one thing that is different in ENT sales

So as someone who was in SMB and somehow broke into ENT, ive had this chip on my shoulder that its really the same thing and anyone can do it.


BUT


one thing i have noticed is the ability to be a "quarterback" is so key in ENT sales.


You have to be able to see 3 steps ahead of where you are, you have to be able to understand quickly WHO is important and who isnt, and how to manage multiple people and multiple personalities.


its almost like combining a quarterback, a politician and a sales person.


I do think this is a specific set of skill that not every person would like, or be able to do well.


any other ENT sales ppl agree with this? or am I insane.

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SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
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Officer of โ™ฅ๏ธ
Ent = more strategy and EQ
TennisandSales
Politicker
0
Head Of Sales
this is probs the most simple way to look at it. i like this.
SADNESSLieutenant
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Officer of โ™ฅ๏ธ
Got you ๐Ÿ˜‡
CuriousFox
WR Officer
4
๐ŸฆŠ
You are correct, and it's not just for external sales. You have to see five steps ahead internally as well. Politics, red tape, etc are worse in ENT.
Sunbunny31
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Sr Sales Executive ๐Ÿฐ
You have to know who to bring with you to which calls, when to engage product (and get your VP to weigh in), etc. You literally need to see many steps ahead and anticipate moves, and how to respond to each.
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
its the "how to respond to each" that is pretty crucial here
Sunbunny31
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Sr Sales Executive ๐Ÿฐ
Yeah, I review everything that could possibly be a hurdle and sort out how to address each. I literally look for things that could lose me the deal so I'm prepared.

You can't foresee everything, but you can prepare for many things.
TennisandSales
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Head Of Sales
THISSSS! when i first stepped into ENT sales i was SHOCKED by how hard I had to work just to align things INTERNALLY. Making sure that everyone knew where they needed to be, what to say, what the context was ect.
Pachacuti
Politicker
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They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Itโ€™s close to the same thing but youโ€™re right that anyone can do it.
Youโ€™re also right that youโ€™re the QB more often than not.
Instead of seeing ahead 3 steps, you need to be able to ask about the next steps.
You also need a ton of patience.
TennisandSales
Politicker
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Head Of Sales
see i DONT think anyone can do it.

I dont think you need to have sold ENT deals to be able to get into an ENT role, but i dont think EVERY sales person would be a good ENT rep/
Pachacuti
Politicker
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They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Anyone can be taught.
Sunbunny31
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Sr Sales Executive ๐Ÿฐ
Nope, you're right on. You're in charge of calling the plays, and managing all along the way. Enterprise sales is a team effort, but someone has to be in charge - and that's the EAE.
TennisandSales
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Head Of Sales
boom. part of why i keep telling my boss to back off and stop leaving me out of things. i NEED to know EVERYTHING thats going on.
Sunbunny31
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Sr Sales Executive ๐Ÿฐ
Oh hell yes. It's your deal, and you need to know everything!

I bring my manager in for executive alignment, but she keeps me informed about anything discussed when I'm not on the call. She doesn't run a separate cycle behind my back.
butwhy
Politicker
1
Solutions Engineer
Yep! I always say that the AE is the QB and I am the WR. You are responsible with not only knowing where the defense is currently standing, but you gotta call the play.

It's also more of a relationship game than SMB. I have seen millions of ARR closed just on the backs of text messages and weekly dinners.
SoccerandSales
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
This is definitely the feedback I have been getting when inquiring what I need to do better to be successful with bigger deals. Our VP stresses the 'quarterbacking' of next steps constantly.
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
1
Bravado's Resident Asshole
This is great info to have for when that opp comes down the road for me.
Kosta_Konfucius
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Sales Rep
Especially with Ent SaaS quarterbacking internal teams, making sure all of the SEs are prepared for the demo, exec sponsor knows everything they need to know, pricing is approved and ready to go, etc etc
jefe
Arsonist
1
๐Ÿ
Definitely makes sense.
thegreatjimbino
Executive
0
SDR (Sales Development Rep)
It sounds about right. Iโ€™m not in ENT sales but it stands true with medical device as well. Internal โ€œcustomersโ€ just as important. You deal with the surgeons clinic/MA, the hospital admin/purchasing/finance, OR leaders, OR Staff. Very much part QB part politician, part sales. Have to get everyone running the same play
FranchiseSalesQB
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Franchise Sales QB
I'm a Franchise Sales QB
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