Dukekaboom

Sales Development Representative

Looking to switch things up

Howdy all,

I am currently on the hunt for a new job, and I want to get some opinions on what kind of position I should be looking for. My backstory is basically this, I currently work in pre owned sales in the recreational market (Boats, RV, 4x4) for 3 years now and I honestly just want out. I know the grass isn't always greener at a new company/job but I wouldn't mind taking a look. My question is this, should I start looking for more entry level positions (SDR / BDR) or do I have enough experience to look for something a little higher up?

I'd appreciate some feedback

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CoorsKing

WR Officer

Retired King of the Coors Knights

I have only changed jobs once in my career so far (got lucky with my first company) so take this with a grain of salt.

I have however, done lots of exploratory interviews over the years. A common theme I see is roles within the same industry / vertical, I could almost always position my experience to justify a lateral or vertical move to a new company.

However most of the ones that would have been a new vertical / industry would have wanted me to take a step back.

So I guess it depends on what type of company you are going to, and in what vertical. Definitely sell your experience, you may just get like and SMB AE role to start.

There are a few users in here in recruiting roles (forgot who otherwise I’d tag them for you) - they may be able to provide some good advice as well based on what they have seen.

KPIMaster

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

Currently looking to switch roles as an enterprise rep and switch industries, I haven't experienced them wanting me to take a step back, however, I do notice that they make me jump through extra hoops. They're highly focused on how I will ramp quickly and learn a new industry. Just seems to make the whole process more arduous, but hey if you want change, got to stick to it!

Dukekaboom

Opinionated

Sales Development Representative

See that is my biggest worry! I know that I can succeed anywhere I am put, but moving from an arena where I am comfortable the whole new industry thing I feel puts me at a disadvantage. At the same time, sales in itself never changes! Thanks!!

Incognito

WR Officer

Master of Disaster

I have said this before, but I’ll say it again - insurance is a decent option. Especially considering your background - you already have a good network to lean on for referrals. Your license will take 3 weeks and $900 or so.

I completely changed industries and I never looked back. I came into this with zero industry experience as well, but was able to head straight to mid market and six figures based on my soft skills and network.

So, even if it’s not insurance, I’d ask yourself what your top soft skills are. Where you’re most knowledgeable and where you can leverage your Rolodex.

CaneWolf

Politicker

Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract

I think you can look for AE jobs in certain niches such as:

1) SMB with payroll companies such as ADP or Paycom
2) High transaction sales fields
3) Selling software to the type of place you've worked

SlinginSoftware

Politicker

Account Executive

Learn as much as you can about the sales process in the industry you're looking to break into...

SaaS for example - I was selling ad-tech for 4 years before moving to SaaS and it took me 2 years until I found a company that would give me a shot.

Different industries have different types of sales cycles. Show them that you have the grit to learn how to sell a product that could take 9 months to close, you understand the importance of building internal champions and breaking through with multiple stakeholders.

I'm a huge believer that anyone can be coached to be a high performing sales rep. Show them that you are willing to be re-built from the top down!

Kevinbacon

Opinionated

Sales Manager

Sales is sales. Don't be afraid to shoot too high. Worst case scenario you land a job you are underqualified for and you have to fake it until you make it (but be aware this way requires ALOT of balls and ALOT of hard work.)

There are a ton of jobs out there right now post COVID. Alot of people jumping around. Get your resume right and be prepared to tell them why your experience has perfectly aligned you for their role. If you don't get much traction, increase your activities.

You can always sort job postings on LinkedIn by "Apply with LinkedIn". If you really wanted to you could probably apply for 100 jobs in an hour that way.

That being said, if you want to get your hands dirty, there is no better way than being an SDR but there's absolutely a reason most (NOT ALL) people want out of that role after 1-2 years tops. You burn out

Dukekaboom

Opinionated

Sales Development Representative

That is another worry of mine, I have a buddy who just started in sales as a SDR and I have mad respect for him. I started as a demo only guy in my industry and it really helped in my growth as a salesperson, it’s just a blow to the ego to think about going back down there again.

Kevinbacon

Opinionated

Sales Manager

The more competitive and lucrative the industry, the farther back you MIGHT have to be willing step in order to break in. For example, I am a sales manager now in IT Remarketing (not a very exciting field) and just took a job as an account manager in the medical device space (very competitive). Sure maybe some would say I took a step back based purely on titles but that’s really not at all the case. My base went from 75k to 100k and my commission from 20-30k to 50-75k+ (uncapped) and I don’t have to work in an office anymore. No brainer for me. You really have to ask yourself what is most important? Title? Earning potential? Passion about industry? Freedom? Have you thought about any of this?

Dukekaboom

Opinionated

Sales Development Representative

I’ve had quite a few mention that to me! And $900 doesn’t seem to bad for the upside that is the insurance game! Is each state different for their licensing or is it pretty standard across the board?

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Dukekaboom

Looking to switch things up

10 comments

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