SaaSGuy313

SDR

How do I survive?

with summer being the absolute hellhole that it is for Sales, how is one supposed to survive. I've booked a grand total of 0 meetings in 3.5 weeks and with EOQ coming around, I find myself depressed, angry at everyone and everything and doubting my worth. I'm confident things will turn around but I'm at my wits end at this rate, I've tried everything in my power and have no idea where to turn next

🙏 Mental Wellness

👑 Sales Strategy

☁️ Software Tech

19 comments

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ADudeBeingAGuy

Politicker

Account Executive

In times like these, booze.

SaaSGuy313

Opinionated

SDR

Boozing is the only thing getting me through these times tbh

DungeonsNDemos

Big Shot

Rolling 20's all day

Have you swapped your messaging? Or is your market cyclical? Are all your prospects in Europe so they are all on vacation?
The main question is, where is the disconnect between what was working and why isn't it working anymore?

SaaSGuy313

Opinionated

SDR

I’ve changed my messaging to be more personalised, and persona relevant. It’s cyclical and budget doesn’t roll around till Q3 timeframe but clearly, that isn’t acceptable for revenue forecasts and leadership. Prior, when I used canned mass blast messaging, I got way more responses than I do now, but I’m giving the benefit of the doubt to the fact that it’s summer, and almost everyone is OOO

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

Long walks in nature, cold beers, and fat joints. Preferably at the same time.

And live to fight another day.

SaaSam

Politicker

Account Executive

It's the lows in sales that make the highs so sweet. This, a lot of the time, is just the nature of the beast.

saasbaby

Politicker

SDR

Wow.. so that explains it. I'm new to sales, so hearing that Summer is one of the worst seasons for Sales is relieving. I'm an SDR and I'm getting appts booked but I feel for the AEs... there haven't been any Closed Won yet.

Mobi85

Politicker

Regional Sales Manager

So the stress of not booking the meetings is probably starting to seep through in your voice without even realizing it. I found whenever I was hitting those stressful moments was to take a step away and breathe. Then when you hit the phone for a moment don't give two shits about trying to actually book a meeting and just try and connect with the person on the other end. Build some rapport for a moment and have fun on the phone and remember this is all just a job not life or death.

Lastly if all else fails booze and some weed does the trick.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Sales is cyclical, and it is so rough being in the slow period. Take care of yourself - make sure you're stepping away, getting exercise, eating well, etc. Maintain excellent work habits; meet your metrics, keep up the effort, and eventually, it will start to pay off.

antiASKHOLE

Tycoon

Bravado's Resident Asshole

I find that in times like this, I strip everything down and go back to the basic of basics. smile and dial. and get back to learning how to drive the car again.

SADNESSLieutenant

Politicker

Officer of ♥️

I second Anti Askholes opinion. Double the dials as heartbreaking as it is. Call at prime times. up your messaging. get creative. ask for feedback, shadow better reps. talk to ur manager. get up early, go to bed late. you can control it even if it's harder right now. you just have to work harder for it.

SADNESSLieutenant

Politicker

Officer of ♥️

at least if EOQ comes around you can show your metrics for it

Link

Executive

Regional Sales Rep

Sometimes it’s the rule of 100–100 no’s to get that yes, and in the meantime just be kind to yourself.
Pound the phone; most of my appointments I set thru the phone as an SDR.

FinanceEngineer

Politicker

Sr Director, sales and partnerships

Yeah, there are still deals that get done over the summer. Most of the market is on vacation, but planning properly and good contact gets you the deals that at live.

TennisandSales

Politicker

Head Of Sales

ughhhh this was the WORST part about being an SDR. when things go to shit and you have no other job to do.

I would go to a coworker that is killing it, and see if you can review their messaging / talktrack and see if you can just copy it or tweak it.

salesdadinhis30s

Fire Starter

Enterprise Account Executive

I've seen really strong reps have tough quarters, and really bad reps have amazing years. It's really easy to blame yourself... well because you and your effort are ultimately the only things you can control. But if you gave 100% effort, you gave 100% effort. Own that and be proud of it. 100% effort just sometimes will not produce the results you're being asked to deliver on.

The other thought is in the big scheme of things quarterly quota doesn't matter. When you are 80 and nearing end of life, those surrounding you won't give one hoot whether you killed your quotas or struggled at sales. If you quit tomorrow, they would replace you and no one would remember your name in a few weeks. Sounds harsh, but it's liberating too (at least for me) to know it doesn't matter a whole lot in the end, and to limit how much I care about it.

I could also be dead wrong in all of this :) but these are the thoughts that keep me sane during the dark times of selling.

Smilesndialz

Politicker

SDR

I’m going through this exact same thing. You just gotta tell yourself this will be over soon.

TheOverTaker

Politicker

Senior Account Executive

Summer sucks. Particularly July in my experience. Head down. There is a light on the other side. In the meantime, keep grinding even though it sucks. Try to find positives to hang on to. Enjoy your weekends. The rush is coming

SaaSGuy313

Opinionated

SDR

Update for everyone: well, I just got placed on an activity monitoring plan because my July has sucked :). Seriously debating saying screw this and testing the waters to see what’s out there

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SaaSGuy313

How do I survive?

19 comments

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