. If you're committed to breaking in I think it's a great option and after speaking with him, Troy truly has walked the walk and is legit. Additionally if you havent seen, you can use code 'ERICF50' for $50 off. If you have any other questions let me know!

[@yahwehkno]

@Tech Sales With Eric awesome been watching alot of your videos regarding breaking and scaling into tech

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@yahwehkno Thanks for watching, if you have any questions in the future let me know!

[@yahwehkno]

@Tech Sales With Eric lol I will I'd like to hit u up for a one-on-one session if possible

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@yahwehkno check the description of my videos - you can book a 1 on 1 session there

[@Ashkan547]

3,5 months as SDR? Congrats, but I wouldn't advise anyone to do that. There's no way you have mastered the role to teach others once you're an AE.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Completely disagree Philipp as I had 2 years engineering experience supporting key accounts and running calls as an SE. I do agree someone completely new to the workforce would probably need more time. I also won president's club both years at that company after being promoted and was the global #1 AE for our cloud product. I was $250k short of outselling our entire company by myself. Thanks for watching and good luck to you!

[@Ashkan547]

@@techsales-higherlevels and how does "2 years engineering experience supporting key accounts and running calls as an SE" teach you to do outbound or qualify inbound leads? Thanks for the show-off btw, that's what people in our industry usually do when they get lucky 😉 Some humility would suit you well! Good luck

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@Ashkan547 you know me so well! Thanks for contributing!

[@JohnPaulInvesting]

@@Ashkan547 sales is a people skill, some people are naturally better aside from professional experience and everyone can agree that ALL sales has a degree of luck involved. Quit being a hater and make your own KZbin videos and make your own points. Yes I make my own videos too. I’m an SDR 2 at a tech company and on track to be a commercial AE very soon. All in 12 months.