Help me to transition from AM to AE

Question

Starting to look into the transition from AM to AE.

Talked with a few recruiters & different sales leaders about this change. Consistently seeing hesitancy to hire existing customer sales for new logo sales roles.

I understand the skillset to be successful in an account director position does not transfer 100% to the AE role. Although I do believe if you understand the fundamentals of selling you can learn to sell a new type of product to a different potential customer.

Any suggestions for making this transition happen? Skills I should develop?

A little about me. Top performing account director at a tech startup, 10+ years sales and sales leadership experience with a long running history of exceed quota on both existing accounts and software expansion targets. More interested in the hunting aspect of the role at this point, and trying to push the OTE into the 300-400k range over the next 1-3 years.

Accepted Answer

Apply and interview for various AE roles. Remain confident. If they sense you are questioning yourself they will move on to the next candidate.

Answer

Selling is selling. You have experience, despite what you've heard, it's relevant. I'd encourage you to find some AE positions at companies you're interested in, and start interviewing.

Answer

Just keep getting yourself out there and you'll find something - you've got a great track record and the skills are absolutely transferable.

Answer

You've got an impressive enough resume as it is. Just start setting up interviews with companies that have a product you feel you would be successful selling.

Answer

I would say the only way you will find out is if you just start making a move and testing the waters. See who bites and what they offer you

Answer

That's BS that the same mindset, etc. doesn't equally apply to AE -vs- AM. Selling is selling. Sure, the blocking and tackling might be a bit different, but you are still selling. It takes the same skills to upsell an account as it does it initially sell them. The only difference is that perhaps being an AM is easier because you aren't starting from square 1 with the client.

Answer

Talk about your expansions and upsells. Getting power into meeting. Negotiations. What you did when you lost a POC and had to find a new one

theSADNESSisreal

Help me to transition from AM to AE

11 comments

theSADNESSisreal

Help me to transition from AM to AE

11 comments

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