Moving into SaaS

Hello Fellow Savages,


Could use a little insight on this. For years I have wanted to work in SaaS as either an AE or AM, but have never been able to move into the industry (i am working on a manufacturing passion project but still need something full time.


My background has been wholesale b2b, primarily products (backpacks, fashion etc) where I have been a director/VP of sales and operations until moving in to logistics this January (selling logistics service) I have had some interviews with software companies, however I am always hitting the same objections:

  • You're to experienced for the role
  • When i do interview for a role thats my level (we need someone who has software experience)
  • While you're qualified you lack software experience


How can I overcome these? I am noticing breaking into this industry, especially in the new york metro area is incredibly difficult. Would definitely appreciate some insight

๐Ÿค Interviewing/Offer
6
walkingintoameeting
Valued Contributor
3
Account Executive
I would try to land a role as an ISR (Inside Sales). Take a gander at any postings from Salesforce- they are usually hiring AE's for their SMB market. Could be a way in. If that does not work, then I would even consider joining as a BDR (typically takes around 1 YOE in this role to position yourself for an AE role or ISR role in SMB / Corporate space. You just need to land in a software / SaaS company to show you have some knowledge. Leverage Crunchbase to find companies in your area. I would focus on unicorn startups that have some sort of team already established so you have some structure as you start.ย 
Sales4what
Opinionated
1
Co-Founder & VP Sales @ PLURiTy
Thanks for the insight, sales force is one that turned me down actually, but inside sales and BDR might be a good way in.ย 

when you say unicorn start ups, what are you referring to, should I be looking at valuation? when i hear unicorn, I think we work, and I think we all know how that worked (see what I did there lol)ย 
drtendo
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
take my reluctant upvote for your terrible joke ๐Ÿ™„๐Ÿ˜‚
Sales4what
Opinionated
1
Co-Founder & VP Sales @ PLURiTy
Hahahah yeah I am definitely big on โ€œdad jokesโ€ย 
CaneWolf
Politicker
3
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
How many years of experience do you have? And there are absolutely companies that would hire you. I would look for companies that sell into wholesalers, manufacturers, distributors, logistics. They should love to hire somebody who speaks the language of their customers and knows how to sell.
Sales4what
Opinionated
0
Co-Founder & VP Sales @ PLURiTy
I have actually thought of this, and this is how I landed my role in the logistics company - speaking the language of manufacturers, but it seems like everywhere I apply its always "minimum 5 years in experience with in the industry. Overall I actually have a total of 12 years sales experience. 6 in b2b, the rest in Financial services and Event planning.ย 
CaneWolf
Politicker
1
Call me what you want, just sign the damn contract
Look at:

ERP companies such asย  Epicor, Infor, NetSuite
EDI Companies such as SPSCommerce, HighJump
WMS companies
3PLs with SaaS offerings
Specialty industry solutions
Sales4what
Opinionated
0
Co-Founder & VP Sales @ PLURiTy
This is great, thanks!ย 
paddy
WR Officer
2
Director of Business Development
Anyone can sell software. Just requires a little more of a learning curve than something like selling backpacks. All you have to understand is the value it brings (why it makes life easier for certain roles) and learn about the granularity of the product as you go.
Sales4what
Opinionated
0
Co-Founder & VP Sales @ PLURiTy
I've been aiming for CRM companies primarily, being in sales for the length of time I have been, CRM's are extremely useful, to me it seems like the perfect transition into the role, but rejections are always the same. The closest I got was a round three interview but they were not comfortable offering me a role that was a lower title than I already had. The last company was Analytical ways
Sales4what
Opinionated
0
Co-Founder & VP Sales @ PLURiTy
not so much a CRM that company but as someone who worked in manufacturing I was able to see the benefit and ease of use
CoastLife
Good Citizen
1
Large Enterprise Sales
If you have manufacturing and logistics experience, why not look at SaaS companies that service those types of clients?
Your knowledge of the industry might be more valuable than any SaaS experience (which can be taught).ย 
CoastLife
Good Citizen
1
Large Enterprise Sales
Check out Beekeeper.io - kind of like Slack but for frontline workers (ie people that work in retail, manufacturing, healthcare etc - that don't sit behind a desk all day)
Sales4what
Opinionated
0
Co-Founder & VP Sales @ PLURiTy
This is actually great insight, and a good company much appreciated. Iโ€™ve been eying a few companies that sell those services actually.ย 
CuriousFox
WR Officer
0
๐ŸฆŠ
What was the outcome?
3

4 yrs MM Saas AE. Need a change...where should I be looking???

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