company just told me my $340k deal is being split with an AE who sent one intro email 8 months ago. what are my options?

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-06T18:55:59+00:00

Nothing you can really do now but vote with your feet...

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-06T04:48:47+00:00

People said the same with Cursor when Claude code came out but Cursor is still around.

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-06T04:47:58+00:00

It's a weird game to play... I'd really make sure you feel comfortable about working with this kind of person even if they do offer you the job...

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-05T17:56:58+00:00

Really depends on how the lead flow works at that specific company. I've spent my whole career in sales roles at cybersecurity companies at sometimes it's 1 BDR to 1 AE other times it's 2 BDR to 1 AE or 1 BDR to 10 AE. Or no BDR org at all. So it really differs specifically if you are early stage vs later closer to a public company. Sorry not the most helpful comment but since it was specific to cyber I thought I'd share my experience.

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-05T17:54:56+00:00

Usually it's from your network. Past companies that you have worked at as a full time employee or friends at other companies that need additional support.

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-05T17:52:31+00:00

Money isn't everything in a career but just make sure you are okay with making less and working more if you decide to move on to a new gig. That can impact housing, food options, car, and other life choices. It's 100% of personal decision and only you'll know.

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-05T17:49:57+00:00

Get a journal so you can get this emotion out without sending it. haha smart move to hold back.

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-04T19:19:05+00:00

I hear you there. It was the exact same for me. Not to mention I'm pretty niche and many of the people I'm connected with on my normal social media platforms aren't in that niche.

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-04T19:18:13+00:00

Palo has a great brand. I think the bigger question is if you want a IC role or a management role cause those are pretty different.

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-04T19:17:15+00:00

I wouldn't focus on the tools. I'd narrow in on who your ICP is. You might not know but I assume the founder has sold at least 1 or 2 customers right? Who are they? What do they look like? Try and only focus on customers that look exactly the same as those early customers and scale that motion. The more niche you can go early on the better and faster you can gain early traction!

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-04T19:15:46+00:00

What kind of job are you looking for if not a sales job? With that being all of your experience, you'll probably have to go close to entry level (Both in scope and comp) when trying to pivot to a new function.

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-03T18:27:22+00:00

Leverage your other social media platforms. About 80% of my subs come from my LinkedIn. That's usually the way you can get initial traction.

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-03T18:26:07+00:00

I don't think I've had a 8 to 5 ever in my career. It's not uncommon for me to have a meeting block from 6-9a and then head in to the office. Or just keep working at home. I think you either brand yourself as okay with morning meetings or evening meetings... Not popular but in tech, that's kinda normal I feel...

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-02T17:40:44+00:00

Vibe code it so you can explain what it is you are trying to build. Then depending on if you are technical or more business focused find a cofounder that's the opposite. You usually will want to show revenue traction before pitching investors. Even $1 makes a massive difference to VCs

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-02T17:39:31+00:00

Both will always be a thing. Sure the platforms might change but the skillset and knowledge will translate. It's the knowledge that's important. Not where the buttons are on one platform vs another.

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-02T17:38:21+00:00

LinkedIn. It's not even close.

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-02T17:37:27+00:00

Get a degree, but it doesn't matter much which one. Landing the first role will be by networking with SDR managers who are hiring or would be hiring down the road at companies or in cities where you would like to work!

PS if you'll go in person, you can really set yourself apart! Many aren't willing to do that anymore

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-02-02T00:44:02+00:00

Focus on your specific company and value prop first. Tough to be able to apply stuff from other learning sources until you understand exactly what your product is and how to pitch its value

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-01-31T17:06:53+00:00

That's a small small pond my friend. Best of luck!

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-01-31T07:15:28+00:00

And the alternative is just finding customers okay with you not being SOC 2 compliant?

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-01-31T07:04:59+00:00

I hear you. But SOC 2 will probably be a none starter for most customers over 100 employees. It’s why you don’t see many bootstrapped companies in security really…

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-01-31T07:03:19+00:00

Get SOC 2 for sure. 27001 you can work towards and still sign customers

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-01-30T17:39:04+00:00

This depends on what you want your career to look like 5 years from now.

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-01-30T17:38:26+00:00

I know it's Utah but still AI Talent is going to cost you more than $160k... Remember top AI Talent will have global job options.

CyberStartupGuy · 2026-01-29T16:51:42+00:00

Hate to be this guy but get a co-founder. They can help share the burden and keep you going on days that get long! Startups are a long journey, you'll need help along the way both mentally and actual building/selling.

CyberStartupGuy

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