oldcloser profile picture
oldcloser profile picture

oldcloser

💀

Arsonist
Politicker
Big Shot
+11

Block or train?

Kid was an SDR, just got promoted to his first AE role. Been on me since last role. An absolute beast, but so tactical. I hate to discourage any real attempt to do business and answer most inbounds. But this? Part of me wants to teach him. The other part wants to block him. Y'all have space for this? I don't think I do any more.

Train or block?

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🥎 Training
🧢 Sales Management
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27 comments

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Sunbunny31
Politicker
12
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
I respect anybody who has the time and energy to give advice to the newly minted sales people.

I lost the time and energy a long time ago - when it didn't work. They usually continue to press me for additional info I have no intention of giving them.

I'm still getting emails with read receipts requested from reps at companies I've never heard of, trying to get my attention with zero info in the email about what they are proposing or why I should do any more than ignore them. They're on their own.

LI messages go unanswered. I don't have time for people who won't listen or try.
oldcloser
Arsonist
5
💀
Appreciate that. And yes, my cup runneth under with both time and energy.
poweredbycaffeine
WR Lieutenant
8
☕️
The kid isn’t your report, so what you say will have little bearing.
punishedlad
Tycoon
3
Business Development Team Lead
you're talking to the old closer here, PBC

not sure how old he actually is, but appearances can give off great amounts of authority

I picture him with a big gray beard
oldcloser
Arsonist
4
💀
weird. Actual photo
punishedlad
Tycoon
2
Business Development Team Lead
I knew it!
oldcloser
Arsonist
1
💀
Yeah, fact. I'm not that damn important anyway. Gonna save some breath.
poweredbycaffeine
WR Lieutenant
3
☕️
I’ve tried to share insights before and usually get a “okay cool” and they pitch some else at the company the exact same way 🙃
jefe
Arsonist
7
🍁
Such a thankless task. I think many of us try at one point but then get jaded as it almost never makes a difference
Pachacuti
Politicker
6
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Hard to discourage effort since we ALL value that so highly.

That said, leading with price is never a good thing unless the market is so commoditized that price is the ONLY differentiator.

Maybe a quick email to let him know, sales guy to sales guy, that price is second to several other factors? I have done that before when I have been impressed by a sales guy's efforts persistence.
detectivegibbles
Politicker
4
Sales Director
PBC response for the win.

He's going to do as instructed. Hopefully the feedback you give is heard and taken back to his leadership.
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
3
Sales Rep
I am always about the "good vibes", unless the person refuses to listen. Its good karma to respond and be helpful.

At least thats what I do with recruiters and the few sales people who reach out to me
RandyLahey
Politicker
3
Account Executive
Bandwidth is filled sadly, but even a quick email would do the trick here.

Can't hate on a youngin trying to sell, but this ain't way.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
3
🦊
Fuck dem kids
saaskicker
Celebrated Contributor
2
Enterprise AE
Commission breath is strong with this one.
oldcloser
Arsonist
3
💀
his or mine
saaskicker
Celebrated Contributor
3
Enterprise AE
haha his!
Gasty
Notable Contributor
2
War Room Community Manager
I picked “call his mom”. I’m assuming it means you’d ask the family to teach the kid the concept of “delayed gratification”. Maybe, get him to uninstall all apps on phone which can deliver stuff in <48 hours. That’ll help too.
oldcloser
Arsonist
1
💀
A time out, essentially. I like this.
Maximas
Tycoon
1
Senior Sales Executive
Train, Train, Train.

The kid if ain't that good, he wouldn't be even promoted.

Keep the block as the very last option!!!
GDO
Politicker
1
BDM
I would try to teach him/her in a few sentences. Just to have some good karma :D
coletrain
Politicker
1
Account Executive
He's probably got someone on the inside advocating leading with a discount.

Last place I was at was shifting towards that type of model (including from the CRO) on first calls and I've had managers give larger discounts than planned to get revenue in the door when the deal was pretty much done.

Your response is fantastic and to the point. Perhaps if you want to mentor him, that's an opportunity.
oldcloser
Arsonist
0
💀
His reply was basically "who said anything about discounts? I've got bonuses. Act now!"

Done with him... I'll carry on with one liners. But not much hope of one ever sticking. I just hate that they demean the job.
ChumpChange
Politicker
1
Channel Manager
I always respond and give tips when I can. Sales is a tough profession and I don't want to be the person who ends someone's career aspirations.
SaasSlingin
Politicker
1
Sr AE
Hard to tell he’s a beast based on this. I think your response is perfect.
oldcloser
Arsonist
0
💀
Yeah, relentlessly persistent and completely lost. Serious commitment.
Cazzipchic
1
Account Executive
I am with you, never lead with a discount. You are doing a disservice to product strength at that point. Lead with value. I would teach him, I wouldn't know anything if my coworkers weren't also mentors. I love being on top but I also like being on a top team, so I would take the time for anyone that adds to my team goals or organization.

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