Is Xerox still relevant in terms of sales pedigree?

Question

I know a few people that have worked in Sales at Xerox and talk about it like it carries the same prestige as being a Harvard alumni… Maybe a slight exaggeration on my end but not far off.

I’m not looking to work there or anything like that. Just curious.

I have no doubt that Xerox had a lot of relevance at some point as a high quality sales org but is that still the case?

Accepted Answer

Nope unless you’re going to their competitor then maybe lol

Answer

If used in a "I learned to prospect at Xerox" context, it may carry some weight with someone who understands the reference. They used to knock on every door. Otherwise, nahh.

Answer

Xerox almost, almost was the forward-looking tech company of the century...but alas, passed the ball. They're not really relevant unless you want to either date yourself or you want to silo yourself.

Answer

I have to disagree with most here it seems. Maybe not Xerox exclusively but that industry in general carried a good amount of weight after I left it. I worked for another manufacturer for almost 3 years, and every interview since someone in the process has mentioned how they were either in the industry previously or had heard about how difficult it was "to survive that long and flourish"
Or maybe I misunderstood the original post

Answer

no

Answer

No

Answer

Likely depends on the type of sales, doubt there is a ton with tech specifically, but in other verticals it definitely still a flex

Answer

Was, but not no mo

Answer

Back in the day they were known for their sales training. They did not keep up with the times.

Answer

Not anymore, it's rather antiquated.

Answer

It used to be once upon a time, don't think it's now.

Answer

Xerox and IBM still have solid sales training programs... in a world where most have none.

Answer

Its a household name, so it doesn't hurt.

Answer

meh

Answer

Don't think so..

Answer

Give there stock price at a 1/10 of what it was in 1999, i dont think so

Answer

I find at Xerox it’s not necessarily the “sales training” you get but the fact that you do basically every role as an entry level sales person. I worked in the industry shortly after university and you were basically the SDR knocking on doors, the AE running cycles, the AM doing QBRs and talking expansion and success, the renewals manager working existing customers and bordering on customer success at times for sure. Different world than SaaS but exposure to that many lines of work and being fully responsible for finding every single opportunity definitely teaches you some things. Official sales training though I’d say wasn’t that great.

Answer

Errr nope.

Answer

While at Apple, Xerox provided some of the worst outsourcing I've ever seen. So, I'm inclined to say that they are definitely a company behind the times. Like, cool, you invented the GUI. Move on.

Answer

I agree with Xerox and IBM still have solid sales training programs... in a world where most have none. Or at best some convoluted smile-and-dial training based on some Guru who sells smile-and-dial l training that worked for a Unicorn. Good sales training is a good experience and it should be highlighted. Sell the fact that you have had good sales training.

Answer

I learned from previous Xerox sales reps that the answer is ultimately, not really.

CadenceCombat

Is Xerox still relevant in terms of sales pedigree?

27 comments

CadenceCombat

Is Xerox still relevant in terms of sales pedigree?

27 comments

Related posts

Sales Enablement - Do the members of any Sales Enablement team need to have prior selling experience?

Are MBAs still relevant?

Anyone here selling in book industry? I am facing hard sales for my client in SEA region. Advice if you know a good strategy to use for sales growth