Just might leave sales altogether

Hired by a technical services company Jan 2023. 120k base with a 2% commission on sales over $1.5M. Told min goal was 1.5. Told 2023 was the year to build pipeline with $0 goal. I have a MAX of 130 prospect accounts, they are not qualified, many don’t need our services, can’t afford, embedded competitors.

Sales cycle here is often 18 months, some 6-12 months, all government sales, most competitive bids. Service work averages 200-250k annual with a 40% gross margin. This all sounds ok. I think I could do 1M in 2023 with no goal and 2M 2024, 3M 2025. I am now 5 months in and my 2024 goal is moved to $5M… they also went and put audio video and vehicle monitoring in all company cars (which wasn’t part of my agreement - I was told here is a company car you can ditch your personal vehicle and use 24/7). In February they let the entire marketing department go. Basically just slashing head count and trying to run lean AF. They canceled our SF account and told us to use excel. I am now self paying for my solo CRM. I’m just so burnt out on all the BS. I get at these firms and they talk a big game, I ask all the right questions and BOOM… goal posts moved, obstacles and obstructions. Positives. I work remote and I do like my VP of Sales. Company has a decent reputation and does decent work. What do I do????????

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12
Diablo
Politicker
2
Sr. AE
Wow that’s such a difficult situation and it sounds like your company is only having a vision without any roadmap of achieving it. Looks like you are the sales director, what do you sense from the other reps?
Pachacuti
Politicker
2
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Selling to Government requires deep pockets because of the long sales cycles. A lot of people and companies do not understand that.

Just because your company raises your quota doesn’t mean you’re going to hit it. I have seen that in other areas.

Access to salesforce is a luxury most companies really can’t afford. And most the companies a try to afford it, shouldn’t.

I was suggest sharpening your résumé and seeing what else is out there.

CKamapguy
Fire Starter
0
Sales Director
I agree. Unfortunate but necessary.
CPTAmerica
Opinionated
1
President/CRO
That math isn’t great. You bring in $1.5M and only earn $120k? Lots of AE roles out there with similar base and greater OTE.
Justatitle
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
Ok, this is a textbook definition of questioning your sales skills because of a shitty company. There are companies out there where you will find your worth and know sales is right, unfortunately, they are tough to find and you have to have some incredible mental toughness to be successful in this. Having never interacted with you before and going off how well you laid this out, I think you are clearly good/great at sales you just work for a crappy org and may feel trapped. It's time to start looking though in terms of what to do.
punishedlad
Tycoon
0
Business Development Team Lead
Vehicle monitoring + ditching SF are HUGE red flags, on top of axing the marketing department. Sounds like this ship is sinking. I wouldn't ditch sales altogether. Just know that there are many, many orgs that are in better straits.
salesblazer7
Fire Starter
0
Senior Account Executive
Sinking ship, hop off before you're fully submerged. Sales is the last department to go
Maximas
Tycoon
0
Senior Sales Executive
Jump the ship!!!
CastleIsland
Tycoon
0
Associate Account Director
That sucks. Sometimes I wonder if my computer is spying on me myself. Couldn't imagine driving around listening to music, knowing you are being watched and heard...
71
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