S
S

Suburbia

In Sales

Executive
Personal Narrative
Member
+3

I quit my job 11 months ago to start my own business, and have totally sucked. Now looking to get back into the job market, any advice?

I had been building a company on the side for some time while I was a Senior Account Executive and when we landed our first handful of deals I quit to go pursue it full-time.


11 months later and we’ve barely been profitable and it’s time for me to take it behind the barn.


I did fairly well at my job prior. Not top five by any means but I hit my $2M+ quotas and landed presidents club.


How should I frame my attempt at entrepreneurship when talking to these companies?

🎈 Mentorship
16

21 comment

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CPTAmerica
Opinionated
14
President/CRO
Be honest; "I had the chance to go out on my own to see what I could do. I knew that if I didn't try I would always regret it. I've learned a lot and Founder/CEO life just isn't for me, I'm ready to get back into something consistent." Assuming that is all true something like that shows guts, integrity and character.
jefe
Arsonist
2
🍁
Pretty much a perfect response
Suburbia
Executive
0
In Sales
That feels genuine, thank you.
MXB
0
CEO
yep say you went for it, and learned you need some more skills and cycles and some mentorship
sketchysales
Politicker
5
Sales Manager
I'd say be up front about it. Maybe you could talk about some of the valuable lessons you learnt. I had a similar situation some time back and I definitely learnt a lot by going alone, even just understanding more the background of how a business runs and understanding more about profit and loss. I personally found it useful to translate that to my sales career and I think it resonates with senior people in business.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
5
🦊
This also would be a perfect example of "tell me about a time..."
Kudos to you for trying something so huge that most are fearful of ❤
SoccerandSales
Big Shot
4
Account Executive
Honesty is best policy here. Be upfront about the experience, share that it wasn't a good lifestyle fit for you, and speak about how that will ultimately lead to you being a more successful IC in the future.
Justatitle
Big Shot
4
Account Executive
Be honest about what has transpired and it should be welcomed by a company because now they won't have to worry about you leaving for your own venture
Suburbia
Executive
1
In Sales
Hahaha isn't that right 🤣
4
Account Executive
I agree saying I've learned a lot and Founder/CEO life just isn't for me. But if you look at Seed sales rep opportunities you could be a great fit. You have CEO experience to couple with your sales experience. You know what it takes to get initial accounts and you can help them get PMF.
nolaydowns
Good Citizen
3
SAE
You’ve underwent a huge learning curve by starting and operating your business for almost a year. I’ve just started one and I’ve already learned tonnes. Although we both know that more knowledge is good, my advice would be to NOT tell them. They’re not entrepreneurs, and are likely to regard your experience unfavourably.
Suburbia
Executive
2
In Sales
It sounds like you're committed to the roller coaster ride. I hope it works out for you!
You’re suggesting presenting the 11 months as a career gap?
nolaydowns
Good Citizen
2
SAE
Well, how’s your relationship with your previous company? Would they help you out with the dates? Would they write you a letter of recommendation? If not it’s better to just tell the truth. It’s the lesser of two evils.
Pachacuti
Politicker
3
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Simply tell it like it is. Focus on the lessons learned and how the company will
Benefit from those lessons.
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
3
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
People love to interview and hire former VP of sales/CROs. It means you were/are good at selling. If you started your own thing and got any traction, that should help.
Maximas
Tycoon
2
Senior Sales Executive
Best option to me is to network with your old fellas particularly you got a brilliant history back then for any vacant positions for the same role you had or something similar otherwise keep your eyes to external opportunities if the first option wasn't good enough to land a job soon,good luck!
pirate
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
I think just be honest and be proud of what you have tried to do. It wasn't successful but you had the guts to try it out. A lot of people don't.
Diablo
Politicker
1
Sr. AE
It’s good to be open about it if being asked however you have to justify why this job is a fit and why won’t your leave again to start something of your own
KB_FarmerType
Opinionated
0
Strategic Sales
Just curious, what type of business were you trying to build?
Suburbia
Executive
0
In Sales
I started a headhunting company. We did well bringing in clients and keeping the deals available given the industry the last two years. Getting people into those opportunities just bested us time and time again.
alCan
Contributor
0
Account Executive
I agree with the above. There is nothing to be ashamed or scared of. This is a plus. You are more knowledgeable and self-aware today than you were a year ago. I would be proactive in assessing it as such in an interview.

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