tonysoprano

Sr. AE

non-sales sales manager

my boss was part of a rif at the beginning of the year

now I report to the old head of mktg who is now head of sales & mktg. he is aware he doesn't have any sales experience, so when it comes to 1-1s talking about pipe, I mainly just give him updates vs talking through strategy

has this every happened to anyone?

TIA

🧢 Sales Management

15 comments

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Phillip_J_Fry

Opinionated

Director of Revenue

This feels like it would be the start of a sitcom. Meager Marketing guy with a degree in graphic design gets thrown into managing a bullpen full of sales guy frat bros.

Revenue_Rambo

Politicker

Director, Revenue Enablement

Great sitcom... get's cancelled after 3 episodes (months) for not catching on the with mainstream market.

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

I'd watch it

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

I've reported to someone who had no selling experience before. Nicest guy in the world, left his experienced sellers alone, but was unable to offer any guidance or eliminate internal hurdles, and had to be coached in how to best help. I'll take a hands-on collaborative manager over a lack of experience any day, although it could be worse ... at least you're not being micromanaged!

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

The internal hurdles are the most important part for me.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Yeah, I liked having a hands-off manager until I had a SUPER hands-on problem solving don't-take-no for an answer manager. I'll take door #2 every day.

oldcloser

Arsonist

💀

Amen

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

Most aren't ever lucky enough to experience that...
I've had one or two that came close.

Founding BDR

Heard of this before and have always laughed. I’m just imagining the weirdest/most awkward 1on1s. It’s like trying to cook a 5 star meal and seeking advice from someone who can’t scramble eggs.

unclespacejam

Politicker

ur dad’s brother

Yes have been through similar shit with mgmt before who are not sellers by trade.

Can definitely be tough to work through. My approach to it was to work with outside mentors or communities/ peers to bounce ideas off them.

It’s tough, but it can be workable. Does tend to make for more transactional 1:1’s which feels like a waste of time

pirate

Big Shot

🦜☠️ Account Executive

I had a manager who came from product to sales management and other one from finance... They ended up being very decent both of them so could perhaps learn something of him?

Pachacuti

Politicker

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

I’ve had several non-sales sales managers throughout my career. It’s basically management by numbers. Make them look good and they will make you look good.

Gasty

Notable Contributor

War Room Community Manager

Having great sales experience also doesn’t mean he/she will be a great Manager. You get a Manager that the organization gives you, but choose a Mentor that you’d want.

Yeah ofcourse, daily huddles would suck but I’d if you got good numbers, and have more to show, you’re life would certainly get easier. Since they don’t have sales background, they won’t feel bad noticing a few misses here and there, thinking it’s a miss from your end.

Justatitle

Big Shot

Account Executive

Bit of a red flag TBH. He may know basic sales but negotiation, understanding complex deals and going to bat for you are all things that are unlikely to happen.

FranchiseSalesQB

Politicker

Franchise Sales QB

OMG YES!!!! Our "head of marketing" has no experience with sales or marketing for that matter. Imagine having over 10 yrs sales & marketing experience and this ding dong is telling you whats what.

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tonysoprano

non-sales sales manager

15 comments

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