SixMoStones

Account Executive

Feeling frustrated, starting to doubt myself in this role.

Left an SMB role at F500 where i was an SDR and AE, for a pay bump at a relatively small company to be an enterprise AE. been here for 7 months, and am struggling to build pipeline, leads are non-existent/constant no-shows, getting in touch with partners is near impossible, basically all greenfield. I had doubts about taking this role and jumping into an enterprise role at a young age (25). Starting to doubt myself, seeing people closing deals by knowing "people in the industry" or getting referrals in from past roles is frustrating as I'm beating the phones, email. and not getting anywhere. Guess I didn't realize how long enterprise deals take and how it works. I have talked to my boss and they have said that I am being hard on myself and need to keep at it, but not having constant meetings and customer conversations has not helped me get more comfortable with the product and questions to ask. I don't have pipeline at all and am overall incredibly frustrated. Should I look for a new role or stop being so hard on myself and keep at it?

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braintank

Politicker

4

Enterprise Account Executive

Probably both...

Starting a new ENT role from scratch is stuff -- so going 6+ months without a deal is normal.

Keep at the basics, but make sure you're getting input from peers and leadership about what is and isn't working.

Do you feel like your new company has product market fit? Are your peers seeing deals close or just getting meetings?

SixMoStones

Opinionated

0

Account Executive

I think there’s a fit, but it depends who you’re talking too. We’re basically in a new category by ourselves just got a huge funding round and are going to hire more people but there is literally zero sales training. I’ve learned everything from the senior reps, who tell me it takes time. people that are killing it have been here for years. Basically nobody cold calls, or prospects at all for that matter. I lead the entire org in prospecting but barely get meetings, etc.I have tried getting introductions into partners we work with but never get responses. Just frustrating prospecting all day long and feeling like an SDR all over again.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

1

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

RE the issue connecting with partners - does your company have a partner manager who can intervene and ensure that those introductory meetings happen?

braintank

Politicker

2

Enterprise Account Executive

What do you sell?

SixMoStones

Opinionated

0

Account Executive

They literally will put an opportunity into the other companies dashboard and that’s it. I follow up with the AE at the other company and explain what we do but it’s basically selling myself to them. It’s not easy to get conversations with them, almost impossible

SixMoStones

Opinionated

0

Account Executive

We’re an enterprise testing platform but label as a CX platform because we test contact center channels to ensure they are working properly

Sunbunny31

Politicker

1

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

That's painful. Does the other AE get anything if your deal closes? Best way to get their attention is if there's something in it for them.

bandabanda

Tycoon

0

Senior AE Mid Market

@SixMoStones no one else cold calls or prospects? How are they closing deals?

SixMoStones

Opinionated

1

Account Executive

Utilize old contacts, partner relationships, add ons to current accounts.

techsales

Politicker

2

Enterprise Account Executive

When I joined my org after being in midmarket/smb sales it took me a solid 10+ months to start having meaningful conversations with new prospects. Same situation: startup, newer category, other reps getting fed by partners...etc

What you are experiencing sounds normal. If you like the company and see a good potential fit for yourself long term, stick with it and I bet in a few months you'll start to have more sales conversations.

Lack of sales training unfortunately is the reality of any startup, so I'd try to occupy your time by shadowing calls as much as possible and trying to ride shotgun with the experienced reps to get as close to the deal cycle as you can.

Justatitle

Big Shot

2

Account Executive

Even when I was crushing it on revenue and goals I still doubted myself, I don't think it ever goes away. Kind of comes with the territory of being in sales and imposter syndrome. I leave you with one of my favorite stories below and maybe this will be helpful.

"One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all.One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed.""

SixMoStones

Opinionated

2

Account Executive

I like this!

Jewcan_Sam81

Politicker

1

Account Executive

It's gonna be a grind for a while. Gotta throw out the whole "plant the seeds and wait for them to bear fruit" analogy, it's only way to see it. Don't beat yourself up. After 6 months, you'll start to see those beans sprout my friend

SixMoStones

Opinionated

2

Account Executive

Yeah it’s been a grind, hope you’re right. Doing the same shit everyday for the last few months and not seeing any results has been brutal.

Jewcan_Sam81

Politicker

2

Account Executive

Oh it’s sooooo rough, dude. But just look at it this way: every single call and email will get you somewhere. Whether it’s removing someone from eligibility or moving them to an SQL, one thing at a time my friend!

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