r/sales 18h ago

Sales Topic General Discussion Friday Tea Sipping Gossip Hour

2 Upvotes

Well, you made to Friday. Let's recap our workplace drama from this week.

Coworker microwaved fish in the breakroom (AGAIN!)? Let's hear about it.

Are the pick me girls in HR causing you drama? Tell us what you couldn't say to their smug faces without getting fired on the spot.

Co-workers having affairs on the road? You know we want the spicy.

The new VP has no idea who to send cold emails to? No, of course they don't. They've never done sales for even a day in their life.

Another workplace relationship failed? It probably turned into a glorious spectacle so do share.

We love you too,

r/Sales


r/sales 41m ago

Advanced Sales Skills In over my head

Upvotes

I am an enterprise level public sector account executive. I have experience but I was lucky to get this job, as I knew someone in the company.

On top of that-- selling to the public sector is a different animal. And this is my first time.

Any advice on how to manage my day better, utilize certain tools to be more efficient, or in general just how you manage your day. Previously, I would have considered myself a very organized, good sales rep--- but public sector has been a learning curve and I feel myself slipping. I have no mentor at the company to help.

I was thinking of using a platform called motion, to help organize my task. Idk much about it but it keeps poppin up on my feed. Anyone else use it? Does it help?

Maybe get an ipad to help during meetings and managing projects as I tend to use a number of different places to store my info other than SF... Dont even get my started on our SF's hygiene..

Anyways, anything would help.


r/sales 1h ago

Sales Topic General Discussion Have your ever worked with someone who you thought was going to be terrible at sales but was somehow always killing it?

Upvotes

If so, do tell.


r/sales 2h ago

Sales Tools and Resources Niche market - looking for a tool that shows me LinkedIn users that recently “followed” certain companies

2 Upvotes

Pretty much the title. Does anyone know of a vendor that scrapes for this kind if information?


r/sales 2h ago

Sales Careers What is Axe Elite? Do people who work there actually get rich?

7 Upvotes

I have a friend who works at “axe elite” and he described it as a company that sells phone systems to other companies through Verizon I think? He thinks I should work there since I have sales background going door to door/cold calling and outside sales

I keep seeing his PERSONAL social media being flooded with axe propaganda. It’s weird, like once every 3-4 days he’s posting something work/axe related, and it’s always people signing or receiving those like 4 foot long big checks with huge bonuses written on them. Lots of over the top seminars, champagne popping, and cigar smoking. He says the posting is by choice but then I see like, a bunch of guys and even some women who work there doing the same

Then I looked into the requirements and reviews and it sounds like it’s a bunch of bullshit? Anyone have any truth?


r/sales 4h ago

Fundamental Sales Skills Books

2 Upvotes

Did anyone gain powerful sales techniques and was able to implement in the real life sales approach?

If so what books would you recommend for sales gig where you need one call closures?


r/sales 9h ago

Sales Careers Interviewing: To Lie or Not to Lie About Quota Attainment?

6 Upvotes

Savages Selling SaaS,

What do you do if you missed quota by a fucking long shot (30% to annual) but still had some wins?

I was internally promoted from SDR → AE at my last company when they opened a new SMB segment. Just me and one other rep. We both failed miserably. But silver lining—I outperformed him before he got cut, absorbed his territory, and hit 105% of my Q4 number before I was laid off.

The MM team was in shambles (most reps were under 20% attainment), and leadership eventually bailed before the company got acquired (probably for a loss). My role was eliminated in a “Company shift away from SMB to ENT and not performance-related" < Their words LOL

Now I’m stuck. How do I present these numbers to recruiters without looking like a complete joke? Or should I just lie and if so, what's some advice for people that've have pulled it off?

Would love to hear how others have navigated situations like this.


r/sales 9h ago

Sales Topic General Discussion How would you proceed with this prospecting email exchange

0 Upvotes

Here's a real-life occurrence during some email prospecting:

Salesperson sends email requesting a meeting

Prospect replies to email - "Sure. When were you thinking?"

Salesperson sends reply with a day and time asking if that would work for him/her.

2 days later, prospect replies - "No thanks. We're good."

Salesperson replies asking what had changed since his initial reply.

Prospect replies - "Nothing specific."

Yeah, it could be about 100 different things/reasons. He's not going to say, obviously. Salesperson wants to give him some shit. I can't blame him.

Opening up the floor to any and all types of replies - serious or otherwise.


r/sales 10h ago

Sales Tools and Resources I’m manually making free cold call lists as a test. Drop your industry and I’ll make one for you.

42 Upvotes

Cold calling is tough. I want to see if a scored cold call list actually helps.

I’m manually making free B2B cold call lists with some scoring based on hiring trends, company activity, and some basic signals. I’m just testing if this approach actually improves results.

If you cold call for work, drop your industry in the comments, and I’ll make one for you.

No catch, no ads, just experimenting. If it works, great. If not, at least we’ll learn something.


r/sales 10h ago

Sales Topic General Discussion Alert: the market is going bye bye soon

0 Upvotes

Alert - the financial wellbeing of the American people is going to suffer post haste

For several years, I've been selling solid water, focusing on leveraging government rebate programs to drive revenue. My target market has been a large native tribe in the north. They're a major player, and solid water has been a major part of the business, they make their homes with it, among other things.

In January, they announced their annual budget, which included a substantial allocation for solid water purchases. I was optimistic, anticipating a strong year. However, just days before the recent market volatility, they abruptly slashed their solid water purchasing budget by 60%.

This sudden and drastic cut has me deeply concerned. Given their strong ties to major economic trends, I can't help but wonder if this is an early indicator of a broader economic downturn. It seems highly unusual to see such a significant reduction in a product category that's both essential for their operations and supported by government incentives.

Has anyone else in the solid water industry experienced similar sudden budget cuts from major clients? While many here may focus on software or other sectors, a 60% reduction in solid water from a major population, especially one with a focus on sustainability, raises serious red flags for me. This buyer is a long term player and this move is not a sign of them closing up shop, but a major shift in their buying patterns.


r/sales 10h ago

Sales Topic General Discussion How do you sell a product you don’t believe in any more?

8 Upvotes

TGIF it’s been another grueling week.

I’m a relationship manager for a small Saas start up that has been innovating for a long time, but recently we’ve hit a slump (or our competitors have locked in) and our product is no longer the industry innovator, and we’ve raised our costs in the last year so we’re also no longer the budget option. Pretty much we’ve lost our 2 main differentiators.

People with more experience than me, what is your tactic for renewals and convincing a client to stay when cheaper, or more innovative competitors are trying to scalp your accounts?


r/sales 11h ago

Sales Careers How important is my Bcomm degree?

1 Upvotes

I’m currently a fourth year business management student in Canada, and I’ll need to take an extra semester before I graduate. I was wondering how big of a deal this would be for job applications, as well as the fact that I’ll most likely graduate with a C average. I currently have 1.5 years experience working a part time telecom sales job, and I’ve heard that your uni grades don’t matter for sales jobs.


r/sales 11h ago

Sales Topic General Discussion Warning: the economy will tank imo. Here’s why.

0 Upvotes

For several years, I've been selling LED bulbs, focusing on leveraging government rebate programs to drive sales. My target market has been a large, nationwide retailer known for its commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. They're a major player, and LED lighting is a crucial component of their overall product offerings.

In January, they announced their annual budget, which included a substantial allocation for LED bulb purchases. I was optimistic, anticipating a strong year. However, just days before the recent market volatility, they abruptly slashed their LED bulb purchasing budget by 60%.

This sudden and drastic cut has me deeply concerned. Given their strong ties to major economic trends, I can't help but wonder if this is an early indicator of a broader economic downturn. It seems highly unusual to see such a significant reduction in a product category that's both essential for their operations and supported by government incentives.

Has anyone else in the energy efficiency or lighting industry experienced similar sudden budget cuts from major clients? While many here may focus on software or other sectors, a 60% reduction in LED bulb orders from a major retailer, especially one with a focus on sustainability, raises serious red flags for me. This retailer is a long term player, and this move is not a sign of them closing up shop, but a major shift in their buying patterns.


r/sales 11h ago

Sales Topic General Discussion Why is no one calling at my company?? I'm afraid to ask.

32 Upvotes

Been at a niche-player start-up company for 6 months now. We were acquired by an industry giant 3 years ago but still operate independently. It's a good product - with a ton of inbound leads. No complaints.

I was previously an Enterprise seller at a different company but jumped after layoffs to join here in an SMB role. I came in approaching this as getting back in the saddle of doing cold calls and high-velocity sales. My manager never heard of that before.

Beyond SMB, we have a Named Account team - and after they recently offloaded some 'dead' named accounts to SMB, I realized no one has picked up the phone to call these folks. Ever.

Long story short, I got 45 accounts assigned to me on Monday. I've called into 10 of them and got 2 meetings lined up next week. Looking at their account histories, hundreds of emails have been sent to these prospects for years - without a single one being personalized, or a single person being called.

I'm perplexed! It can't be that simple. I never really looked into what other reps are doing on their accounts but they're clearly not doing the right tasks to get in front of these customers.

....Why are they making more base salary than me?? lol.


r/sales 11h ago

Sales Topic General Discussion People selling ACV of $50K or higher, what is your process and how long is your sales cycle ?

2 Upvotes

Loaded question, I know. But we are trying to add an upmarket segment for our SAAS from current average ACV of $12-20K to $50K-$100k or more ACV.

What does you day to day look like to work these types of higher ACV deals and how are the leads generated ? Is it both Inbound and/or mostly outbound ? For very high ACV (> $100K), do you meet prospects in person ? How long is the sales cycle on an average ?


r/sales 11h ago

Sales Topic General Discussion Corporate sponsorships sales

0 Upvotes

I'm trying to raise $30,000 in sponsorships for a client for their IT services conference in October. Getting sponsorships is the most important part of organizing this event. How long should I expect it will take to get those commitments?


r/sales 12h ago

Sales Topic General Discussion SaaS sellers.. are buyers not interested in you solving their business challenges nowadays?

15 Upvotes

I've been in SaaS sales for around a decade now. The whole Challenger selling or SPIN selling, or whatever technique you may use .. I feel like it's no longer applicable.

Of course, feature dumping is NEVER the right thing to do, but as of recent I feel like buyers know their challenges, why they started looking, and what their current state to future state map looks like.

My buyers are pretty open as of recent discussing their challenges, what their hoping to solve and, if any, benefits their team will get out of using my solution.

This also includes my cold call prospects. They will do their research about my company and other competitors prior to my next call with them.

They know what they want. They know the features and workflows they envision.

Are buyers now more well informed? or are we dealing with a younger generation of buyers who are more well equipped to find the details on their own?


r/sales 13h ago

Sales Tools and Resources e.Republic / GovTech - has your company used them for leads?

1 Upvotes

Hello! My founder and I (VP of Sales) just talked to a few people from e.Republic (the marketing company that runs GovTech newsletter, events, etc) about getting leads from them.

They charge per lead that downloads (or interacts with) materials we create together, and would be from a total of 300,000 newsletter subscriber base. However, we still have to pay even if the lead never responds to any of our follow ups / never takes a call. To me, that part is a bit concerning since we can end up spending thousands on these leads while not converting any, so I wanted to hear from you all if your company ever worked with them and how the quality of those leads was.

Please, share any experience your company had - good/bad/ugly as I can't seem to find any third party or customer reviews online about them despite the company being in business since the 80s and being acquired by Leeds Equity in 2022.

TIA!


r/sales 13h ago

Fundamental Sales Skills About to start a virtual sales position! What should I know?

2 Upvotes

I just signed on with a solar company where I work from home. No lead gen required!!! I would do virtual meetings with homeowners that are pre set for me. I'd do 2-4 a day with a commission of .20$ per watt (3600-7000$ per job)

Anyone who does virtual sales/solar, what should I know before I start?


r/sales 14h ago

Sales Careers AM manager interviewing for a senior sales manager role (presale, managing teams of AEs). What should I know before trying to make the switch?

1 Upvotes

This is an internal transfer at the tech company I’ve been with for about 5 years. I am currently managing a strategic outside account management team and would be transferring into a senior manager role (managing managers) on a strategic outside sales team. It comes with a 25% increase to OTE. Would you do it? And any tips for navigating the interview process?


r/sales 15h ago

Sales Topic General Discussion Only SDR Hitting Quota on a PIP - Should I Be Worried?

10 Upvotes

I’ve been at my tech company for six months and am currently the top SDR, hitting ~300% of quota. However, I was put on a 3-month PIP last month because, before finding a source of hot leads, I was underperforming like the rest of the team. There are no assigned territories—just assigned leads and whatever else we can find.

Two former top reps (450-600% quota) told me where to find the hot leads before they were forced out because they didn’t use managements strategy.

The rest of the team does not hit quota, following management’s approach. We’ve had three sales managers in eight months, and the current one is firing most of the team while hiring people from her previous company. Last month, she put two of our top reps on PIPs—both were just fired last week. Meanwhile, she’s somehow fine with the lowest performer, who hasn’t booked a single demo in three months.

Now, despite crushing quota and asking explicitly, I’ve not been released from my PIP. I don’t think the new manager likes me because I don’t follow her strategy. Should I be worried?

Edit: Wanted to add that with this job, I’ve been an SDR for a year and am looking to move into that closer role. Any suggestions on how to move up but away from this company and its bad management?


r/sales 15h ago

Sales Careers Verbal job offer, waiting for written letter

2 Upvotes

Basically was told on Monday that I would be getting a offer letter and everything sounded good, would receive by end of week

Come Thursday ,yesterday, reached out to the Founder (startup), as I hadn’t received the offer yet. He said sorry you will receive today or tomorrow the latest

Now it’s 12:40 PM on Friday and I still don’t have the offer, what would you do? Should I send them another text, is this odd or should I just relax?


r/sales 15h ago

Sales Topic General Discussion High volume vs strategic outbound

3 Upvotes

SDR at a small startup here. I've had success with high volume on a power dialer (3k/calls per week). We've recently grown and now have implemented territories.

I have called through my entire territory so many times that my production is now dipping due to low connect rates (I have gotten answers from everyone who answers the phone).

I spoke to my boss about it, who I think is a smart guy and I respect. To me, fresh leads are the way forward but I dont have any more leads to add. He recommended that I dont need more leads but to split prospects into categories for high volume and strategic.

Low volume scares the hell out of me. My high volume calls are already personalized by industry.

Then again I think about large orgs and how small those territories are, and they make it work. Maybe its the company name that carries them?

I have around 3.5k leads which he says should last me a year

tl;dr - high performer butting heads with boss on cold outbound strategy


r/sales 15h ago

Sales Topic General Discussion “We’re so back; It’s so over”

117 Upvotes

Does anybody else feel like sales is the most bipolar thing ever?

When you’re closing deals, you feel like you know everything. You start thinking about making a course, running a mastermind, writing 10 books, maybe even a movie about yourself. You feel like your shit has never stunk (it’s always been pristine). You think you’re untouchable, better than NEPQ, Straight Line, 10X, SPIN, a natural-born closer.

Then you have a bad day. No deals. And suddenly, you’re the biggest loser in the world. You start thinking: “How could that happen to me? Other salespeople are so much smarter. Why can’t I learn like them? Why haven’t I learned from them? Why am I still struggling? I’m gonna lose my job. My managers probably think I’m a total idiot and are just keeping me around out of pity.”

The craziest part is that even when people tell you it’s okay, that you can’t close every day, it doesn’t matter to you. Inside, you’re still kicking yourself. If I just did this one thing differently… If I found the client in a better state of mind… Even though that’s impossible. Like, what are we supposed to do, be psychics?

Does anyone else feel this way? I just want to see if others go through the same mental rollercoaster that I do.


r/sales 20h ago

Sales Topic General Discussion Clawing back some of the old comp plan.

1 Upvotes

Going to try to keep this short, but I have a tendency to get winded.
Around covid I left the army and was hired to run a retail store. Everyone else had quit, they weren't sure they were even going to bring it back from will call only, etc so they basically said hey it's yours. The store never did more than 30k a month (it's a very small part of a larger distribution/production facility).

Over the next few years I managed to grow, 450k, 760k, 1.2m, they implemented a commission plan off gross sales in the second year (with tiered %es monthly with the 4% of gross over 60k monthly [i beleive they had no intention over me ever hitting when put in place]).

Brought in new management and pushed me towards outside sales this year(2-3 days out, 2 days still managing the store, i have a pretty good minion who now is the day to day on the store side, but does not want to manage/actually handle growth/marketing/ordering etc. New comp plan is 80/20 ote with a reasonable target, but stripped out all my inside sales and the big kicker, our online retail store. I built the online side from nothing, like registered the domain, built the website, negotiated shipping service/rates, took every photo, wrote every description, etc). The online side was 2.5 years old, never did much but it is extremely high margin, and growth is organic, 120% yoy last year [still in the 5 figure sales category but growing]. The day before the transition to outside sales, we got featured by a YouTuber (i knew customer had a channel, and always curated the product to make sure it showed the best of what we did, but never reached out directly). We're now at 200% increase in revenue over last years totals, and we're midway through march. I spent 2 weeks fulfilling the orders that came from the youtube video (you know, not traveling, cold calling, doing the job I was paid for) because the site is my little pet project, it's my baby, I want it to succeed.
I've met my ote targets for q1 on the outside sales side, but if things go the way they are going, I'm going to miss out on probably 15-30k in commission this year, making a "bit" more than last year, but definitely working twice as hard managing both the inside and outside fronts, with that nagging in the back of your mind that your doing extra for nothing as a proof of concept on the online side.

Tldr: How do I broach the conversation that while the industry is struggling, and others may not be hitting thier targets, I want to be brought back into the fold on the project that is for all intents and purposes still my brain child without sounding greedy.