I joined a start up just over a year ago as their first sales/biz dev employee...with 0 years experience. I had been an Investment Analyst/Associate for 5 years and wanted a change. I was recommended by a former colleague who is friends with the Founders. SaaS product in a niche industry.
I didn't really have any training but I suppose the basics of building out the CRM and prospecting are pretty intuitive.
I (stupidly) agreed to no targets/commission/equity as it was new to me and I was basically treating it as a free MBA. Salary was pretty competitive tbf.
I have made every mistake under the sun over the past year but I have closed our 2nd largest deal ever for a POC with a whole European country (B2G first sale creating a new Public Body use case in the process). The POC is well into the 6 figures and the renewal will hopefully be a 7 figure deal 🤞
I also have built out a 'consultancy model' for the product which gets us in the door quicker for smaller amounts. Usually non-recurring.
The place is mad (I assume like most startups) but enjoyable. I was the 25th employee. We are now 60+. They have just recently hired 3 more in the Sales team. A Head of Growth, experienced Account Director and AE. They are in the process of building out a commission package for me.
I have learned loads and definitely want to continue down the Sales route. I get that I don't have experience to lead a Sales team but still I am not happy being 3rd/4th in the
pecking order after doing all the donkey work and taking the bigger risk…without commission (again my own fault).
Undecided what I should do next. We are Pre-Series A. We are in an good(ish)position although the next few months will be telling. Not sure if 1 year experience is enough to get me into an AE role at bigger tech but leaning towards moving on. Really appreciate any thoughts/suggestions!
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