OG Requesting Advice: Where would you start?

Related to the infamous Honey Badger, The Sales Badger goes into hibernation after a bite from life. But those out there who are also Bravado OG's (That'd be a cool feature to eliminate fluff). Sorry, I digress.


Talent recognizes talent, but sometimes a lack of experience reduces opportunity for underutilized excellence. I say that because right now; I have a sales adonis that has limited experience in corporate sales because he owned his own sales & tech related business. A business that was quite profitable in its prime.


He has an excellent employment record previously to that, but where should I encourage him to start? He'd be a great Account Executive - someone I would recommend, which is an absolute rarity.


In 2017, I was let-go for the first time in my life from a National Sales Director gig for reasons out of my control. Even with years of experience, for a year, I wrecked my credit & depleted my savings because I wasn't getting the job offers I expected. And when companies started taking interest, I would flop because my confidence in myself depleted. I second-guessed my talent until I relocated - and someone gave me a shot. That struggle is humbling, but something I wouldn't wish on anyone.


Please provide some feedback, since relocation isn't an option for this person. I appreciate any ideas or thoughts.



๐Ÿ™ Mental Wellness
๐ŸŽฏ Career Development
๐Ÿ—ฃ Interviewing
9
sketchysales
Politicker
6
Sales Manager
Um, at the starting line where we all start? By looking for a job perhaps? Jobs don't tend to walk around and smack you in the face, it's usually a bit of give and take.

If you mean what kind of role should said person start in? Again, just like the rest of us, shooting for the job you want and potentially hitting a compromise with a plan on getting to the role you really want.

Us "OGs" try to be less vague so we can help one another.
braintank
Politicker
5
Enterprise Account Executive
People out here trying to win creative writing awards instead of explaining what they need.
sketchysales
Politicker
3
Sales Manager
lol, its so true.
The_Sales_Badger
Notorious Answer
2
Account Executive
That is pretty funny - you got me
braintank
Politicker
4
Enterprise Account Executive
I'm not sure I understand the question...

If they're qualified to be an AE and have good background they should apply for AE roles.
TennisandSales
Politicker
4
Head Of Sales
sounds like an intense situation but im not sure i know what your asking for.

are you lookin for help on how to get your friend into tech sales?
ThatNewAE
Big Shot
1
Account Executive - Mid enterprise
What's the question?
The_Sales_Badger
Notorious Answer
0
Account Executive
Where does someone start?
braintank
Politicker
4
Enterprise Account Executive
They start by applying...

Why you being so vague?
Pachacuti
Politicker
1
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Fortunately many jobs are now remote. So that's a plus for this person.

I would focus on the technology niche he's in and not worry about job titles.
The_Sales_Badger
Notorious Answer
0
Account Executive
Alright, I hear yall. To be fair, there is only one question in the forum, but I see brevity is desired.

Where do I encourage him to start?

Heโ€™s been applying, the point is his experience lies in running his own business for the last 9 years. How do you flip that experience to be marketable to recruiters?

Iโ€™m being โ€œvagueโ€ because Iโ€™m not sure what other information everyone needs to put in an opinion.

Iโ€™m not looking for a step by step guide. Just creative thoughts to get someones foot in the door.
braintank
Politicker
3
Enterprise Account Executive
Have they not started yet, or have they started and not found success?

Someone who ran their own business should have no problem getting interviews for an AE position. They've proven they are a successful entrepreneur with discipline and grit.

If they're applying and not getting traction either: their resume sucks, they are a shit interviewer, or they're applying to the wrong type of roles (e.g. applying for BDR with too much experience).
The_Sales_Badger
Notorious Answer
0
Account Executive
That's helpful - thank you.
RFazzo
Executive
1
CEO
Check his resume. As a business owner he may think that explaining everything he was involved with would help him. He needs to decide the specific role he wants to get into and tailor his resume to make him sound god tier at the role.
He's essentially trying to solve product market fit for himself, he won't get that by sounding like a jack of all trades in the beginning. Unless he wants to get into C level management, get that resume refined
jefe
Arsonist
0
๐Ÿ
?!?
13

Advice for a new golfer

Question
15
31
Members only

More great advice from LinkedIn

Discussion
22