Just wanted to start with a big thank you to Bravado for creating a platform where we can truly help one another and strip down our *sometimes* callused sales egos. Just as big a thank you going out to the OGs joining, thank you for your comments.❤️
Please see the linked post if you are just joining us.
UPDATE: ✅
I took a few days to think and re-read the bravado comments. I was upset and didn't want to make any rash decisions, but felt validated by the Bravado community (Luv ya!).
Please note, I am in a financially stable position at this time. The two-week delay, though concerning due to having other offers on the table, does not pose a financial risk.
I decided to ask my other offers if I could get back to them in a week due to a planned vacation. (Shoutout @SaaSsy) They all agreed to keep the offer open until my 'return'. I fucked off happily for a few days and enjoyed life!
Mind you, the (verbal) offer being written about is the most competitive package I have ever negotiated to date. I continue to remind myself it is all snake oil until the ink dries, and to stick to my guns.
Now, here's where it gets weird...It has been about a week and a half since I received the delay notice. VP prefers texting, so I shoot a text. No reply for 48 hours, so I shoot another text... "Just checking in ?" Nothing...
At this point, I have removed my emotions from the equation. I want this opportunity and worked hard to earn my (verbal) offer.
Turning this situation into a game of integrity, I put on my sales helmet and prepare to focus my cross-hairs on the VP.
Switching my strategy to email, I CC the hiring manager: "I haven't heard from you via text or email. Have you ironed out your schedule?"
Response: "Thank you for reaching out. Just sent out an invite. Let me know if another time is better and we will make it work."
I was happy to have successfully gotten VP's attention, though I didn't expect to need to go to that length and remained cautious.
In the back of my mind, the drone of all the possibilities of what this half-hour meeting could entail began to grow... "NOPE, FUCK THAT!" I put my sales helmet back on, slammed a few raw eggs in Guinness, and remembered my Jedi training.
Conclusion: ✅
During our meeting, VP apologizes profusely and I am genuinely impressed with the VP's sincerity in the effort. VP also restates how impressed he is with my professionalism and poise.😜 I am reminded that VP only started 2-months ago and is drinking from the Series B firehouse... "Shit, that is understandable. Thanks for communicating this to me."
In essence, the VP realized the need for a sales manager to start with me. I will be the first of five AE's, as VP grows out the sales org. From past experience, the VP does not want to be stretched too thin, dealing with the management of AE's, as well as fulfilling executive responsibilities. The VP has a manager candidate and is ready to extend an offer.
The VP would like the sales manager candidate to meet with me and approve of me. We would be hired and trained, simultaneously. After discussing the matter, I asked that an offer and start date be extended to me, contingent upon the hire of a sales manager. (Let me take off my sales helmet!)
We agreed that if the candidate in question for the sales manager role did not accept the offer, I would start, managed directly by the VP. If the candidate in question accepts the role, my offer will be contingent upon the sales manager's approval.
I have this secured in writing at this time. Victory!
Post-Conclusion: ✅
Yes, this experience was fucked... No doubt about it... In the end, I am coming out with a major QOL improvement and walking into a cutting-edge industry I can get excited about every day. I am not concerned about earning the approval of the sales manager and feel both possible scenarios will be beneficial to my trajectory.
But it was a mental fucking roller coaster... Bumping around wildly, all while clutching a de-pinned grenade... I hope my way of thinking (emotions gone when the 'helmet' goes on) can help others out there during unpredictable times.
Lastly, couldn't have kept my cool through this without the Bravado WR community! Hooyah!
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