BillyHoyle

Senior Account Executive

SMB AE at Ehh Company or BDR at Great Company?

I'm a greener AE that has been selling into the SMB space for about 1.5 years. My current gig is quite underwhelming (small percentage of reps hitting quota, mehh product fit, mehh culture). I've found that I don't quite have enough experience to get into a SMB role at a top tier SaaS company, but could likely get in if I took a step back into a BDR role.

What is everyone's thoughts on taking a step back to get into a top tier company 3-4 years into your sales career?

🚀 Career Goals

7 comments

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buckets1

Politicker

FWIW I’m at what some would consider a top tier company right now and no one is hitting quota. I’ve also heard no one at Salesforce hits. Top tier doesn’t necessarily mean more likely path to quota and $$$

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

It seems like a lot of the top tier companies are doing the same right now - loads of reps so the market is addressed, but precious few making quota as a result.

poweredbycaffeine

WR Lieutenant

☕️

Consistency and time in the seat will get you the experience you need to get into a top-tier company in an SMB or MM role. Stay the course and become the best rep you can with what you have.

Best case you spend 2 years as a BDR and maybe get another shot at AE. OR, you get in as a BDR and tank and then your resume looks like a nightmare.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

I personally wouldn't do this but as always please do what's best for you and your family.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Why are so few reps hitting quota? Is it the product, the comp plan, what?

Is there another company you could look at, maybe not top tier, but with a similar AE role to what you have today, that you can take a look at that might get you to quota attainment instead of reaching higher and being pushed back to BDR?

Diablo

Politicker

Sr. AE

I would never take step. Whats the challenge? No response from the HR or it comes down to your experience?

Beans

Big Shot

Enterprise Account Executive

Never step back.

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BillyHoyle

SMB AE at Ehh Company or BDR at Great Company?

7 comments

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