Looking for some advice. Deciding to pivot back into a direct sales role after a year long stint at a b2b customer management position. I really want sales, any kind, to be my ultimate career. It's something I genuinely love doing. 3 years d2d sales experience and 1 year b2b customer management, but no college degree. Finding it difficult to get past initial screening for sales roles in the b2b space. Any advice on how to break through or industries to focus on? Would greatly appreciate some feedback. Thank you!
Thank you! That's fantastic advice.
Hey there, couple quick points to help... You probably know this but you may need to start back as an SDR at a tech or tech adjacent role. Many times starting at a big company that will provide training and foundation is a good play (think Netsuite / Oracle - they have huge sales orgs, and they will take people with little experience). Another consideration would be to start in more of a tech adjacent field as an SDR or small average deal sized closer role. I agree with the point below - D2D sales, if you were able to sustain it, is a valuable asset. It takes a lot of GRIT and that should be something you're selling in the interview process.
Thank you, that's also extremely helpful. And, yes, sir, consistently at 400-500% of quota. Just needed a Mon-Fri for the family. Wow, this has been extremely helpful. I greatly appreciate this space being available for advice like this!
Your D2D experience sets you apart from so many people wanting to enter entry sales today. Like everyone else has mentioned, utilize this unique story you have doing this to full effect. Locate the hiring managers for the roles you want and reach out. That does a lot as well.
Thank you!!!
A lot of sales managers want people who can do hard things. Sales is not easy. If you've made your living doing D2D sales for 3 years, and you've had reasonable success, I think that's something that a lot of sales managers will see value in and will take a chance with you - even if you don't fit their ideal profile. Are you willing to take an SDR job and show that your work ethic will set you appart? If so I'd try to pick 3-5 really good orgs (use RepVue to find them lol) that you *want* to sell for, that are hiring SDRs - and identify the hiring manager and network your way into them. Ideally talk to a few reps on the team and have someone refer you. Go around the screener... just like you'd go around any other gatekeeper.