bobthebuilder

Director, Sales

Building the first sales team (in my new org)

I'm building the first sales team (its a new role in a new company) and is it wrong to expect the same drive from candidates like I did when I took up the offer to join? I need to love the product that I sell (that was a priority for me), but I don't see that in a lot of candidates I speak with.

If it's okay to think like that, how do I share my vision with the candidates to pique their interest?

👥 Hiring

🧢 Sales Management

10 comments

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funcoupons

WR Officer

👑

I don't think they need to LOVE the product, but they should be able to understand it, speak to it's strengths, and see why prospects would choose that product over a competitor's. I wouldn't say I've loved any of the products I've sold. I've liked them and respected what the company was doing and that's been enough.

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

Loving the product sounds all well and good, but you're right - realistically most software isn't something that anyone is going to get passionate about.

SADNESSLieutenant

Politicker

Officer of ♥️

They’ll love it if they’re getting paid enough

TennisandSales

Politicker

Head Of Sales

I dont think you can EXPECT your FIRST sales team to love the product as much as you.....

But i think they need to "get it" you know?

Like do they truly understand why your product is great?
Or can you see the "light bulb" moment when you explain it to them?

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

I suspect love grows over time. Look for drive and the ability to understand the value prop. Enthusiasm and willingness to work with you to communicate the vision are going to be most important now.

NotCreativeEnough

Big Shot

Professional Day Ruiner

if they don't love the product then they won't be successful. That's pretty standard across the board for all companies. If they aren't excited about it or the future of the company then I'm on your side that they probably aren't a good fit.

SaaSam

Politicker

Account Executive

I've done this twice. The reality is, most people don't "love" the product they sell. Just as long as they have drive, talent, and are teachable they'll be good candidates.

Obviously, it'll be nice if they love the product or have a passion for what they are selling but don't hold your breath. Chances are your product isn't that cool. No offense.

Pachacuti

Politicker

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

They don't need to love the product but they do need to believe in it.

Drive is hard to measure. I have always looked at outside of work activities to help measure drive. Do they look forward to Happy Hour on a daily basis or are they actively involved in something outside themselves?

But did they come prepared to wow you at the interview? That is a big deal (to me at least).

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

Don't put those expectations on people that ain't you. You're gonna be disappointed.

Justatitle

Big Shot

Account Executive

Your passion is why you got into management and wanting to share that with others. That said it’s rare that I find a colleague or myself in love with what I sell. More importantly can they communicate and understand the problems and challenges you solve and will they meet the criteria. Also how is someone supposed to love a product they don’t know and likely haven’t sold before… kinda going cart in front of the horse on this one for what it’s worth just my 2 cents

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