Thoughts on hiring a Sales Coach for yourself? Should I drop 8k?

I've been seriously considering going through like a $8000 program with a sales coach to up my game. I know I'm already pretty good but I want to get to beast mode with someone who has done it for hundreds of other people.


I follow their content on LI, have watched some of their stuff, talked to some of the people they have worked with, and seen the success that they drive in the reps/AE's that they work with.


That being said, if there is anyone who hates on LI sales coaches it's the war room, so I know I'm opening myself up to a can of worms here.


The coach would go through with me to help me establish working sequences/tempaltes/scripts/ and having success for 90 days, 1/1s every week/ full time access to their content/playbooks/coaching. I feel like for me being essentially a growth consultant in my current role (establishing first sales presence in organization and tech stack and process as their first SDR) the extra help would pay off in my promised quick promotion to AE/quota attainment accellerated. etc. I don't think I will fail without him, but I'm always open to improve and if he can help me 2x my skills, why not? I'll make back that 8k in my first few commision checks.


Also side note: the 'sales coach' I was supposed to work with to setup this role essentially is unavailable and his methods are more so philisophical than applicable, some templates and scripts he's given me to try out have fallen pretty flat and no support is really provided, he tells me to up my activity vs actually leading any kind of strategy or enablement.


Said person I'm considering is Marcus Chan./venli consulting group

Thoughts?


-5?

Have you ever hired a sales coach for yourself?

Attached poll
*Voting in this poll no longer yields commission.
🎈 Mentorship
🥎 Training
🧢 Sales Management
52
SalesBeast
Politicker
14
Ty
Save your money. Most these people are washed up sales reps who barley sold and weren’t successful. If they were great and successful at sales would they be wasting time and money on this consulting side hustle bs? NO. if they made good money in sales they would continue selling successfully and keep grinding. $8,000 is a joke.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
2
Officer of ♥️
Do you think Marcus Chan is washed up?
SalesBeast
Politicker
2
Ty
Don’t know his shit specifically. Most people doing this stuff are a joke and there is so much stuff out online free it’s honestly a shame to pay 8k for someone to tell you to hustle more or probably stuff you already know. Agree with others. How about free training from your management, or ask your company to pay for this or part of it?
SalesBeast
Politicker
1
Ty
Also check Reddit. He seems to get a bit torn up on there.
braintank
Politicker
3
Enterprise Account Executive
His resume isn't that impressive. 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
Forsure I’ll check reddit thanks, he did help me land my new gig pretty quickly, he gave me some great ideas on pitching, questions, and having a ‘accomplishment slideshow’ to attach with the resume. Paired w the WR advice i got the gig in 4 days
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
And yeah its a small 20person company rn with not much budget but I was thinking of asking because it would be monthly 400$ so not too bad but
theRad1
Acclaimed Answer
0
Account Executive
I wouldn't pay for that shit man. His whole schtick is tacky IMO. 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
What about it is tacky?
bandabanda
Tycoon
10
Senior AE Mid Market
I wouldn’t do this personally. But I’m willing to take the longer way around - follow content online, try to implement things myself, find peers to keep me accountable and to sharpen each other, etc. Its not as intense as a 1-1 coach but hey, it’s free.

IMO - I’ve noticed that if you follow someone long enough on LinkedIn, you’ll see the same content over and over - they tend to recycle. Not saying that’s a bad thing but playing devils advocate…could you follow Marcus Chan long enough to basically learn everything he’d charge you $8k for?

From my experience, the fastest way to up your skills is to find an org with people that are better than you. This has been my experience at every company thus far. I felt like my coworkers in the room were sharper than me, or there was always SOMEONE a few steps ahead of me that I could learn from (the top performing SDR, the top performing AE, my manager, etc.)

It sounds like you’re learning and building everything yourself at your current company. Management doesn’t sound helpful. That’s one way to learn. Just throwing this out there…is it worth it to look elsewhere and find a better environment where your company/team around you can help make you better and get you the results you’re looking for?
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
I kinda enjoy the freedom, I’m @poweredbycaffeine son, I want to build companies but at 1 ye exp want some pro guidance essentially
bandabanda
Tycoon
1
Senior AE Mid Market
Got it. It sounds like you’ve done your research on Chan. After you’ve done your due diligence all you can do is go with your gut.

I think you could accomplish almost the same thing at a solid Series B or C. Help build something from the ground up or be an early-ish team member to see how it’s done, but grow with some stellar people that will make you sharper.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
thats a very good point. i like that this company is privately funded though versus the yanking of the typical VC backed companies
braintank
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
What's wrong with some good VC yanking??
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
not gonna lie boss these quoatas could be a little higher
TreTime
Catalyst
5
Account Executive
That last sentence really has me scratching my head. He’s already being dodgy and not providing you with substance that works? Why drop $8k if your trial run is so poor.

Without any bias for/against LI coaching. I’d look elsewhere because of your experience.

It’s tough to sometimes have a “catch-all” coach for every industry that is going to help you sell more of your product.

Depending on your industry, it may be a good idea to seek out a coach that has played in a similar sandbox. Follow their posts. See if they are actionable.

Most of it also depends on your learning style… are you collaborating with the coach or are they just sending playbooks and templates. Coaching should be more collaborative than “here try this”
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
My current coach is being dodgy, the one im considering is a completely different coach
Sunbunny31
Politicker
5
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Why are you hiring somebody to ramp up a new position rather than talking to management about providing more support?
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
Not hiring anyone for the company but for myself, small company I am the only salesperson, all other business was done through referalls to the CEO/COO, I’m establishing it. Mgmt is incapable of support im the ‘expert’ in the company
Sunbunny31
Politicker
3
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Yeah, see, $8K is a LOT to spend on something that will benefit the company you're at.  I understand you'll receive benefit as well, but I really don't like, and never have liked, the idea of a person spending their own money, while employed, on something that will benefit the company.   

It's not like hiring a tutor to help you with some classwork so that you understand the subject.    You're looking to materially change and effect business processes at the company you're at, and paying for it out of your own pocket.   They're getting the benefit of your hustle and passion for nothing.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
4
Officer of ♥️
Thats true. I should ask if they will pay for it
bandabanda
Tycoon
0
Senior AE Mid Market
^ preaaachhhh sista
TennisandSales
Politicker
5
Head Of Sales
so i am similar to you. 

I think about hiring a sals coach alot. ive never pulled the trigger. 

I almost hired Marcus Chan. i liked his content.

I sat on a few calls with his team actually. 

But i ended up not doing it because I realized I wanted someone who has sold to my industry and pretty much done my job before. 

which idk if a sales coach can actually help with but we will see.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
I see, yeah that definitely makes sense. I would want to work with him more so to get my base levels of sales process upgraded, I’d like to work on my copy, pitch, energy, and have someone whos sold millions coach me as I make my way up, seems like a good way to beat the learning curve I wouldnt mind spending the money
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
yeah I would say those would be good reasons to hire a coach for sure! 

I would chat with a few different coaches before you drop $8k but I like where you are going! 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
sHoUlD i cOnSiDeR jOsH bRaUn?!
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
anyone else you have ur eye on?
Gyro25
Notorious Answer
4
Account Executive
Not so much a coach, but I did JB Sales "Filling the funnel" training, which goes over ICPs, closing, prospecting, objective handling etc. Our company paid for it, but i'd definitely recommend it. 

They event have a template that you can send to your company so they can pay for it instead of you investing in it yourself. No way in hell I'd drop 8k on sales coaching. 

That's 8k I could use to invest, save or use to travel. I understand why you'd want to hire a coach, but I really think going to your leaderships for more training/coaching might be a better idea. After all, it's their fucking job to make sure you succeed and crush it.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
True. Ill check out JB
CuriousFox
WR Officer
4
🦊
If you have 8k burning a hole in your pocket feel free to Venmo me. 🦊
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
3
Officer of ♥️
will u be my sales coach, mommy?
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
I gotchu boo
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
should i use vidyard?
CuriousFox
WR Officer
1
🦊
I will slap you senseless. Don't test me.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
👉🏻👈🏻👉🏻👈🏻👉🏻👈🏻
braintank
Politicker
3
Enterprise Account Executive
That's a lot of dough. I'd pass.

What if you're not satisfied? Or you find yourself on the receiving end of a bunch of platitudes and recycled content?
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
True
Pachacuti
Politicker
3
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Sounds like an expensive babysitter to me. I guess if you lack the self discipline and know how it may be worth it.
But unless they have worked in your exact industry selling to your exact clientele, it’s not worth it. That’s because there is a universal set of sales tools which one can use no matter what you sell.
You could set me down in almost any territory selling just about anything and in 90-120 days I’d have a meaningful funnel. That’s because I know sales basics. It appears that is what they would be helping you with.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
2
Officer of ♥️
Exactly. I more so want the know how. Never really had a proper sales manager or process before.
paddy
WR Officer
3
Director of Business Development
No. Don’t pay $8k for a damn sales coach.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
yes daddy
Corpslovechild
Politicker
3
Inbound Sales Manager
I ain't no bitch. 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
Best comment thus far
Corpslovechild
Politicker
1
Inbound Sales Manager
Thank you 😘
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
but arent you an inbound guy? ;)
Corpslovechild
Politicker
0
Inbound Sales Manager
Yessir
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
I rest my case
SaaSholeengineer
Good Citizen
2
Sales Engineer
Find a new company that is willing to train you. Don’t work for a start up that doesn’t have defined processes and find a Fortune 500 SDR program. Paying for these courses is a waste of $$$$ by someone that your management should be in charge of. You don’t have the experience, why are you the expert? I would run as fast as I can from that current gig into a company that offers a solid training program. Working with these consultants are reps who couldn’t sell shit in todays market.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
Because id rather build the company up, im suppost to be the first ae and then manager it would be great for my career to get experience scaling a company so I can bring growth to others too and raise my title faster
DungeonsNDemos
Big Shot
2
Rolling 20's all day
That's gonna be a no for me dawg. 

Unless you TRULY feel they are going to unlock something that will allow you to close more/better deals, then I would not drop that much $$$. 

There are so many podcasts out there with actionable items and tips of what you can make changes on (of your process). If your manager and sales team are truly terrible and you don't know which way is up then sure, go with a coach but if you do then be really careful who you go with. 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
anyone ud reccomend?
E_Money
Big Shot
2
💰
This sounds like a massive scam. Hard pass
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
why does it sound like a scam?
10XQLA
Politicker
2
Medical Sales Assassin
Run my man!!!! This guy is a huckster as they say.....You have all the tools just stay focused and self aware and get after it. I have spoken to MC before via video call, not impressed. 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
Whats a huckster?
10XQLA
Politicker
1
Medical Sales Assassin
A scammer, snake oil salesman....
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
what makes u say that?
10XQLA
Politicker
1
Medical Sales Assassin
I spoke with him on a zoom call to actually sell his high ticket products he lacked integrity... Up to you though, a lot of people HATE my mentor, Grant Cardone so it's definitely a personal choice. 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
You've hired grant cardone as a mentor? And oh wow. thats terrible, what made you think he lacked integrity
10XQLA
Politicker
0
Medical Sales Assassin
Just shady.... but everyone is different right?
jefe
Arsonist
1
🍁
I've wondered about Marcus Chan myself, some of his schtick just rubs me the wrong way but I don't mind his content and he talks a good game.

Not sure how anyone could be shadier than Grant Cardone though... 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
He helped me land my job in 4 days, his shits legit u just have to pay for it
jefe
Arsonist
1
🍁
@SADNESSLieutenant Intriguing... What type of program and what kind of cost?

Would be great to get a little insight into that if you don't mind.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
I put all the info in my how to get hired posts, he gave me all the info for free and coached me 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
but I mean I wanted to join his coaching program so I was like Id love to join but I dont have a job, so he helped me with the job and now I want to join
FoodForSales
Politicker
1
AE
you can't up your game by buying a couple books and putting some discipline in your life?
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
I’m already doing that
ClutchDeluxe
Valued Contributor
1
asking people for money
I haven't personally, but I have enlisted the support of sales consultants for my team. The work was excellent, extremely high quality, transferrable across the whole team and (in my view) worth the money. This consulting work was particularly for SDRs and outbound prospecting for the BDMs from playbook to hands-on execution. I have a hybrid role so I'm out there selling with everyone, so it wasn't just manny pleasing fluff.

Choosing one would be difficult though. I was fortunate enough to be involved in a program about 6 months ago which allowed me insight into their work. 

Happy to talk more with you about this xx
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
1
Officer of ♥️
yeah tell me more because this sounds like what I would be doing it for. I have no problem w work ethic more so direction and strategy
ClutchDeluxe
Valued Contributor
1
asking people for money
Lunas Consulting with Brielle Perry is who I have used. We did a pretty comprehensive exercise starting right from the beginning with our newly created SDR team. Prior to that the sales team were doing all the prospecting so there was a lot of foundational stuff but it was disparate and needed a lot of polish.
Highly recommend.
Our new hire hit the booking KPI in week one (last week) including onboarding. Process is robust af 💪🏽
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
see that sounds fire, how much did it cost?
Goomba
Opinionated
1
Director
I never understood this. They’re coaching because they can’t win deals like they’re saying.

Plus if you’re not actively in this business it changes so fast that within two years or so of “coaching” all your shit I’d outdated.
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
2
Officer of ♥️
I would think they're coaching because they can earn more money that way?
ClutchDeluxe
Valued Contributor
0
asking people for money
Exactly
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
lol
KingofGIF
Politicker
1
AE
Don't shell 8K, shell out 1K:
$300: JB sales on demand
$700: Pavilion and sign-up for the Sales School and the mentorship program
Want your company to help? Do some lobbying for months pushing for management to get the team licenses for  https://salesimpact.io/. Their pricing cannot and should be not paid by someone solo.
sadandbougie
Contributor
1
Account Executive
i started taking some of the pavilion classes and they are not worthwhile IMO but i would def recommend a jb sales or sales dna or other ebooks/classes you can do. 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
thanks friend
elhandsomediablo
Good Citizen
1
Sales Development
I would rather stick with online content, books, and sales "leaders" on LinkedIn with what they provide. Although when it comes to "paying" for some sort of coaching, no thanks. That's a no for me, (personal opinion). I follow Victor Antonio and he shares a lot of information, some practices that you can easily implement on your sequences or templates, revise scripts and approaches, but pay, no gracias, non grazie, no thanks. 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
Victor antonio got it thanks
jeets
1
Mid-Market Sales
I can't speak to Marcus Chan specifically, but if I were in your shoes I would be looking to read as much as I can and sync with any experienced Sales Leaders that will give you time before you pay for something out of pocket (your company should pay for that for you if it is needed...). You could also ask that your company bring on a senior sales leader as an advisor. 

I am happy to sync with you 1-1 (for free) if you want additional, general direction. I am an internal Sales Coach & Process Improvement MGR for a Series C Inside Sales team and have worked as an SDR, CPG TM and Startup AE x 3 before coaching. 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
my company did bring on a 'senior sales leader' as an advisor, he's out with corona rn and hasn't had enough bandwith to make a meaningful impact
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
not sure how we would sync 1-1 @BravadoMod @sahil 
jeets
0
Mid-Market Sales
That's a great question... Not sure if that would be against the rules of this forum.  In the meantime buy yourself a few Sales books (Valueselling, Gap Selling, Getting to Yes, Sales Growth, etc.) and if you come up with an answer it is a standing offer! 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
Awesome! Thanks for the recs! <3
VDubs
1
AE
You don’t need sales coaching you need experience. 

Learn your space better than your prospects. Read the blogs/articles they read. Learn how to talk like them. 

Read about MEDDIC, read Never split the difference by Chris Voss. Talk to 10 random strangers per day. Get on calls and review them to see where they went right/wrong. 
Anything else is a waste of time 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
I've read voss, ill learn the others, I don't go outside lol. I'm the only one making calls rn
theSADNESSisreal
Executive
1
SAD
Love the thought of investing in yourself but that's a steep price to pay for when you have hundreds of free resources available, not to mention a network of sales people to tap for this.

My company ran the Sandler program for us a few years back, huge waste of time and money for anyone with more than a couple years experience. 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
at what price would it be worth it?
theSADNESSisreal
Executive
1
SAD
It's not about the price, it's about the value 🤣

In all seriousness it sounds like you are likely bdr/sdr trying to make the jump to AE. Incremental 10% gains in your skillset every month will get you where you want to be. Sales is lots of reps, feedback and perseverance (and yes you should have a coach, mentor and an engaged boss).

Resources like sales books, online courses, conferences and networking is a cheaper way to go. I'm well over 10k into development so i get the idea, but there is no get rich quick solution. IMO the free resources were just as beneficial in the long term, although accountability from a coach/ lesser is key. 

No harm in trying a low cost option for a month or two. Hit me up if you want free advice.  That sales coach will be more than happy to sign you up for 8k in a few months if the 'cheap' path doesn't work out.  
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
Thanks for the feedback!
harebrained
Politicker
1
Enterprise Account Executive
The best content I've learned from during my career comes from books.. Unless you REALLY need the additional accountability I wouldn't do this. 

Once I paid for a few sessions by the hour with a life coach when I was trying to think about whether I wanted to stay in sales at all.. I did and it worked out and I am somewhat sane :p
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
what books?
tjk
Good Citizen
1
Sales Director
Why not tell the org you are working for that you are looking to up level your skills and you would like to split it with them. (If you are moving forward) 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
Yeah I'll bring it up
mistamor
Opinionated
1
VP of Sales
Are you looking to get coaching for cold calling and prospecting? Or demoing and closing?
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
all
wolfdad
Contributor
1
Senior Account Executive
Are you able to define where you need to improve? For example, your demo game is weak, you need better prospecting skills. 

If you can define what isn't working you can then run experiments on how to improve. You can highlight this process to other team members or managers for a scalable way to grow every time you hit a rut. 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
yes I am, I am running experiments, but would rather learn on someone elses skin
wolfdad
Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
Fair enough. If you think the ROI on the $8k is good then go for it. 
theRad1
Acclaimed Answer
1
Account Executive
Abso-fucking-lutely not. I'm in a $4k prospecting program and I've been disappointed. Mainly because it's an organized version of the shit they post on LinkedIn. I've found the best education is either from the classic consulting companies or listening to practitioners on webinars.
Werkzeug
Politicker
0
Account Executive
JBay? 
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
what are the classic consulting companies? Sorry for your loss
Updmamt
Opinionated
1
Business Development
Take those 8k and go for a 4-weeks cruise . That’s the best “coaching” session you could ever have
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
*gets put on a pip and let go*
MrP
1
Sales Director
Sounds like you’re not convinced about the value you will get from your investment
Is it because :a) you don’t back yourself b) you don’t believe the coach I worth it c) you are at a level where you probably know most things and for what yiy don’t know 8k is a big investment? d) you believe you can get to the next level purely on experience if you give yourself 12 months?
Couple of questions to help with your decision
SADNESSLieutenant
Politicker
0
Officer of ♥️
I'm convinced about the value but I wanted to run it by the warroom
6

?Sales coach?

Question
10
13

What're your thoughts on Sales Stand-ups / Huddles?

Question
14
7

What are your thoughts on sales bootcamps?

Question
7