CorporateSis

Account Executive

Career development: sales manager versus strategic ae

Hi peeps,

I am lined up to start a strategic AE role (tech) in summer (moving from a somewhat more junior AE role now), but I know it's going to be challenging: small patch, no run-rate / existing customers, difficult industry and challenging product for this industry (I believe in the value, but it will take time to get there). And most of all, doubtful management and high pressure.

At the same time, one of my previous managers offered me a role in his team as sales manager for one of the junior AE teams. This is a hecking jump, and the salary will be higher plus I get a lot more visibility. And again, most of all, I know the management is great and those are people I want to work with.

However, I know the real deal, high respect, big comish is always within strategic sales. I wonder if not going into strategic now, but rather growing my career within the junior AE teams is a good step forward. Will I ever get back to strategic sales? Will the manager position make it likely I never return? Or make it difficult?

🧢 Sales Management

🚀 Career Goals

🤝 Interviewing/Offer

7

21 comment

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Sunbunny31

Politicker

3

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

You have a manager you liked working with offering you a position, vs one with a lot of challenges.

Working enterprise for years, I'd rather be busy than bored, and you seem more enthusiastic about the second opportunity.

CorporateSis

Contributor

0

Account Executive

I like that, rather be busy than bored, and I share that opinion.

Notmyrealname

Politicker

2

AE

Sounds like you'll enjoy one job way more than the other. That's the route I'd take.

CorporateSis

Contributor

1

Account Executive

You know the thing is, I love selling. I just do not like not selling: I would love to be an AE if there's at least some proof that it will work out. I know selling is never easy, but I feel that for this role, they need someone who is very ambitious and patient.

Gasty

Notable Contributor

1

War Room Community Manager

Do you mean Enterprise Sales when you say Strategic AE?

CorporateSis

Contributor

1

Account Executive

Yes indeed, I mix them up.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

1

🦊

Trust your gut instinct. Do what's best for you and your family.

CorporateSis

Contributor

1

Account Executive

The funny thing with sales is always that you might just need 1 good deal to get things right... I suppose I am scared I'd be missing out on my big deal if I'd be moving to management already.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

2

🦊

1 good deal or 1 good career? 😉

CorporateSis

Contributor

1

Account Executive

What do you think about moving back to sales after a sales management position?

CuriousFox

WR Officer

2

🦊

People do it every day. Who cares what other people think? You are the only one who knows what's best boo.

braintank

Politicker

1

Enterprise Account Executive

"small patch, no run-rate / existing customers, difficult industry and challenging product for this industry...And most of all, doubtful management and high pressure."

I mean, c'mon

CorporateSis

Contributor

1

Account Executive

And from the other side: if you succeed, it's quite awesome, isn't it?

braintank

Politicker

1

Enterprise Account Executive

But the cards are really stacked against you

TennisandSales

Politicker

1

Head Of Sales

having a solid management team/ leader guiding you is SO key.

i would take the manager role and solid leader and see how far you can take that.

It will NOT stop you from getting back into an AE role in the future. in fact it may help.

CorporateSis

Contributor

1

Account Executive

Tell me more about that last comment, how do you think it might help? I often have the feeling that they will put you in a box « manager » and don’t consider for AE anymore. But then again, I have never been in that position myself.

TennisandSales

Politicker

1

Head Of Sales

I was a rep then a manager then a rep again.

when i came out of management I felt SO much more focused. Like I knew exactly what I needed to do and what I needed to focus on.

all of a sudden only having my self to worry about felt like the easiest thing in the world.

So I think that focus will help you.

Also I think the understanding of the next level is also important.

As a manager I felt the impact when my reps sold bad deals, signed bad customers and the head aches that came after.

Going back into a rep, its MUCH easier to avoid those situations since you have had to deal with the other side.

CorporateSis

Contributor

1

Account Executive

That is so awesome, thanks for this comment!!

It's a very interesting way to see things, and I think it kind of proofs that you can do whatever you want, as long as you tell the story in the right way: when you use it as a moment of great learnings, nothing is ever too late to get back to whatever you prefer.

Did you after all enjoy being a manager?

TennisandSales

Politicker

0

Head Of Sales

I was promoted at the wrong time. I was the youngest rep EVER promoted to manager in my district. and it showed.

It was really difficult. and I could have used a little more time before the promotion haha. So idk if I really enjoyed it.

BUT

i would like to move back into management at some point again. ive been an individual contributor for 6 years now

Pachacuti

Politicker

0

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

Based on what you said - the 2nd one.

CorporateSis

Contributor

0

Account Executive

Thank you!

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