P
P

patatas

Sales Development Representative

Valued Contributor
Contributor
Fire Starter

Am I ready to be a Sales Manager?

My sales experience is as follows: First worked in Business Development for over a year at Visa. Then, went on to work in Digital Marketing for a year in a small business (not sales). Then, I launched my own business and managed over 7 people as CEO for a bit over 1.5 years, but we were completely bootstrapping and generated only over 35k in revenues (for the first 6 months we were participating in an incubator and then we pivoted) 

Now, I'm working as an SDR at an early stage startup (pre series A) for a little over 6 months. Got gontacted by a recruiter for a sales manager position (where I would need to coach AES, never having formally been one)

I have both sourcing and closing experience, but no real training besides the last 6 months. Everything I did before was mostly self taught. But I know I dont want to be a pure individicual contributor for much longer, I like managing people and I know am good at it. 

should I interview for the sales manager position? 
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17 comments

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TennisandSales
Politicker
7
Head Of Sales
so i can tell you as an AE, i always want my boss to have done my job at some point.

So there could be alot of challenges there.

BUT you should totally interview.
whats the harm in that?
Nairobi
Politicker
3
AE
I mean why not
RandyLahey
Politicker
2
Account Executive
Have you honestly assessed whether or not you FEEL ready?
Can you share some more details on the role?
punishedlad
Tycoon
2
Business Development Team Lead
If there's anything I've learned from the WR it's that you should always explore an opportunity.
Although, I agree with @TennisandSales, I would definitely want the person managing me to have done my job before.
The question you should ask yourself if "Do I want to be a manager?"
Do you have any aspirations of one day being an AE? Are you not enjoying being on the front lines and would rather step back from customer facing interactions (for the most part)?
Fenderbaum
Politicker
2
Retired Choirboy🪕
Never pass on an opportunity.
patatas
Valued Contributor
2
Sales Development Representative
Love all the advice. Been thinking that I should just let them decide… if they got in touch with me its because they liked what they saw. And i will be perfectly honest in the interview, worst case I will learn what I need to do to get the job in the future
poweredbycaffeine
WR Lieutenant
2
☕️
Sales performance and history has nothing to do with what it means to be or what I takes to be a manager.

You’re setting yourself up for failure if you’re not passionate about developing people, prepared to take the blame for everything and none of the credit for the wins, and you must possess immense patience.

As an AE, I’d struggle to respect someone that has never done my job. That’s the area you’re going to struggle with the most if you get and accept Al offer. You’re not a salesperson by trade, and not having the experiences to pull from to build training and development exercises (or empathy) is going to hurt you. I’d spend a bit more time getting your feet under you and then decide if it’s what you want.
DungeonsNDemos
Big Shot
2
Rolling 20's all day
As @TennisandSalessaid, if you're going to be managing AE's, we are generally looking for someone who has done the job before.
Would you feel the same?
What about managing SDRs?
Sunbunny31
Politicker
2
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
One simple question: how would you feel, as an AE, having you as a manager?
Maximas
Tycoon
1
Senior Sales Executive
Yeah go for it, it would enhance your CV for future managerial positions massively 👌
ChumpChange
Politicker
1
Channel Manager
Series A tells me you're going to be in charge of a lot of other things separate from the actual sales motion. I would make sure you get the core responsibilities down in writing before you consider the offer.
Justatitle
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
If you have never been an AE I would question what qualifies you to be my boss if I reported to you
CuriousFox
WR Officer
1
🦊
Do you want to be responsible for other people? If so interview. Go for it.
Mendizo
Opinionated
0
Sr. Director
Definitely interview. As others have said, your lack of direct AE experience might be a bit of a hindrance, but there's no harm in talking with them (especially since they reached out to you).
As far as being a sales leader, I would ask you this: Why do you want to be a Sales Manager? If the answer is having the title or just the ability to manage people, you may want to pause. If you truly are interested in working with a varied set of people (some of whom may not be performant) with the intention of bringing out the best in them, coaching, modeling and caring for them, then go for it. Too many people unfortunately want to be a 'manager' without really grasping what it takes.
Dlinius
Executive
0
Enterprise Customer Account Exec
100% interview, gives you exposure to the process and insights in what they are looking for and why they thought you had relevant experience. Worst case - you can always turn it down
sugardaddy
Politicker
0
🍬
Yes you are ready.
GingerBarbarian
Opinionated
0
Lead Sales
I cannot really tell you. Look at it like this. Wayne Gretsky was a shitty hockey coach. Isiah Thomas was a shitty basketball coach. Michael Jordan is a shitty basketball executive.

Meanwhile, when you look at the best coaches in the world, most of them have little or no professional experience. Few ever made an all star game.

Managing is a very different skill than sales. Sales involves multitasking and impatience. Management requires patience, long term focus, and teaching skills.

Being great at sales is not usually an indicator of great management potential

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