Breaking in to the sales world...

Hey Y'all,

I lost my previous job during the pandemic and had been struggling to find another in my former field (media production). In talking to my friends about my dissatisfaction with the media industry and the different directions I could take my career, I was told by multiple people that I would enjoy sales (software sales specifically) and likely excel if I applied myself.


Clearly this piqued my interest, but I don't truly know where to start... I have an unrelated degree, no sales experience, and no true technical industry knowledge that I could use as background for sales.


I gather that many people that are successful in the world of sales started from where I am now, with no substantial experience or background. So I pose this question to those whom this description applies:


What were your first steps to breaking into the sales industry and finding a great company to work for?


Cheers,

Brady

🎈 Mentorship
🚀 Career Goals
🎯 Career Development
8
funcoupons
WR Officer
13
👑
Not trying to be an asshole to OP here (although my shitposting finger is itchy today) but why are there people who have never even worked in sales in the WR? Are we not vetting profiles anymore?

@BravadoMod 
BravadoMod
Celebrated Contributor
4
War Room Moderator
Great q @funcoupons! Our team is currently in the process of strengthening our verification process to keep out randos, spammers, commish farmers, and the like. 

That said,  @BradyF7 here is a great example of someone using Bravado as a place for mentorship and sales-related advice, so we welcome new users (and posts) like this!

P.S. good luck @BradyF7 
funcoupons
WR Officer
5
👑
Thanks! No hate to OP, this post is fine. Nice to see someone interested in entering the dark world of sales.
mitts2
Politicker
6
Account Executive
Step 1: Find an SDR / BDR role (my recommendation is SaaS)
Step 2: That's about it. Good luck.
MonthEndSpecial
Valued Contributor
0
Enterprise Account Executive
This is the way. If you are looking to get into software sales, don't waste your time anywhere else. You won't make any money. Repeat: ANY MONEY for 1-2 years. You will just cold-call for other people. Suck it up.

Then you will get a meh inside sales job and make some money. From there you will won't look back until you no longer know the value of money.
Diablo
Politicker
6
Sr. AE
Hey Brady, entry level at Sales start with an SDR/BDR role, there are tons of jobs available. If you have convinced yourself of doing sales, action it now. All the best!
hh456
Celebrated Contributor
3
sales
Hi Brady,

You're not ready for the big time. You need to open up your Google search bar and type in: "sales jobs [city name]" and hit enter.

Then start applying & calling these mom n' pops to get a job making a low base and arbitrary commission. Do that first. See if you can survive off $18,000k base w/ uncapped commissions (you can make as much as you want setting appointments for painters this summer!).

Believe me, if you got a job at a SaaS you'd fail. If you even got an interview, you'd not make it past the first round.

Once again, we poop on sales here and complain about the hard work, but we're all mostly well oiled machines. We had to suffer through the shittery of selling widgets, ppc, 'customer-center value based cloud solutions' & everything else before we got the dream job. This profession sucks on a personal level until you get some tenure. It's hard to explain what we do to people who don't do outbound sales like we do. They think we're asking people to open credit cards at Macy's as people are checking out. That would be a cake walk compared to what we do. Prepare yourself for an absolute soul crushing experience.

Good luck, sales can be extremely rewarding financially. But you don't land the dream job all of us veterans compete for if you aren't a competitive and qualified candidate. Good luck!
BradyF7
Contributor
2
Entry Level
Wasn't asking about landing a "dream job" I'm looking for advice on starting my journey and entry level opportunities. Every career path starts from the bottom (goes without saying), but I appreciate the advice regardless. 👍🏼
TechSalesQueen
Executive
7
Sr. Enterprise Account Executive
I started with a $27k base, required to drive 100 miles a day, zero mileage reimbursement and after a year of that I spent 2.5 years off a 36k base. There’s a reason this person is level setting with you, even if their approach is embarrassing and fueled by what seems to be an over inflated ego. This job is hard. And I don’t mean hard in like, you need 10 degrees and a genius level IQ hard. I mean it in the sense of “paying your dues” isn’t just to prove it to others - it’s to get used to rejection, cold calls, and the grit it takes to succeed. The person who posted this is quite frankly a jerk. But they do have a point. It’s incredibly stressful. Like, most of us wonder on a daily basis if the money is even worth it levels off stressful and it’s why a forum like this exists in the first place. My question to you that I’d genuinely love for you to reply back answering would be, why sales? Because someone told you that you’d be good at it? Because you think it’s easy money? Or good money? What will that do for you? And why now? Truly, why are you exploring this career option & why do you want mentorship and advice on ways we can support you to get there? Additionally - whats the most stressful job you’ve ever had and why? I hope you don’t take this like I’m challenging you in a negative way. Because, I’m not. Truly. But these are things you should be able to answer for yourself before you dive in. The answers don’t need to be perfect and it doesn’t mean they can’t change - but I think negative responses are stemming from a lack of you expressing that YOU want this and you coming across almost like well why not when it takes most people 8-10 years of 100 hour work weeks and pull your hair out level stress to make it and you setting off peoples trigger points by coming into a tenured forum meant for existing sales people asking for vague advice because someone told you that you’d be good at it. First piece of advice for you - if you don’t sound confident, no one will give a damn what you have to say. If you can’t convince us, you won’t make it. Looking forward to your response.
hh456
Celebrated Contributor
0
sales
I never read long comments and I read this. Good post @TechSalesQueen . I forgot what it was like to go to meetings when I hadn’t earned a check yet. Finding which gas stations let me run as credit instead of debit and hoping I could make it till I made a check. It’s not for everyone!
TechSalesQueen
Executive
4
Sr. Enterprise Account Executive
@GrizzleMcThornBody I haven’t taken a job for less than fully paid healthcare, stock and 401k, 300 OTE minimum and perks like a lifestyle account coming just standard for 6 years. I can’t say I’m any happier than I was when I made 36k. Certainly better dressed. And a forehead thanks to more income that’s better pressed. But at the end of the day to your point, this job is harder than almost anything else someone can do. It isn’t just the time it takes. It’s the emotional IQ. The strategy. Mastering sales methodologies. The grit the shitty experiences is mandatory to suffer through will create. That said we were all little lost chumps at one point in our career. If the kid needs a mentor and he knows why he wants this and can prove it - one of us should step up and offer the support. Be confident, but don’t let your ego and need to feel superior overstep helping someone from a place that’s genuine. Appreciate you reading and for the kind words. Stay gritty 👊🏻
BradyF7
Contributor
2
Entry Level
Thank you for your thoughtful reply! I'm not afraid to face a little rudeness from random strangers on the internet and in fact, I expected it. 

I came to this site and posed a naive question specifically because in the world of sales I am just that. However, I have a firm belief that to become the best you have to learn from the best. Sometimes that means getting smacked around or talked down to, but in my experience, the knowledge and skill gained are well worth snide comments and a busted lip.

To answer your questions:

Why sales? Because I have felt slightly directionless in my career in the 2 years since I graduated from college. I talked to former classmates and family friends from whom I received an exigent number of recommendations that I look into sales. In my exploration, I have found that yes it is extremely hard work and I will have to pay my dues, but it is a career in which I will get to determine my own destiny through constantly honing my skills, building a network, and busting my ass. As a lifelong hyper-competitive athlete, that sounds like my shit. (excuse the language)

Easy money? No, absolutely not nothing is easy at a high level, otherwise, everyone would do it. Good money? Sure, and that's great and all, but I want to be working toward a goal in my job. In my previous roles, I fell into a routine of completing tasks then checking boxes and it was soul-crushingly boring. I want to be challenged and pushed.

Why now? Because I'm young, and now is the time to experiment with my career and pay my dues. I won't let myself get stuck in a rut and hate what I do until I turn 65. I refuse to retire a bitter old man who dreaded waking up for work every day for 45 years.

Why do I want mentorship and advice? Because despite what some of the repliers seem to think, I do understand how difficult and stressful this is. But like I said, to be a big boy you gotta run with the big boys. I built myself into a college athlete and paid for my education through an athletic scholarship. I accomplished this by going to train with bigger, faster, stronger, and more experienced athletes than myself. Did I get my butt handed to me for YEARS? Absolutely. Was it worth it? You bet your ass it was.

Most stressful job? The most stressful job I've had was actually not just one job, it was 3. In college, I worked a part/full-time job (when I could pick up the extra hours), Studied full-time, and maintained myself as a 2-sport college athlete. I had no wiggle room and nothing I could drop... If I quit sports I got no scholarship or housing, if I quit the job I got no food money, and obviously dropping out of school wasn't an option. 90% of my free time consisted of sleep, because I was either at practice, studying, or working otherwise.

I do really appreciate you taking the time to give me a thoughtful reply, despite my lack of experience. I'm also very glad you challenged me, I clearly need to do some more studying and introspection on getting into the field. The best way I can gather information is to talk to established professionals such as yourself so that I can learn from your experiences.

Didn't mean to come off arrogant or cocky, and I'm not trying to bruise anyone's ego. Just want to learn and grow (even if I have to take a few elbows along the way).

All the best, and thank you once again.
Brady
hh456
Celebrated Contributor
5
sales
*tips fedora*
TechSalesQueen
Executive
3
Sr. Enterprise Account Executive
Please don’t wear fedoras anymore Kevin Federline aka @GrizzleMcThornBody 🤣🙌🏼💕
BradyF7
Contributor
0
Entry Level
Lol
hh456
Celebrated Contributor
0
sales
*TIPS FEDORA AGAIN*
goose
Politicker
0
Sales Executive
Fake it until you make it.  I know a guy that took a job selling premium seating at a stadium as his first sales job.  That year his team almost made the playoffs.  Two years later they won the world series.  He did great.
Oden
Valued Contributor
2
Account Executive
Go after it now, a guy I work with listed "Customer Service and Sales" for a waiter job. No Lie. He is making it happen. 
funcoupons
WR Officer
6
👑
Hospitality ppl often do SUPER well in sales - their skills translate really well to sales, they have the hustle and are used to long hours, presentable, likeable etc.
FamilyTruckster
Politicker
4
Exec Director, Major Accounts
Getting yelled at for something you can’t control too. Amazing how people in the service industry get treated so shitty. 

*edit* misplaced modifier. Read like the people were covered in shit 💩
funcoupons
WR Officer
4
👑
I still have nightmares about waiting tables and I've been out of the game for years...I blame Karens angry that their well done steak took more than seven minutes and that their martini was "too strong" for stealing chunks of my soul away.
BradyF7
Contributor
2
Entry Level
Memories of being told that I poured the beer incorrectly or that "IPA's aren't supposed to be bitter, your beer is bad" while working at a craft brewery still raise my blood pressure to this day... 
FamilyTruckster
Politicker
3
Exec Director, Major Accounts
Everyone knows IPAs are supposed to be low hopped and sweet 🙄
MCP
Valued Contributor
2
Sales Director
If you want to fast track, find a company that sells into where you came from. They’ll want to leverage your user experience and will be happy to give you the Sr AE role with 6 figure base at the very least.
TechSalesQueen
Executive
2
Sr. Enterprise Account Executive
Solid answers Brady!!!!!!! It seems to me you exactly what it takes. Anyone know how I can pass my info on to this guy to offer my info to help him navigate these dark shark filled waters without blowing my cover? I too was a college athlete who had to work part time/full time as a duel major. That hustle is what you should expect. And I hear you. I want to offer some guidance off the grid. @BravadoMod can you help us connect? How can I give my info without “giving” my info publicly and blowing my sales 👑 cover?
BradyF7
Contributor
2
Entry Level
I'd very much appreciate that, thank you!
DungeonsNDemos
Big Shot
1
Rolling 20's all day
Welcome to the war room. Thanks for keeping it sales focused.

To start, read lots of posts in the war room and search for stuff before posting.

Begin to figure out what you want to sell (industry). If you are someone who HATES to sit in a chair then work in an outside sales position, for example.  Good news, anything that exists has a company that will sell it. 

Start looking into companies that are in a specific vertical within SaaS if that is where you want to go. Or look for any companies that are hiring SDRs, as a sales development representative is the general entry level for SaaS sales. Many will train you, but you need to be learning on your own as well: podcasts, books, mock training, webinars on selling, etc.

Take some time to think through "why sales" and create goals for the future. Have a long-term plan. 
BradyF7
Contributor
0
Entry Level
Appreciate it! Im reaching out to everyone I know who's in sales and talking to them about their sectors. I've also been reading articles and watching videos about the psychology side of sales. Do you have any podcasts you would recommend to get me started?
ultraman
Tycoon
1
Shepherd
Since I have no comments to contribute, other than what’s been said, My question is, how many badges is @BradyF7 gonna earn from this post? Dude’s gonna cop a switch with WR Commish and he’s never worked a day in sales… 😂😂😂 FR young buck, go get it!
BradyF7
Contributor
0
Entry Level
That's how everyone did it right? Just pick up street cred with unintentionally inflammatory posts until you get hired! 😂👍 
goose
Politicker
1
Sales Executive
For me, it started with someone telling me I'd be good at it.  I had an opportunity to transfer from Operations to Sales and jumped.  Took a pay cut my first year as my variable commission plan hadn't taken effect and by the end of the first year I doubled my income.  Never looked back.

It takes a special kind of person to enjoy sales but if you find a good boss / mentor and value what you sell you can do very well.
The_Sales_Badger
Notorious Answer
1
Account Executive
Networking, Networking, Networking, and more networking.  Lean into the relationships you have with people in sales.  Get their feedback - since we don't know you personally, I can't say for sure if you've got "the goods" or not.  

It took me a while to break into software sales, but my degree has nothing to do with sales or technology.  The biggest thing is if you're stepping into the sales world now, expect to start at the bottom - which means Sales Development.  If you are nervous about making a cold call, that doesn't change unless you challenge yourself.  So ask yourself, are you mentally tough enough to persevere?

BradyF7
Contributor
1
Entry Level
Appreciate the advice! I've been reaching out to everyone I know in sales and they've all said the same! My goal is to continue to study for a few more weeks, get a couple more Hubspot certifications under my belt, then practice interviewing with my contacts in the industry. I'd be applying for a business development role like you suggested, and I want to make sure that I set myself up for success at a company that will help me grow. 

Given your current experience and knowledge, how would you go about evaluating good businesses to begin your career at? Are there any key indicators or red flags I should be looking out for? Finally, in an interview setting, what is the number one most important question you believe I should be asking potential employers?

Thanks so much,
B
The_Sales_Badger
Notorious Answer
1
Account Executive
Right now, if you're looking at IT - the best way for your to get your foot in the door would be CyberSecurity.  There's a certification called CompTia Security Plus.  Regardless of your sales experience, this would give you an upper hand in interviews since you'll already have a foundation for Cyber Security.  Even if you don't get into it right away, this will increase your odds of gaining experience.  That's the route I would take if I were in your shoes.

I follow my gut feelings when taking a job.  Do your research, follow someone on LinkedIn that works at the company you're looking to work for.  Gauge the culture from brief conversations - again; it's about building your network.  Well - and then absolutely crushing quota.  
MCP
Valued Contributor
0
Sales Director
Watch. This one will get the RVP gig right out of the gate with 150/300 and me, with 20 years experience won’t even get a screening call.
TechSalesQueen
Executive
0
Sr. Enterprise Account Executive
With that attitude you’re probably right. What a weak minded response.
MCP
Valued Contributor
-1
Sales Director
I guess this requires a mansplain. Seems you missed my real comment about targeting companies that serve the industry Brady comes from. That’s the best way to get into sales without sales experience because specific industry experience will cover the sales skills gap as you’re able to speak the customers’ language and they will gravitate. This comment was the shit one, for fun. I know it’s social media, but like most things on social media, try not to take it too seriously. You can go back and change your down vote to an upvote now.
TechSalesQueen
Executive
0
Sr. Enterprise Account Executive
Do you regularly use words like mansplaining for “fun” towards women and then demand they change their opinion of you and get positive results? I doubt it. Down vote stays. Your approach here and using my gender as a method of trying to talk down to me? Embarrassing.
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