LambyCorn

A mfkn E

Valued Contributor

Am I being a bitch? Should I wait it out, or leave?

Whats up Corporate Bros,

I have been at my current high-ticket SaaS company for 8 months. I have set 75+ appts, and not ONE meeting has turned into a 2nd meeting, let alone a close - 15 of these were incredible opportunities, harder to blow than to close.

Our VP has never done sales before, but he is really close to the CEO... I have met the CEO twice

I am really frustrated because I have been trying to get that AE spot by proving myself; however, I am 20 years old, and they don't trust me to take meetings because of my lack of professional experience.. some companies I have set meetings for include, Pfizer, Facebook, IBM, BlackRock, JP Morgan Chase, and other Fortune 500s... all were pissed on and flushed down the toilet in the first 5 minutes because of our clueless VP.

I just noticed the company is hiring another Account Executive, but they don't want to give me the title shot :((

I feel like a bird with the wings clipped; however, I do not know if im being an egocentric bitch thinking I deserve a shot after only being there eight months, but damn, our AE is shit at sales- to give you an idea, he talks 10 minutes about his previous role in his previous company and where he comes from like wtf?? frustrating as hell, I have brought this to my boss's attention, who is the Chief of Staff, but he says it's basically the CEO's call, not his

Should I look for another place to get that title shot to take some meetings or wait it out until I eventually get a chance?

I did a full report on what I would have done in a meeting, laying out real basic sales points like intelligence gathering, finding the pain, asking questions... clear call to action, and real basic 101 sales lessons which our AE doesn't know about

The product is great; I 100% get behind the company's vision and mission, no BS. But I am super frustrated with seeing all these opportunities go out the window...

Any advice?

What would you suggest I do?

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64 comments

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TennisandSales

Politicker

15

Head Of Sales

so your 20 years old and already landed an SDR role and are crushing it. thats amazing.
Is this your first sales job?
Also, i dont want to tell you are wrong, but you could be wrong about the AE and the VP sucking at their jobs. kinda hard for a 20 year old to know that. BUT not ONE second meeting out of 75 discovery calls is insane.
have they talked to you about the quality of your meetings?

What I would do next is talk to your boss and ask if you are missing something when setting meetings, and point out that the sucsess rate is alarmingly low.

LambyCorn

Arsonist

2

A mfkn E

I also have that in my head aswell, like maybe im just massively underestimating my VPs skills - then again, the numbers are just mind blowing, 75 appts to waste -I know some of the 75 appts, especially a few of the first ones were not great ICPs, but around 25 meetings in, I have been getting only qualified meets, our dream ICP and companies actively hiring software engineers (we evaluate tech candidates for big companies so their Talent team can decide who to interview based on their skills)
I spoke to my boss about it and all he could say pretty much was, im sorry, I knoe you are doing a good job but this is out of my hands... my boss is the Chief of Staff, the VP is who takes the meetings, the VP is my Account Executive pretty much)
Actually me and the VP joined the company with 2 weeks difference, he joined first - so we are both, relatively new

TennisandSales

Politicker

4

Head Of Sales

ah i see. i mean i would be SUPER frustrated as well if I was you. but if you can keep a solid relationship with the VP i think that will benefit you.

RandyLahey

Politicker

9

Account Executive

You're still very young! Lots of time. Congratulations on already getting started, and keep up the ambitious attitude. Use this opportunity to hone your skills, and learn. The free-for-all environment like you describe can be difficult to navigate. Use tools like Bravado, LinkedIn, and other Sales resources to kickstart your learning trajectory. If it becomes unbearable, I would consider moving to an established company as an SDR/BDR.
That way, you'll gain crucial experience and likely have access to more competent sales leadership and mentoring.
Hope this helps :)

Maximas

Tycoon

7

Senior Sales Executive

I second this.

DungeonsNDemos

Big Shot

2

Rolling 20's all day

If I had landed your position when I was 20, I would stick it out till something better opens up. Especially if the product is legit.

LambyCorn

Arsonist

1

A mfkn E

wow dude, that was more refreshing than a coca cola in the middle of summer :') thanks!!!

RandyLahey

Politicker

8

Account Executive

Also - don't refer to yourself as a bitch! Keep that positive energy up. Sales can be a struggle at times, no need to add extra negative energy on ourselves. You got this champ.

DungeonsNDemos

Big Shot

5

Rolling 20's all day

Need to have positive self talk!

LambyCorn

Arsonist

2

A mfkn E

thank a lot, honestly :')

Fenderbaum

Politicker

1

Retired Choirboy🪕

Yeah, there's enough negativity out there in the world. Go easy on yourself.

GTMLeader

Good Citizen

6

GTM Leader

I look at maturity and sales IQ rather than chronological age. You have eight months in, at least with this company, IMPHO, early side of possible promotion.
It's a bit of a risk, but what if you took one of these meetings for yourself? Make it a smaller company and just run the sale yourself, under the radar. You may get your hand slapped, but when you close it, what else would they do but take notice?
I had a BDR at one company who wanted my AE role when I moved on. She certainly deserved the opportunity but it was not offered to her. So she took one account and ended up closing it. She was then offered the AE role.

LambyCorn

Arsonist

0

A mfkn E

This story motivated me to go over my AE and take my next meeting - it's not like I can do any worse :) Thanks a lot, more experienced sales savage!!

Sunbunny31

Politicker

3

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

A bit of a devil's advocate position here: despite your VP's apparent mistakes, it may be that those companies, despite their awesome logos, weren't fits at this time. As an AE, you have to know when to cut bait and cut prospects loose. That said, you're not really getting the opportunity to see that process in action in this case.
But - I agree with RandyLahey - you may want to start looking for a company where you will get more support at SDR/BDR. You can check out what else is out there, while continuing to do the great job you're doing. Maybe you'll find something great, and will have a chance to go to a company with a better structure. In the meantime, if your current companydoes bring in an AE with great experience, it's your opportunity to learn from someone who's done this before. All those meetings you got with those great logos might be ones to revive when you get some better sales support at the next step in the sales cycle.
You're doing great!

LambyCorn

Arsonist

1

A mfkn E

Thats a great point you guys laid out - I don't have any leadership or mentoring at my current company, no 1 on 1, no training, no monday quarterbacking on our efforts at all. That is something I would love to have, I have never been at a real company where you get these unvaluable benefits, of being able to ask for help or have a chance to work next to a REAL sales team ;(
I pretty much just go to YouTube and watch some videos there for training.. damn, I wonder what working for a salesforce would be like? With all those experienced sales reps who I could learn sooo much from :')

Sunbunny31

Politicker

1

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

You're asking all the right questions and doing what you can. Your VP sounds like a disaster in action, however.

braintank

Politicker

3

Enterprise Account Executive

How bad is your product that no one wanted a second meeting??

LambyCorn

Arsonist

4

A mfkn E

there is one sales guy who KILLS it, he gets so many contracts signed - but he doesn't use SDRs and doesn't care for taking meetings, he does in person visits and things of that nature

Sunbunny31

Politicker

5

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

This guy, the one who kills it, is the one to befriend. Even if he doesn't use SDRs - get some insight from him on his best practices and how he works.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

3

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

That’s the question - or is the VP really that bad?

LambyCorn

Arsonist

3

A mfkn E

he has never done sales before. He just happens to be close to the CEO...

LambyCorn

Arsonist

2

A mfkn E

1. rapport is never built (he loves to hear himself talk and doesn't give 2 bats about our prospects problem and goals)2. questions and gathering intelligence (again, he loves to talk so much he never passes the ball back and does not ask any type of questions, he just dives into talking about himself)3. finding the painpoint and pressing on it (if no questions are asked, how tf are we going to know what they are struggling with)4. closing (forget about it!)

Sunbunny31

Politicker

4

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

So he has no idea at all what sales is about. He's killing your company right now.

DungeonsNDemos

Big Shot

1

Rolling 20's all day

yikes....

LambyCorn

Arsonist

2

A mfkn E

oh guys, the AE is absolutely clueless, it hurts to see - our product is a platform with 5 features, they tell him mid demo "hey look, we only care about the assessing, can you show us some of that?And he says; "I know you don't need our other features but if you don't mind I want to show you how they work"
the prospects face always just drops, and they open another tab in their computer and start doing some of their own shit while my AE is talking about our other features which provide 0 value
he asks no questions, talks non stop for 10 minutes until they interrupt, usually saying, "again, we only care about assessing, not about recruiting''

LambyCorn

Arsonist

1

A mfkn E

the prospect connects, then our AE talks for 5-10 minutes about his personal past, like where he comes from, talks about the fucking TOWN he grew up in and the companies he has worked at previously... - then just talks and talks and talks about what we do without letting the prospect say a word

LambyCorn

Arsonist

1

A mfkn E

we have some pretty big clients, including Google, Amazon, PwC, Bank of America, Capitol One, Uber... the product is actually great, our clients have tremendous results and our case studies are SO strong
but damn does our VP know how to blow a deal... prospects ALWAYS dislike him, because he just talks and talks lol

HVACexpert

Politicker

3

sales engineer

For being so young you are doing well, keep your head up. All experience is valuable for you at this point , so although you could have frustrations take it all as a learning opportunity. If you have questions or concerns, ask! Try to set aside 15 minutes with the VP or CEO to engage them 1-on-1. Perhaps you will gain insight into why these things are happening.
You have your whole career ahead of you young savage! Don’t get discouraged

LambyCorn

Arsonist

1

A mfkn E

You have no reason to help me, yet you dropped years of experience into one comment. Thank you for that!!!

detectivegibbles

Politicker

3

Sales Director

Welcome to sales young savage.

If you're setting appointments and that's what your KPI's are based on, then I wouldn't be too frustrated.

Keep in touch with your contacts you booked appointments with, never know when you'll be an AE and can close them down the road!

LambyCorn

Arsonist

2

A mfkn E

Nobody ever said sales were easy, right? Lol sales is the answer to going bald by the time your 30 hahaha
And yeah, appointments are my only KPI - In theory, I am doing my job and doing pretty well at it, but its disheartning knowing that all my hard work is being flushed down the drain :((( I would kill to see one of my leada turn into a deal!!!!
Thats my hope!!! But it gets hard at times to keep motivated, especially seeing that another sales executive will join the team and I have yet to be given the chance to take one meet lol

detectivegibbles

Politicker

1

Sales Director

...Honestly what's the worst case scenario if you try to close a deal on your own?

Obviously don't be negligent, but taking a swing and missing is better than staying on the bench.

LambyCorn

Arsonist

2

A mfkn E

you are 100% right - whats the worst that can happen? another prospect dying on the spot? we have a damn cemetery up to this point!!! thank you bro

detectivegibbles

Politicker

1

Sales Director

Keep us posted bro!

CuriousFox

WR Officer

3

🦊

Keep on truckin 😎

Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

2

Sales Rep

Have plenty of time to grow, if its a better role go for it. But if you like the company it might be worth it to stick around

LambyCorn

Arsonist

1

A mfkn E

Thats the dilema im in, pretty much :c

punishedlad

Tycoon

2

Business Development Team Lead

If you're able to be patient, I'd stick with it for the sole reason of padding your resume. If you're consistently producing at that level and (I'm assuming) are getting comped for meetings set, stick with it. Even just for four more months. Who knows what will happen in that time, but your resume will thank you and you'll have a much more attractive pedigree when you can say you set 100+ meetings in your first year.

LambyCorn

Arsonist

0

A mfkn E

that is very wise, I hadn't look at it like that

LambyCorn

Arsonist

2

A mfkn E

Dear savages! Thank you for giving me more mentoring and support in this one post in 8 hrs than I have received in my company these entire eight months!! We are all strangers, yet we pull together and help each other out no obligation :') Thank you for your respect

Sunbunny31

Politicker

1

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

The power of a good group of people and DECADES of experience to share!

justatopproducer

Politicker

1

VP OF SALES -US

Tough situation. Perhaps ask if it beneficial to bring in others to help. 75 first meetings with nothing to show is impossible in any B2B sales positions I’ve ever been in. If they take the meeting than they usually have some need. For it to go nowhere probably means that need isn’t being uncovered and no buy in from the prospects to waste time and move forward.

IYNFYL

Politicker

1

Enterprise SaaS AE

Everyone wants to get into that AE role until they get kicked in the balls and let go. Yes you may get more pay and exposure, but unless the AEs are just processing orders it may be easier to stay put

SalesJesus29

Tycoon

1

Regional Sales Director

Sounds like you're doing an incredible job. Sometimes you can be great at your specific role but the other things outside of your control i.e. AEs, VP of Sales, Customers, your product are just that... OUT of your control.

I wouldn't be hard on yourself. You're crushing your metrics and the factors that determine your success. If your desire is to become an AE, I would encourage you to have that conversation with your leaders... what are the metrics for success to transition from SDR to AE. From there you know your path and can decide from there.

goose

Politicker

1

Sales Executive

sounds like you are an awesome SDR. i'm sure the company really likes having you around.

SaaSlyfe

Opinionated

1

Enterprise Account Manager

Stay! If the product is good, that will be more valuable long term than if you move to AE sooner. Even if it takes an extra year you’ll learn more somewhere that has a good product than if you hop somewhere just to bump your title but the vertical/prod suck.

MaverickSF

1

Co-Founder, VP Sales and Marketing

On your own time, start researching for your new job. Identify who has the Rock Star teams then actively pursue a job with them. Being on the right team early on will set up the rest of your career. You will learn from the best. The value of your network will grow exponentially. If you one day decide to start your own company you’ll be connected to the best talent and funding. Do not waste your time. Get exposure to many different teams, products, and sales processes early in your career.

SaraZE

1

Sr. Account Development Representative

If you’re not valued and you’re not growing GTFO (my 2 cents)

SAASLeader12

Member

1

US Sales Director

Unfortunately your 20 if I keep it real …. Keep hustling and keep your eyes open for better roles that pay better now. 75 meetings without a 2nd meeting says messaging is off as well as the target.

nero_one

Executive

1

VP of Business Development

Ask to work a single deal when they let you, make sure all calls are recorded. Ask them too review and provide feedback. Be honest with yourself on how you did. If you are ready and they promote you, great. If not, leave. If you're not ready then relax and keep learning. Ask to work another deal. Make sure it doesn't affect your quota for booking meetings and don't let it.

Angusmacg

Valued Contributor

1

Territory Account Mgr.

Throughout my career I have missed opportunities because of a lack of experience in the industry. I believe that you can’t truly learn sales like you can learn about a product. Sales is more of a personality than an ability.

Best of luck and see if you can find another opportunity but also push for that AE position!

Biznasty

Opinionated

1

Lead Business Development Manager

If they won't hear you out.. bounce. Going to be too hard to get shit done there that you need to do to make money.

aldricksomarriba

Personal Narrative

1

Account Executive

Hi,
I have been in sales for about 2 decades. Have you had a discussion with your boss or Vp about this. Its important to confront him with your thoughts and feedback. If you dont do this they may never take you on as a serious player. Yes, i do agree out of 75 appointments there could be a quality issue with the appointment this has happened to me before i was rushing to just get the appointment. Also i would say congrats on being 20 and having an SDR role. I do think that leaving a job after 8 months at 20 years old may make you sound impatient. Employers are looking for long term at leas wait a year is what j would recommend. Remember some bigger tech gigs closing cycle is 3- months or longer so to leave in 8 months might look like a waste of time. However if you are that irritated and causing stress in the workplace everyday then perhaps start looking elsewhere. The main point is to have those tough conversations with your management and use that story in your next job interview as they will ask about your challenges and how you overcame it. Hope this helps.:)💪🏼

1

National Field Sales Trainer/Professional Territory Manager

Use this time to network and up-skill while continuing to make the best of things. Can never hurtto look for opportunities, particularly while you’re employed. Helps keep your interview skills sharp. Will also put you in touch with possible mentors. Even if you don’t get the job offer, you can ask for advice moving forward, ask if they would mind being a mentor, or if they know of others hiring etc.. you get my point. Also I do agree with others on here , keep the B word (similar language) off your social media. In corporate world perception is everything (wether we agree or not). Create a positive brand !

1

Senior Sales Account Manager

I would be looking for another position but at the same time continue to do what you are doing. Be unique, be authentic, and work hard which it seems like you are doing. I have been in your position before. Sometimes you must play the fool, to fool the fool, who thinks they are fooling you. I understand that you have passion and that is the golden nugget. I would also say that if your not appreciated, look for a culture where appreciation is a driver from leadership.

0

Account Executive

Hey! Appreciate the post. At my last job I was booking appointments but the closed accounts were low. Turns out it had way less to do with the AEs and way more to do with me. Booking a meeting is great but you need to target your accounts better. Set your AEs up. Define an ICP and hit a segment that is really working for your company's closed won deals.

0

Inside sales manager

I can help you - [email protected]

Bobbybuttbuddy

Old School Bravo

0

EnterpriseAE

How do you know the meetings are solid? Are they with VP level contacts or with janitors? Within accounts in your ICP?
Maybe look at meeting quality vs just assuming your VP can’t close a door.

LambyCorn

Arsonist

0

A mfkn E

Dude, come on.. by solid meetings logically we are talking about our ICP and decision makers

Bobbybuttbuddy

Old School Bravo

1

EnterpriseAE

Dude I’m not trying to offend you, it sounds to me like you just went confirmation that you’re doing all the right things and it’s your stupid AEs fault. There is clearly a disconnect somewhere, if you have even a shred of product/market fit, even a terrible AE can convert at least 1 meeting out of 75 discos.

Can you see how things don’t add up here?
Is this a series A startup in undefined market? How many AEs does your company have?
Need more info to truly understand if this is a company issue, and AE issue, or a you issue.

LambyCorn

Arsonist

0

A mfkn E

sorry.. i thought you were taking the piss out of me :D apologies man

LambyCorn

Arsonist

0

A mfkn E

the thing is, our AE (who is the VP) has never worked in sales before, so he doesn't know the basics of selling - he is close to the CEO, whiCH is partly why he got the gig (I was just told by me boss who is the Chief of Staff that they will move him to do other things for the company instead of taking meetings) He and I joined at the exact same time - The product starts at $15.000so it's not an easy sale. Yes, its a series A startup. I recorded a couple of meetings with my phone behind my AE (VPs) back to show it to my boss - it is truly unbelievable what he says in demos, thinking its a good idea - for example, he always ends every single meeting saying this:"So Mr. Prospect, what are the next steps?"\
Prospects always have the same response: "errr, send me some material and I'll circle back"
He replies back: "yes will do, thank you for your time"
He never follows up, after the meeting he says, yeah he won't buy he wasn't interested
lol im getting wound up again

LambyCorn

Arsonist

0

A mfkn E

the market is defined, companies hiring 25+ software engineers, only decision makers in the TA tech space (head of tech talent, VP of Talent Technology) My company has just two AEs, which this guy is one of them and the other one is based in India who handles Asian accounts - the other sales reps the company has, are guys that don't have SDRs or do cold outreach - they go to conferences, and do in-person sales. Like stopping by at a prospects office and taking them out to lunch, things of that nature - THOSE are the guys who are keeping the company alive, they have pulled 75% of the clients the company has, the other ones have been associates of already established clients. They are basically carrying the revenue on their back, our AE (VP) is part of the cold outreach campaign, which I am in, we both got hired pretty much at the same time. I am the only SDR

LambyCorn

Arsonist

0

A mfkn E

again, im sorry for bitting :(

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