Why I Do Tech Sales (And You Shouldn't)

[@techsales-higherlevels]

▶Take our free tech sales course: app.higherlevels.com/c/tech-sales-mini-course ▶Break Into Tech Sales in 6 Weeks: www.higherlevels.com/ascension?via=youtube

[@Bubarros]

Hi @techsaleswitheric ! I recently found your channel any many thanks for your videos. I'm just trying to access your course and I can't. It says "This site can’t be reached". Does it have any type of country limit (I'm in Brazil) or is just a temporary website error? I appreciate if you can return :)

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@Bubarros are you still receiving the error? It has been working for me. Let me know and feel free to email me at [e-mail] if there's something wrong!

[@secryptic]

I left university in my second year while studying to become an accountant, realizing that career wasn't for me. I landed my first job as a sales executive at an internet provider, but after eight months, I decided to pursue a career in SaaS sales. After two months of searching, I found a company willing to take a chance on me. Now, at 20 years old, I work 100% remotely, set my own hours, and travel whenever I want. If you enjoy talking to people and prospecting, sales is definitely the way to go.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Congrats!

[@taivlok2530]

How was your experience as a sales exec? I’m between that and going to university at the moment; I’m having a discussion with an employer soon and honestly if I’m accepted I’m tempted to opt for the job over studying sports therapy at university

[@boredguy5805]

You don't really get to set your own hours in tech sales though, as you need to work whenever your potential clients are going to be working. That's one of the things I dislike about this career as opposed to being something like a Software Engineer

[@Shreddy1]

I’d love to have a conversation about how you transitioned to that role if your open to it, I’m 7 years into direct sales looking to join saas sales

[@boredguy5805]

@@Shreddy1 You will probably have to start as an sdr/bdr, apply to those roles. You'll definitely get interviews

[@RyanDeSalvo]

1.) I completely agree with having some emergency savings in the bank. In my other career, living below my means really reduced my stress knowing I could walk away from my job or get canned and it’d have minimal repercussions. 2.) Taking time off is so valuable, it gives you clarity and allows for personal growth. I would say that needs to all be an intentional goal though. 3. Long term mindset for the win! Increased video production quality is noticed! For those not in his course, I joined and it’s legit. Cheers,

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks Ryan!

[@thedavidwells]

Software Engineer for the last 10+ years. Countless people have told me over the years I should be in sales. Countless people have been surprised to find out I'm an engineer and not in sales just based on my personality type. Finally in a position to explore this path after Intuit closed multiple office and laid off 10% of the workforce. I just wanted to say that I identify with what you said in SO many ways. It's actually crazy watching this video and having SO MANY similarities with what you said... even down to the performance reviews. Man. I'm SO DONE with engineering. Thanks for posting this! 🙌🏻 Made it to the end and want to check out more of your content. I'll be looking for Tech Sales roles that can leverage my deep technical knowledge/experience. Would love to connect! Thanks again.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@thedavidwells glad it helped clarify things for you and sorry to hear about the layoff. Keep me posted if any questions come up along the way

[@kashmiri7869]

I've been a software developer for about 5 years. My personality type is an extrovert and I like talking to people. I also have an entrepreneurial mindset. I only went into engineering because I thought that's what my computer science degree was for. For some reason I thought I would be a failure and someone who gave up if I was pursuing an alternative career path not related to my degree. I have recently started a new job as a software developer with much better pay (almost 50% more) but it's so damn boring. I'm so done with engineering too and looking for a good software sales position hopefully with a salary range not to low

[@ParrisCrockett]

Man, your honesty and transparency is amazing! I can’t even lie just how straight up and honest you are really makes me have a lot of respect for you. You didn’t sugarcoat anything, and I’m so glad that I decided to click on your video. Appreciate you sir !

[@voorhees_dnb]

Thanks for this. I was a startup CEO/founder for 5+ years (we raised money, had a team, etc.) and we recently shutdown. I've been trying to figure out how to transfer my entrepreneurial drive to the next venture-and like you-tech sales has always been in the back of my mind. Your video has helped crystalize some things for me. Will check out Higher Levels to see if it's the right fit. Thanks again

[@tylerraffy2642]

If you next startup need contet writer with sales experience. Pls let me know

[@Verisimilitude_]

This was a very nice video. Thankyou. I am considering getting into tech sales. I have experience working for apple for a few years in terms of tech, and I have around 2 years sales experience as well. Looking to get into tech sales. When I did sales before, the commissions were much lower then tech sales as it was for a US cable company - However, I was one of the lead sales people for them and did receive some commission for that. I think I’m quite an aggressive pitcher, in a good way - and I found that was one of the things that made me successful. Most people I worked with lacked confidence to make a strong pitch.

[@pierrebrseven]

Thank you for always keeping it real! In the world of hype especially in the tech sector, your candor is a breathe of fresh air.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Appreciate it!

[@Breezyaon1]

​@techsales-higherlevels So can anyone go from zero experience to a high-paying entry-level job in as little as a couple of weeks? How's that even possible?

[@ajanitau3405]

While studying to break into cybersecurity, i discovered tech sales while looking for a job to make more money. This video is a great resource for my due diligence! Thank you for the information. This is very well thoughtful content!

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks! Let me know if I can help with anything!

[@ajanitau3405]

@techsaleswitheric thanks, man! I'm doing to research more, check out more of your content.

[@JoyleneThompson]

@@techsales-higherlevelsdo you mentor/ coach? I’ve done my course I really just need one on one prep

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@JoyleneThompson at this time I don't do one on one coaching due to the workload I have with my job and our platform higherlevels.com. If I can help with any quesitons here let me know!

[@rodrickgamwo9149]

what did you end up doing? I've been cybersecurity track but tech sales is very intriguing..

[@ianmorin9824]

I just landed a job in tech sales last month!

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Congrats! Where'd you end up?

[@Servanttogod]

All throughout the video you were very honest yet very encouraging thank you for the content 🤲

[@SethSutherland-e4k]

Awesome. Been an engineer for five years and always wondered if I was a little crazy because I just wasn't excited about a clear path to a stable, well paid, 9-5. In the middle of prepping for my first Sales Engineer interview and stumbled across your content. This just articulated exactly how I've felt for years. Really, thanks for this video, it's got me really hungry to get after it and go for what I really want.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Good luck! Let me know if you have any questions along the way

[@SethSutherland-e4k]

@@techsales-higherlevels Thanks! Man, I've got questions. I'll keep it brief here though. From an AE perspective, what's one thing you wish every SE you worked with did?

[@drummr8]

Did you get the job? How did you manage to break into sales? I have 10 years auto manufacturing and product engineering experience, and I'd like to make the move to sales. Every sales role I come across requires sales experience so I'm not sure how to even get an interview.

[@andrel5234]

You don't need to be told, but you are the REAL DEAL. 👊🏽

[@crunchychats]

THANK YOU! I am in a non-profit, and I am really trying to discern what the right next step for me is. I am not sure if I can work in a non-profit for the long term. The things you had to say, Eric, really resonate with me, particularly on the desire to be rewarded for putting in the work and the raw aptitude to go out, take risks and try. Thank you!

[@mikeegbekun3071]

This is a very balanced take, man. Welldone

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Appreciate it! Glad you got a lot out of it

[@BHilla45]

This good work! I’m retiring out of the military and an SDR role is the career I’m going to intern in

[@ScottRandall]

I'm looking at tech sales because I want a louder voice in the tech success of my organization. I have 20 years as a senior Linux admin in dev/ops engineering roles. It has been my experience that the ultimate success of initiatives is predicted by sales. Prior to college I had 10 years of automotive sales. I understand sales, and I understand tech ... I'm struggling to figure out where to apply these skills. I appreciate your content.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Appreciate it, anything I can help with? Also with your experience have you considered sales engineering?

[@ScottRandall]

@@techsales-higherlevels I have actually, I just don't know where to start. That's how I found your channel. One of the issues that I believe that I am running into is that auto sales has a kind of stigma. Of course there are differences. Auto sales doesn't have anything akin to a pipeline, or sales funnel. However, I closed more car deals in 10 years than other forms of sales will in their lifetime. In dev/ops, I have had to have the awkward conversation with a client about how the performance of what they were sold was quoted in the best case performance. I really want to stop that from happening! Money matters, and I had hit the top as a dev/ops engineer in a fortune 500 global conglomerate. I know that I'm on the right path, just trying to find my footing. I really appreciate your reply. I was taken a little by surprise. The sincerity is deeply appreciated.

[@FlambertWilkinson]

Im coming from Realestate sales and im active duty. Getting ready to retire and was thinking of breaking into tech sales.

[@LooneyTunesCarrot32]

Thank you for the video. I made it here because I have 3 years of experience in software engineering but was recently laid off. What I thought was a stable job with a decent salary ended up not being so stable. I figure if I can work for a company that is so called "secure" and still get laid off, I may as well take the risk to become an even higher earner through tech sales. I am just trying to find ways I can get my foot in the door with no prior sales experience. I do have entrepreneurial experience running my own businesses (Turo and Airbnb).

[@ShelMichelle]

Thank you for this video. Your insights were very helpful.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks for watching!

[@danieldada4388]

Very informative! Much appreciated. I needed to hear this

[@jeremybacani]

This channel was a great find. Content is super valuable. Have you seen people with Product Management backgrounds pivot their careers into Tech Sales / SE roles?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Yes, the challenge is that once you get to PM you may temporarily have to take a step back, but I have definitely seen it. How long have you been a PM?

[@jeremybacani]

@@techsales-higherlevels 2+ years, thinking about pivoting to tech sales / se because I want to be closer to revenue Thanks for the reply!

[@sam56094]

I appreciate how a person can be honest that these sales job pay well but are very stressful. Having savings is so important so you don’t come off desperate cause customers read that and like most humans they will be selfish and take advantage .

[@TechJobRodney]

Great content and breakdown. I’m working towards breaking into tech sales.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks! Let me know if you have any questions along the way

[@heatsann4456]

Thank for the information brother❤

[@iCloudSky]

Thanks for this! Your video was highly informative!

[@psolver8147]

If you come from a sport’s background and thrived, you’re likely to be results driven.

[@luneeve]

This is excellent advice!

[@hazzaxniallerx8554]

Thank you for going in depth about the income part, I’m graduating college soon and looking into entry level roles. Money is def the number 1 motivator for me, but i have long term investment goals which I think help me stabilize my goals a bit more. I’m wondering though, how do you stop yourself from experiencing lifestyle inflation? Especially when everyone around you is buying new cars, vacations, etc

[@techsales-higherlevels]

TL:DR Automate how much of your money is going to savings before you can even spend any of it. I have a very strong amount of my income that is automatically invested before I can touch it, and I often save on top of that. Any time your salary goes up automatically increase the contributions from your side to keep the same percentage being saved. Any time you have a nice commission check put 80-90% in savings the second it hits your account. First year or two in sales live borderline like a college student. After that start to enjoy it a bit more. More advanced is starting an LLC/side business to write off business expenses against your income. Wouldn't worry about that until you're pulling ~150k+. There are also other vehicles you can leverage once you cross the threshold to contributing to a Roth IRA, etc....

[@hazzaxniallerx8554]

@@techsales-higherlevels living like a college student in the first couple years is actually a great tip. I haven’t thought too much about the business/LLC aspect as it seems out of reach for now but I think I’ll look into it. Thanks Eric!

[@jamesmorris4386]

@@techsales-higherlevels can you expand on or maybe share a link regarding that part about writing off expenses? I was under the impression if you're W-2 you can't really do that. Crossed the $150K mark the last 2 years so curious about this.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@jamesmorris4386 single member LLCs allow you to pass the income of the business as your personal income. You need to check the laws of your state but many expenses of a business (meals, computers, cell phone, wifi) can be written as losses in your business earnings. If you have a legitimate business these expenses go against your revenue and the difference is profit (or loss). That number is added or subtracted to your W2 income and allows you to both purchase things through your business and actually reduce your taxable income if your business incurs a loss. This is not financial advice and I am not a financial advisor. Check the laws in your state around LLCs and if you're running a legitimate business or attempting to start one it can be very advantageous and legal if you are following state law

[@Ifelunwa]

Everything you mentioned in the first 4mins is meeeee.... time to blast 🚀🚀

[@Ushu6457]

Hi I just turned 29. I'm a software engineer (I didn't finished my degree) but I've been working as software developer since I'm 19. Even if I didn't finish my degree I have more than 3 years done, I consider the most important knowledge I needed, I got it already. I would say that probably the last year and a half I haven't feel fulfilled with my job. I want to be an entrepreneur, I love to talk to people and I don't like that my job as a software developer doesn't include as much human contact. I would love to pursue a career as a sales engineer. I really would sacrifice salary to do something else, more businessy and with more human contact. Any thoughts or advice?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

If you could go to sales engineer you probably wouldn't sacrifice as much salary up front. You could also potentially go straight to AE though it is tougher than it used to be given the market. Do you work at a company that would let you explore the sales engineering or AE path?

[@asadt2134]

I might have an opportunity for you, I have felt the same at times in my career.

[@Ushu6457]

@@asadt2134 I would like to know more about your path if you think it was similar to the one I'm trying to follow. And get to know more about the opportunity you mention.

[@hamoudsk8972]

@@asadt2134 I'm in the same situation , any tips ? Been a professional software dev for 7 years now .

[@incrdble9704]

@@Ushu6457 do you have any updates? Your original comment resonated a lot with me, and I wonder whether you had an opportunity to make the move towards sales

[@trajan74]

Because you make good money and don't want competition?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

What do you mean don't want competition?

[@tonythegreat4275]

​@@techsales-higherlevels he read your thumbnail.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@tonythegreat4275 lol makes sense now

[@micahbriggs7467]

Bro is a hater

[@jbameagamontana7774]

Hello, great content on your channel. I've worked 17 years as a security officer in NYC. I just finished a SDR boot camp in August. I've made touches of employment prospects and added them to my jobs search cycle but no luck yet. It seems that I'm having trouble landing a interview because of lack of experience. I'm not giving up on this career change. Keep up the good work.

[@ekow9158]

Good luck!

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Good luck, sometimes going out of your way to message/cold call managers can make the difference!

[@Vikings-zr6dr]

Have you tried course careers?

[@jbameagamontana7774]

@@Vikings-zr6dr that is the boot camp I did.

[@Roadsiderevelationsnyc]

Get some certifications from salesforce , get the comptia it fundamentals certification, and get the Capm for project management . These 3 certifications will lay the foundation for an entry level SDR, you will have the It fundamentals , you will have the Capm for project management and the sales force sales -representative certification to round it off it will separate you

[@jw-uy4uj]

currently an sdr , and long term want to become an ae, but also want to start learning code to become more technical and fluent and open up the SE door in the future. Do you know many people who have transitioned from sdr to se long term?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Yes I've seen it but it's taken a lot of internal communication. I wouldn't blindly chase programming certs/bootcamps before networking internally with SEs and SE managers to learn what they'd want ro see at your company. Where do you work?

[@drummr8]

How did you manage to break into sales from engineering? I have 10 years auto manufacturing and product engineering experience, and I'd like to make the move to sales. I also have an accounting degree. Every sales role I come across requires sales experience so I'm not sure how to even get an interview

[@techsales-higherlevels]

SDR roles do not require past experience. I made the change by updating my resume to reflect the business impact my past work had on sales, and also reached out directly to hiring managers to get on their radar

[@samuelterry9264]

Where does one start for tech sales?

[@applepeel1662]

Hi Eric, great video What's your opinion on masters or MBAa? Also how do you deal with toxic coworkers?

[@nicoleh6182]

Would it be a bad idea for someone going into this at nearly 40? (Career change, no tech experience).

[@techsales-higherlevels]

More than possible. We've had many in your shoes successfully break in. What's prompting the change?

[@travonbrown8818]

Should I go to college or should I join a tech sales boot camps if so which one you recommend?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Thanks for the question, this is not an easy answer but I still think college is worthwhile if you are smart about it. If you're already looking at tech sales I'd study a STEM track that interests you and minor in business. I'd also be smart about going after a college within financial reach through either scholarships and/or by working throughout college. What are you thinking about studying?

[@tcbobb1613]

How old are you?

[@travonbrown8818]

@@techsales-higherlevels business admin. I got a free 4 year scholarship

[@TeamEternalEsports]

I am going through many courses and stuff, But I am 19 and want to be entrepreneur and started my first business at 13 and failed can I try to run a business with sales or focus and save money then start another business . I Just dont want to be a sales person for ever.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Nothing wrong with getting a sales job to learn how another business works and save up before starting your next business

[@BossP81]

Great information. I'm a former athlete as well. What olympics did you attend?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Came up short of qualifying, played in a world championship in 2019. Kris (co-founder of higherlevels.com) was a Tokyo Olympian. How about you?

[@samarpanacademy3813]

Hello Sir I would like to know which job is better among sales engineer and business analyst and wondering which course to take. I would be obliged to you if you could give some light one it.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

What have you done to date academically and professionally?

[@dRasheemlewis]

Thank you for the video Ryan. I have a background in auto sales .Do you believe I would make a good career transition into Tech Sales?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Who's Ryan?

[@dRasheemlewis]

@@techsales-higherlevels woah lol I was looking at someone who you replied to and didn’t realize my mistake. My apologies.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@dRasheemlewis lol all good. Auto sales is a great start, I've seen a lot of people make the transition. A great starting point would be technologies that assist in the auto business or even logistics. The biggest hurdle I see in car sales is showing that you understand tech sales is not a 1 to 1 match to car sales. There are lots of skills that will make you great at it, but I've seen candidates shoot themselves in the foot if they are overconfident in being ready for the job day 1. Similar skills but a different deal flow. Let me know if I can help with other questions and have a great christmas and new years!

[@dRasheemlewis]

@@techsales-higherlevels Really appreciate the feedback. I have an interview coming up for a Technical sales position that is to last 2 years then transition into a solution engineer role after. Trying to be as best prepared as possible. Also, thank you and Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and your family as well.

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@dRasheemlewis nice! Good luck and let me know how it goes

[@Demiigodd]

Probably not good for people that just want to do what they are told to do? Good for those that almost want to work as their own boss and figure things out on their own, like thinking outside the box a lot, maybe?...

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Definitely for those who have strong internal motivation

[@VisitRwanda7788]

Do you need some sort of engineering background to become and or succeed in tech sales ?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

No, you do not need an engineering background and the vast majority of sales people (~80%+) do not have engineering degrees.

[@VisitRwanda7788]

@@techsales-higherlevels gotcha, thank you. Something I’m considering in the near future

[@tanay-talks]

This is it. You described me . Tech sales is for me. Can u hire me or help me get a job? I have a CSBA

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Yes, we support thousands of students at higherlevels.com! Check out the Tech Sales Ascension program. You'll have direct access to me there

[@smart904]

I have worked 4 years as a account executive then it whas acquired by private equity and I didn’t want to stay. Then whent into recruitment but I liked tech sales better can I send you my cv?

[@レモン-e2h]

Actually the turnover rate (amount that gets fired) is 70% so 70% of SDRs get fired/leave…

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Please link your source here

[@scrapycholo2659]

90% of businesses fail.

[@ashantechnology2194]

I'm studying marketing management degree at university so can I work as a tech sale industry?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Definitely, now is a good time while you're still in school to start networking and learning more about it. Many people blindly follow the career and don't do any prep ahead of time. You'll be leagues ahead if you start while you're in school

[@samdiab4193]

Tech sales course link doesnt work :(

[@techsales-higherlevels]

@@samdiab4193 working for me, what are you seeing?

[@samdiab4193]

​@@techsales-higherlevelsafter i click join for free it gives me a HTTP Status: 404 (not found) page

[@heavymetalrox268]

Dude I fucking love you. I felt like I was listening to myself. I have the exact same mindset, it's like Winners understand each other globally. I hope you make it with this channel 👍

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Appreciate it!

[@nikitachirich7985]

Wow this guy is a machine gun when it comes to presenting , I wonder if he one call closed every single deal in 30 minutes or less 😂 JK Love your style ..

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Appreciate it! 🤖

[@larryzan8942]

U gonna be a talkative to be always positive excel In tech sales simply put know yourself

[@8beatking]

I was college athlete What sport did you play Handball 🤣🤣

[@techsales-higherlevels]

I get comments like yours every day and I get rejected constantly in my job. Another hater in the comments? What a surprise. Hope you're doing alright in life, here to help if you're interested in sales.

[@irshadazeez4764]

What's Presidents club?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Awarded to roughly the top ~10% of sales people every year. Includes a trip to a resort as a prize and/or stock awards.

[@irshadazeez4764]

@@techsales-higherlevels that's interesting I didn't know this existed. I will look it up.

[@tcbobb1613]

@@irshadazeez4764 it's kind of dying trend that companies do because it costs a lot of money.

[@Offical251]

I’ve literally agreed with everything however im only 18 and not wanting to pursue a degree is their any hope for me?

[@sales_coach_ai]

You don’t need a degree to tech sales

[@Offical251]

@@sales_coach_ai But am I too young?

[@sales_coach_ai]

@@Offical251 I met 19 y.o guys in some of my roles who were doing better than people older than them. Age has nothing to do with it- just got to find a place willing to give you a shot. Good luck!

[@Offical251]

@@sales_coach_ai Thanks for the advice im going to definitely pursue tech sales

[@branflakee4257]

Sales is the way to go if you want to get paid without a degree.

[@chiranjeevsingh7233]

it doesn’t matters which industry you are in, it just matters your selling skills, how skilled you are. Sales is all about skills game, not numbers game

[@Vtabbsk]

It’s definitely a numbers game as much as a skill game.

[@jaymcw3075]

💎💎💎

[@sainto8121]

Hey Eric I would to touch base at your earliest convenience and pick your brain a little!

[@techsales-higherlevels]

What questions can I help with?

[@sainto8121]

@@techsales-higherlevels long story short, I am currently in the legal work force field! Law school is planned for the near future! However, I think tech sales will be a good avenue to expose me to various opportunities/networks, etc. while awaiting to start law school. My question is do you think it’s something I should for sure look into, or just stay in the lane of the legal field until I get into law school?

[@techsales-higherlevels]

If you're not looking to do it full time as a career you won't experience the income potential that makes it worthwhile. If you're solely focused on law as your career I would find work related to that

[@XCapital28]

Hey what are your thoughts on Kaseya? I live less than a mile way from the headquarters here in miami and they have in person account manager roles available. Thank you for your input!

[@techsales-higherlevels]

Not too familiar with the company, how are they rated online on glassdoor and repvue?

[@XCapital28]

@@techsales-higherlevels 3.9, what role in general in tech sales would you say is the most lucrative or has the most upside potential? I’m guessing account manager to senior and so on