IAMTHEDOG

Director of Sales

Director of Sales VS. Account Executive?

Yesterday at my company's weekly happy hour, my immediate supervisor offered me the title of Director of Sales. My commission structure will not change, and my duties remain the same.

Could you seasoned sales savages provide some insight before I take the role?

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17 comments

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Jewcan_Sam81

Politicker

Account Executive

I actually just posted this exact same question a few weeks ago, lots of killer advice from these fine fine folks in there!

IAMTHEDOG

Valued Contributor

Director of Sales

I’ll take a look!
Thank you.

TheNegotiator

Arsonist

VP of Sales

Don’t take the title change without the responsibilities.

it plays extremely poorly in interviews, take my word for it.

Look at my title. I’m at a seed startup, and the title is legit, but I lead 4 people. As a director I had over 25.

My skills/abilities did not ride into the sunset, but hollow titles play poorly. If you’re an AE, be an AE. There are plenty of IC roles that have some permutation of “Director” in them, but obviously not at your company, because they’ve already gone with the traditional AE naming scheme.

Don’t do it. If they’re making you a real director, and you want to be a leader, that’s a different story.

Beans

Big Shot

Enterprise Account Executive

I mean if nothing is changing at least your CV looks nicer?

MCP

Valued Contributor

Sales Director

That’s not a promotion, that’s a psych game to help u get into more accounts.

braintank

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

So it's just a title change? What's in it for you? More responsibility with no perks?

IAMTHEDOG

Valued Contributor

Director of Sales

Just a title change. I haven’t even hit my second month with this company, but I’ve closed a couple of clients that they’ve had wet dreams about. I have a review with the president in two months, however. I’m thinking it means raise as well. What do you think?

braintank

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

I mean, you get a new business card...

But if no additional pay or equity, who gives a hoot?

IAMTHEDOG

Valued Contributor

Director of Sales

That’s my thought process as well.
However, a title can hold equity in itself don’t you agree?

braintank

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

Meh. Not without added pay.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

It’s helpful for your resume, and if it doesn’t hurt you (no pay bump but no additional responsibility, so a wash), the title itself could help you with leverage into more accounts. Treat it like another tool for your sales, and use it when you meet with the president as an indicator of your value.

IAMTHEDOG

Valued Contributor

Director of Sales

That’s my thought process exactly.

Diablo

Politicker

Sr. AE

If you want to be in a similar role in the future, it’s better you clarify what they have in mind in coming months. I know no change in role but what’s there for you now and in the future? Why should you take it? Better if you get in writing

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

More work for less pay?

CREAM

Good Citizen

Manager

Sure the title is great but it means nothing if role and responsibilities don't change. Make sure you get something other than just the title.

Pachacuti

Politicker

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

Why do they want to change your title? I get that you have had some beginners luck come your way, but 1 month is not an indicator of all future successes.
That said, if it’s purely a boost in title, go for it.

payton_pritchard

Executive

RSM

I'd echo what it looks like pretty much everyone here has said -- just a title change is essentially meaningless. A more formal conversation with the manager who offered this to discuss exactly what the promotion entails and what your goals are should happen before you make a decision either way.

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IAMTHEDOG

Director of Sales VS. Account Executive?

17 comments

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