doingthehustle

Most Recently Account Director

Pivoting from consumer tech hardware sales to SaaS, where should are start?

Making a transition from consumer technology hardware sales where I have 20+ years of experience, to a SaaS sales role. I'm trying to determine which role is the best place to start or does the SaaS industry have a set career path in sales; AE, BD, SDR, or SAM?

In my career I've done all of these role as selling in the consumer technology industry is full stack sales. I'd like to be more focused in my next gig. Looking for, insight, thoughts and advise.

Where do I start in SaaS sales?

Attached poll

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☁️ Software Tech

🎯 Career Development

📳 SaaS

18 comments

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Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

With 20 years of experience, you shouldn't be starting as a BDR. You should be AE. SaaS is a delivery model for software, whether platforms or apps. You'll need to understand the language, and you'll mostly be selling into different groups in addition to being comfortable talking to IT, but you have sales experience.

If you prefer customer success/account management at this stage in your life and career, then you could go that path instead.

doingthehustle

Good Citizen

Most Recently Account Director

Good feedback and the additional insight validates what I've learned and also experienced on the tech hardware side as many of the products I've sold are app or platform enabled, some with open API for integrations. Also working with tech hardware companies, I've used software tools/apps/platforms in my day to day work so it is an easy progression for me.

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

Completely agree - definitely AE, unless there is a matter of personal preference towards what @Sunbunny31 mentioned.

TennisandSales

Politicker

Head Of Sales

What do you mean by consumer tech hardware?

you would for sure be AE.

You will have to find a company that values your non saas experience.

Idk your industry but i would look to see what Saas offerings are in that space or in a similar space and see if that would make sense.

doingthehustle

Good Citizen

Most Recently Account Director

Selling Ring, Corsair, Automatic, SimpliSafe, Hue, Seagate, BFG Graphics Cards and Fitbit to name a few.

TennisandSales

Politicker

Head Of Sales

are these sold door to door? or retail? whats the model?

doingthehustle

Good Citizen

Most Recently Account Director

Selling wholesale into Fortune 100 retailers: Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target

TennisandSales

Politicker

Head Of Sales

hmm interesting. crazy you have been doing that for 20 years!

I am unsure of what Saas category would be best but your experience calling on large orgs like that is solid.

doingthehustle

Good Citizen

Most Recently Account Director

Yah, nuts it's been 20+ years. 🤯 It's been a great ride working with so many disruptive and innovative companies over the years. Ready to tackle a new part of the tech industry.

SADNESSLieutenant

Politicker

Officer of ♥️

AE forsure. Account management even. Moving into a more senior director or vp role soonish for more $

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

Closers make money so AE.

Diablo

Politicker

Sr. AE

Business development will do no good if you want to earn more. AE is definitely the one I’d pick with so much experience.

doingthehustle

Good Citizen

Most Recently Account Director

Very helpful to know, thank you!

hunnybunny

Opinionated

SaaS Sales

I agree with others who have posted here, your best bet would be to step into an AE role. With so much experience, as long as you’re willing to be humble and hungry in learning saas, you’ll climb fast.

Good luck! Keep us updated with your move!

Gasty

Notable Contributor

War Room Community Manager

@doingthehustle - am i allowed to give you an option F?

doingthehustle

Good Citizen

Most Recently Account Director

Indeed!

Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

Sales Rep

Go for AE for sure

Revenue_Rambo

Politicker

Director, Revenue Enablement

AE,AM, or Partnerships

All depends on who you prefer selling to.

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