activity

VP, Business Development

Savages, I need advice!

Things have been going okay at the current company I am with but I have had 4-5 legit opportunities with companies that I feel would weather an economic downturn better.

I am hitting quota with my team right now but we have severe economic headwinds heading into 2023.

Hitting quota next year looks like a near impossibility and I feel my earnings could be cut in half.

For those of you that have made a move in the past few months, what were the things that helped you sort through all the information you receive during these interviews and come to a final decision?

Thanks in advance for everyone's advice on this topic.

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Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

Sales Rep

Outside of the normal Repvue and Glassdoor. You need to back-channel and hear if reps thoughts on 2023 and % you actually succeed in hitting quota consistently.

Highly recommend asking to see reports on Q4 performance broken down by rep and seeing data what was done with the territory you are inheriting.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Yes, this right here. Make sure they can back up their claims with tangible data.

DungeonsNDemos

Big Shot

Rolling 20's all day

From my past experience I would never join a company where I can't speak with active reps to get their perspective.

activity

Politicker

VP, Business Development

Great advice! Thank you.

Maximas

Tycoon

Senior Sales Executive

I second this.

shadrach

Personal Narrative

Account Executive

Definitely agree with reaching out to current and previous reps on LinkedIn. Most reps are pretty honest about quota attainability.

Pachacuti

Politicker

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

One thing to keep in mind if you're considering a switch of jobs due to economic issues - you aren't going to do much better in '23.

You'll need time to ramp, learn, and build funnel. You won't walk into a situation where they say "you're just the closer we needed". That doesn't exist.

Now if you feel your current company is a sinking ship and you're just getting ahead of a workforce reduction, great. But if you're just a fair-weather sales person who can only sell in good conditions, stay where you are at.

activity

Politicker

VP, Business Development

The companies business model is based on transactional volume in real estate so unfortunately with interest rates we have seen volumes down 50-80%. My gut is telling me it's a sinking ship.

J.J.McLure

Politicker

Owner at *redacted*

I'm looking to leave my current company for the same reason (plus a few more)
In my interviews, I ask how they feel about the possible upcoming recession and if they have a plan and just gauge their reaction. I've had a couple that are excited for the opportunities that are created and have a plan to push, grow and come out ahead of the competition. Others look afraid and flounder at the question with no clear answer.

Also, get Paul Reilly's book "Selling through tough times" it'll get you pumped at all the opportunities created during tough times, his website and podcast also have a lot of really good actionable info.

activity

Politicker

VP, Business Development

Thanks for the advice and I will pick that book up as well. I agree some companies have seemed excited about opportunities that may come from a downturn and others are turning a blind eye almost. I try asking questions to cut through some of their BS because you can tell even if they say they’re excited about the opps during a downturn they still are just holding on for dear life.

TennisandSales

Politicker

Head Of Sales

so i would look at the OTE and how likely it is that you hit it in year one.

most of the time, its hard to hit OTE in year one just because of the time of year that you start.

for me before going into the interviews I have done research to learn if the product really can be a "Must have"
You want to try and verify this in the interview by asking questions like: "from my research it seems like this product is a MUST have. but what are some main reasons why YOU think companies will still buy this in the next 12 - 24 months?"

activity

Politicker

VP, Business Development

Great approach and I appreciate the advice!

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

To clarify- are you an IC, or a manager?

activity

Politicker

VP, Business Development

Player/coach. I deal with large enterprise deals but manage a team of three reps that are SMB and mid-market.

punishedlad

Tycoon

Business Development Team Lead

Just had a guy back-channel me for an opportunity at my company. It's a great strategy, and I was super honest and transparent with him when he called.

ABell

Good Citizen

sales recruiter

I would recommend that you consider your options in terms of what would be best for your long term career. Recessions can be hard to weather, make sure to set your career up for success!

losangelessadness

Opinionated

Inbound AE / SDR Manager

What industry are you in?

RelationshipMaker

Opinionated

Head of Sales

Agreed with back-channeling, it's awkward but worth the effort. Fringe benefit is expanding the network.

Make sure that your next supervisor is going to be supportive too. Doesn't matter if sales are going well but your boss/culture is awful.

Good luck, listen to your gut.

shecat

Senior Account Executive

With looking at a new company, especially right now, I would be asking for legal terms in my comp plan/offer letter that compensates you for 6-9 months, even if the company gives you the boot. I am a single income household so if I lose my job because they sold me on joining their firm and they axe me, I want some kind of protection. Just a thought.

Lambda

Tycoon

Sales Consultant

You already know what the right opportunity is, search your gut and make the decision

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Savages, I need advice!

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