amc

lhliyf

Personal Narrative

What does PD look like in Sales?

Hello fellow War-Roomers.

I wanted to hear some thoughts around what professional development looks like in a sales role.

For context, I am a senior AE looking to transition to management, been with the company for nearly 3 years, and have taken over managerial responsibilities while our manager was down with COVID for 6 months. (long COVID)

Now that our manager is back, I have no opportunity to develop my managerial skills day to day as our management team have NO time to run PD opportunities internally.

I wonder if other AEs who have transitioned in to management, or even sales managers themselves, have received external PD from their companies to help them further their career.

Does your company provide you with external professional development opportunities? What does that look like? Did you have to ask for the professional development to be provided, or is it built in to your company structure that it is provided to all?

Looking forward to hearing from you monsters

Does your company provide external PD opportunities?

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WR Officer

5

👑

No, and I think it's rare for this to be offered in a sales management capacity.

Sales management is a skill that's honed by on the job experience. Most of the PD management seminars are either not applicable to sales managers, or are going to be so general/vague that they're a waste of time/money.

I suggest taking matters into your own hands and seeking out a mentor and doing some PD via books, Youtube videos, podcasts etc.

amc

Personal Narrative

0

lhliyf

Thank you for your response! I have been looking in to coaching with BetterUp and try to keep on top of any leadership learning opportunities that come up. Are there any podcasts that you would recommend?

UrAssIsSaaS

Arsonist

4

SaaS Eater

First off - you manager was out for 6 months with COVID? For real? I dont mean to be insensitive but thats wild if true.

Second - we get $1500 a year to spend on any sort of personal development so I guess its on me to make that worth while.

Third - them giving you "no time" for PD is on you IMO. If you see an opportunity to take on responsibilities, and want to, have that convo with your manager and begin taking on those responsibilities.

I hate to tell you but most managers aren't going to prioritize your PD in house (even though they should) so if its important to you, be proactive in house about it. That will be far more beneficial than outside resources.

amc

Personal Narrative

0

lhliyf

I know, wild. It was the UK strain that really knocked people out, and it hit him hard. Touch and go for a while.

Wow!! $1500 a year?? Is that for all sales reps? What have you chosen to spend it on? I am fascinated.

Third: Not the worst advice. The issue I am running in to is that I have approached my manager, and our VP, and there has been a lot of TALK around PD... But then no action when it really comes down to it. I am wondering if it is better for me to push for internal or external PD as it seems that everyone is simply treading water to keep up with what we have to do as we are short staffed management-wise.

At least with external PD I do not have to worry about it being cancelled last minute because an RFP came up

UrAssIsSaaS

Arsonist

1

SaaS Eater

Yikes, glad hes ok.

Ya every employee get $1500 a year to spend on professional development. I have not decided what I am going to spend it on this year. I have heard good things about joining Pavilion so that might be where I go.

I guess my larger point and answer is neither. Professional development in the form of trainings and stuff wont go very far IMO> I would try to put your hand up highlighting how you are short staffed and take on the issues where you need more people. You may be able to create a new role for yourself or get yourself by promoted and you will learn more that way than just sitting back and hoping your manager will run a training every thursday for you.

amc

Personal Narrative

1

lhliyf

Amazing, thank you, I will look in to Pavillion! And great point. I think that I have kind of benched myself since our manager came back, and have been focusing very hard on just selling. May just be time to shout about what else I can do and find a niche for myself.

CoorsKing

WR Officer

2

Retired King of the Coors Knights

We have the opportunity to enroll in “accelerator” courses (public speaking, leadership, negotiation, etc)

amc

Personal Narrative

0

lhliyf

That's a fantastic idea. Is there a specific company you guys use to facilitate the courses or is it all done internally?

CuriousFox

WR Officer

1

🦊

No. And it's hard to get into a role without moving.

ultrarunner

Opinionated

0

Account Executive

We have lots of PD stuff at my company. They give us a small budget. Good for leadership courses and the like.

amc

Personal Narrative

0

lhliyf

Wonderful! What courses have you enjoyed?

TennisandSales

Politicker

0

Head Of Sales

i have worked at companies that provide money for personal development.

But my suggestion is to find a leader you connect with and ask to meet with them for 1 hour a month (or what ever cadence works) with the idea that you can learn about how they manage their team and help you get an understanding of what you would need to do to be a good manager.

if you have company funds available, you can even pay them.

Corpslovechild

Politicker

0

Inbound Sales Manager

When I moved into leadership 1.5 years ago I had to meet with. my enablement team to "learn" how to be a leader (it was shit) but my company gives everyone $500 a year for PD.

peachykeen

Politicker

0

sae e-commerce

I’ve been with companies that would put some resources out there but it would be up to you to do the work. Shocker. Have never been with a company that offered dollars per year for PD. It seems like it’s become a growing thing though.

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