Telco to SaaS?

I'm looking to make the swap from big telco to an SaaS startup of any size. I'm currently an SMB manager that's allowed to sell across segments. My main concern is getting stuck in the telco space because it's so stagnant and bureaucratic. Has anyone made the transition from big corp management to startup management or should I go for an AE role and try to get promoted up? appreciate any thoughts on the topic!

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14 comments

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Spongeboob

Opinionated

Account Executive II

I personally made the transition from SMB B2B sales with a large telco company to a smaller SaaS startup as an AE.

It's been 4 years since I made the change, I haven't looked back. If you can handle the fast-paced environment that comes with working at a start-up then I'd encourage you to make the same jump.

LoLoHagglin

Regional Sales Manager

Appreciate the input! Did you find a better work environment?

Sunbunny31

Arsonist

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

I haven't made the jump personally, but I have seen startups hire team managers with experience to get things rolling. Have you looked at what's available and interesting to you in the market?

LoLoHagglin

Regional Sales Manager

I have, angel list is my daily reading lol

Sunbunny31

Arsonist

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

I would just start getting those resumes out there and see if you can get some interviews scheduled. If you can articulate how you will bring value to the org, you should be fine. Good skills translate, IMO, and if you're a good learner, you'll be able to pick up the rest.

Upper_Class_SaaS

Politicker

Account Executive

Can be hard to cross the chasm. But it will be well worth it, just gotta start applying. Eventually someone will see your value and not be stuck in the "MUST HAVE SAAS EXPERIENCE" brainwashed model

LoLoHagglin

Regional Sales Manager

Appreciate the input! That SAAS thing hopefully won’t be too much of a problem since we white label a UCAAS product

Upper_Class_SaaS

Politicker

Account Executive

Just takes patience on your end. You'll find a fit

IYNFYL

Politicker

Enterprise SaaS AE

SaaS is the way of the future, just don’t go to a shitty startup with no sales plan

Mr.Pickles

Arsonist

Sr. Customer Success Manager

I did - 2 years ago. The transition was great since I was assigned a mentor that took me under his wing and showed me the good, the bad, and the ugly. Tbh SaaS has been way better for me and my team ever since. I heavily agree with @Spongeboob - it's a heavy fast-paced environment but commiss are better and you can climb the ladder faster. Best of success Savage.

goose

Politicker

Sales Executive

Get out while you can

LoLoHagglin

Regional Sales Manager

Lol that’s the truth. It’s like a time warp. All of a sudden your 25 years in and they give you a cheap gold watch

goose

Politicker

Sales Executive

No gold watches in telecom

CuriousFox