Sales Methodology

I have made a few posts about my recent job hunt. I am not trained in a formal sales methodology...is that gonna kill me applying for SaaS jobs? (coming from media)

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11
poweredbycaffeine
WR Lieutenant
8
☕️
When I'm interviewing candidates, I don't give a shit. If anyone who is Sandler trained and lies to me that they use a pain funnel on every deal then I'm going to start a hardy chuckle.
TheOverTaker
Politicker
3
Senior Account Executive
this makes me feel better. That was kind of my thinking...I understand being trained in some methodologies but it isnt an end-all be-all solution. 
UrAssIsSaaS
Arsonist
2
SaaS Eater
Curious what you mean by formal sales training. If you have sold media for the past 5 years I assume you have a method to your madness. If so then the steps that it takes to close a deal are going to resemble your experience. 

If you have 5+ years selling then as a hiring manager I would assume you have a process and would have you walk me through that process in the interview. If you can speak confidently to it and its repeatable then you are hirable. 
TheOverTaker
Politicker
1
Senior Account Executive
Formal sales training as in a methodology such as sandler, snap, etc. I definitely have a repeatable process that works for me
UrAssIsSaaS
Arsonist
2
SaaS Eater
Ive been hiring for saas roles for the last 3+ years and have never hired someone with formal training like that. And when I have interviewed anyone with that training they have been super egotistical and shitty fits so Im quite confident you are good.

And the fact that you have a process that you can speak to means you know how to sell (at least to some extent), regardless of a piece of paper from a Sandler course. 

I also do not have any formal training and dont know anyone that does for what its worth.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
2
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
I've been through two sales training methodology courses in my career.  They didn't hurt, but neither came up in later interviews.  Having a system and closing business are the most important things.
ShelleyLevene
Good Citizen
2
Sales Rep
They are all tools in a toolbox. You as a seller are still the asset here. You can teach people Sandler, Brooks, Challenger, whatever, and they all have some good nuggets and can be applied in different situations. But you don’t hire a hammer for a job, you don’t hire a drill, you hire a person and they apply the tool needed for that job. They can teach you to use the tool they like. If you are a handy sales person and can speak to jobs you’ve completed you’ll be fine!
mitts2
Politicker
1
Account Executive
depends on the SaaS role you are trying to get (i didn't read your other posts). If you are trying to land an SDR / BDR role you could get that without formal sales training. People hire kids from college with no experience all the time (i.e. me 3 years ago). Closing roles will likely give you more trouble 

TheOverTaker
Politicker
2
Senior Account Executive
Yeah definitely going for a closing role. I have almost 5 years experience as a full-cycle AE. Its definitely new territory for me but Imma quick learner
mitts2
Politicker
2
Account Executive
Oh well in that case you should be fine. My fault for misunderstanding. Sounded like you were new to sales in general. I was never formally trained either. Selling is selling and if you can talk to your process / successes, you could get an AE role in SaaS. Good luck!
TheOverTaker
Politicker
1
Senior Account Executive
my bad for not being more clear haha. I appreciate the feedback
MCP
Valued Contributor
1
Sales Director
No, so long as you can prove how you’ve been successful your way. Actually, nobody should use just one methodology, but you should at least have some general idea of what they are.
Flippinghubs
Opinionated
1
Account Executive
I really want to see how high your "give a shit" meter is if that makes sense. Thats my biggest indicator of success
Diablo
Politicker
1
Sr. AE
If you have full sales cycle experience and you know how to close a deal, you shouldn't be having issues finding a new job. 
Jewcan_Sam81
Politicker
1
Account Executive
Will people wanna punch me in the face if i shit on the Challenger Sale?
Beans
Big Shot
1
Enterprise Account Executive
Treat it like a good catholic. The styles are a buffet, try out what rules work you and what don’t and build your own style.
ventox35
Politicker
1
Sales Leader
If they ask for it, look elsewhere. They should just find out "can this person sell stuff?" does it really matter how you sell it? kind of. but no one size fits all approach is best. learn them all and pull insights and incorporate what works for you
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Does your company use a sales methodology?

Discussion
18
Does you company use a Sales Methodology?
42% Yes we have a standard
39% No we run wild
19% Kind of...
57 people voted
12

Preferred sales methodology?

Question
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