What is the hardest industry to sell into?

What's the hardest or easiest industry to sell into? I know it depends a lot on what you are trying to sell, but has anyone better or worse luck selling into a certain industry?

👑 Sales Strategy
11
Rallier
Politicker
7
SDR Manager and Consultant
In my experience it's government. So much red tape that nothing ever gets done
BCD
Politicker
0
BDR
Agreed. Most difficult segment I’ve broken into 
SlinginSoftware
Politicker
0
Account Executive
I couldn’t agree more. Nothing like having a fed gov agency giving you the verbal commit and then waiting 5-6 months while they go through their “standard” procurement process for a $5k deal… brutal!
BigCheese
Notorious Answer
3
Agency Recruiter
Healthcare, in my experience. Lots of hoops to jump through - legacy tech, tighter compliance.
BlueJays2591
Politicker
2
Federal Business Dev Director
i have never had success with healthcare. completely different lingo and motivators there, so i would definitely have to agree with you. 
Stratifyz
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
This is my current space and it is definitely brutal. 
funcoupons
WR Officer
3
👑
I'd have to say government. Tons of bureaucracy and red tape. They also often only do RFPs every few years so if you miss an opportunity you'll be waiting for a while to circle back.


In my space, selling to hospitality, event management, or travel this year and last year has basically been impossible.
JustTwoClicks
Executive
1
Enterprise Executive
Government is tough but it's all about how you approach it.

1. Understanding the contracting processes is huge.  Many times, the people you are working with have no idea how contracting works.  Your ability to guide them through that process can give you a huge advantage.  This will also help on RFPs.

2. Networking.  The one thing we know is that all government entities connect with each other.  If you are able to find success working with one group, they will discuss that work with others.

3. Establishing yourself as an expert in the space.  Social selling, conducting webinars and panel discussions are HUGE!  They give you the visibility you need on LinkedIn and the leads will come.


You guys would be amazed by how much our government institutions don't know or have access to.  Ok maybe, you wont be that surprised....haha 
BlueJays2591
Politicker
0
Federal Business Dev Director
each agency will do RFPs throughout the year. so you can talk to them directly and then take it to a partner so you never have to sell direct. let the primes take your product/solution and stamp their name on it and deal with all the red tape and BS. deep pockets and endless opportunities. it was difficult at first but now i think fed is the easiest thing to sell into now that i understand it
AutoSmiler
Arsonist
2
Account Executive
There have been a few threads on this already, but it has to be government. Getting a contract signed or even negotiating with any government entity can be nauseating at times. too many hoops to jump through. 
BlueJays2591
Politicker
0
Federal Business Dev Director
I actually think the opposite. I've sold fed for about 6 years now and our government has a spending problem and they throw cash like its nothing. if you're trying to sell direct, it can be difficult unless your ramped and cleared. sell through primes and you'll have an extremely easy time, as long as your product or solution is worth while. 
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
2
Senior Account Executive
The last year? Easy. Travel & Hospitality.

Generally: Definitely Government/SLED.
BlueJays2591
Politicker
1
Federal Business Dev Director
yeah travel and hospitality have been dead for us over the past 15 months, but its starting to pick up again, mainly with rail and air. 

SLED is hard since they operate so strangely and state governments are usually jacked up. fed is the way to go. 
MMMGood
Celebrated Contributor
0
Senior Account Executive
So. Many. Hoops. 
Chep
WR Officer
2
Bitcoin Adoption Specialist
Enterprise level is tough as so many titles have different responsibilities and everyone seems to "be busy" constantly. As for industry I'd say government as a lot of others on this thread
beachNsales
Politicker
2
Sales Manager
Healthcare is tough. Government/Fed contracts tough to crack, but a lot of companies have separate teams/divisions for those deals that make it easier with security issues and what not. 
Bittersweet0326
Politicker
1
Digital Business Associate
Healthcare is ridiculous unless it's medicare. 
BlueJays2591
Politicker
0
Federal Business Dev Director
i have had zero luck with healthcare. super hard to crack. i think its the same as government. hard to crack unless you understand their process and lingo, then its a gold mine. very strange regulations and motivators in the healthcare space though. 
Bittersweet0326
Politicker
1
Digital Business Associate
That’s the truth. The real money is in the sups too not healthcare itself anymore unless selling group.
Stratifyz
Big Shot
0
Account Executive
What reasons would you say it’s ridiculous? I just joined the healthcare space 😬
Bensonwade
Good Citizen
1
Enterprise Account Executive
Same as the answer to all economic questions- it depends. For instance, selling into Gov is hard for the first contract, but upselling and renewals are quite streamlined. Any regulated industry has challenges, but again, it depends.
Ace
Arsonist
1
CEO
Finance. Too many stakeholders and bureaucracy 
Blackwargreymon
Politicker
1
MDR
The last year? Easy. Travel & Hospitality.
Clashingsoulsspell
Politicker
1
ISR
Healthcare, in my experience. Lots of hoops to jump through - legacy tech, tighter compliance.
Beans
Big Shot
0
Enterprise Account Executive
Government / Military.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
0
🦊
All of em.
MR.StretchISR
Politicker
0
ISR
Healthcare, in my experience. Lots of hoops to jump through - legacy tech, tighter compliance.
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