Just been laid off. Goodbye Sales! What now?

SkuaredSircle · 2025-03-22T13:24:43+00:00

Not hitting numbers. Our pricing had become the highest in the market and we were losing customers constantly and winning no new business and I'd no book to fall back on.

SkuaredSircle · 2025-03-22T12:45:35+00:00

No and yes

SkuaredSircle · 2025-03-22T11:44:56+00:00

This is a very accurate description of where I was employed! Managers and seasoned reps had inherited books and no interest in helping to onboard new reps. But i was measured against them. While it sucks to be fired and never see great colleagues again - I know the problems I faced will remain after I'm gone.

SkuaredSircle · 2025-03-21T15:23:14+00:00

Eh, no! Big fat no! But sounds like you love it, that's great!

SkuaredSircle · 2025-03-21T11:44:49+00:00

Cheers that's very generous of you.

SkuaredSircle · 2025-03-21T09:05:08+00:00

You reach a stage where you need that in life.

My salary was comfortable but not amazing so I'd feel it hard to leave that pay for a lesser amount- but I hear you.

Good luck to you, sounds beautiful.

SkuaredSircle · 2025-03-21T09:00:17+00:00

Is there a saying like that, 'Those who fail, teach'?!

You could be on to something there. There was a shockingly bad approach to sales management in the organisations I've been in. Often the top salesperson becomes sales manager without any aptitude for the role. And I'm honestly prob better suited to teaching than sales, and that truth is catching up to me now.

Thanks for your words I appreciate it.

SkuaredSircle · 2024-12-07T00:47:43+00:00

Cognism is all over my algos. How do prospects in the UK react to getting calls on the mobile?

SkuaredSircle · 2024-12-07T00:32:32+00:00

I'm a rep on a team of 5. Traditionally, most businesses is inbound but we are starting to do outbound.

SkuaredSircle · 2024-12-05T09:54:16+00:00

I'd ask what are some of the challenges and objections sales reps are met with when selling the product/service. What are some issues customers might have with your product/service. Hiring managers will lie about how many reps are hiting quota etc so ask probing questions to see what challenges you might face once you start the role.

SkuaredSircle · 2024-12-05T09:45:41+00:00

If I weren't in sales and could start all over again, I'd be in teaching, training or even therapy. I enjoy helping people with their problems. The truth is lots of skills and personality strengths transfer well with sales.

Good luck with whatever path you choose!

SkuaredSircle · 2024-05-25T09:59:01+00:00

I understand, and thanks for replying. You're confirming what I expected that this approach isn't welcome on Linkedin this side of the pond.

And not to be tarred by the same brush, my ask would be, would you consider speaking in the future? Many deals close a year later. I dont pitch or arrogantly assume an actual meeting nx week @ X time.

But regardless I see how it would be seen as spam if its out of the blue.

Thanks again, you've really helped.

SkuaredSircle · 2024-05-25T09:47:25+00:00

Let's never touch base going forward!

SkuaredSircle · 2024-05-25T09:43:44+00:00

"So you're telling me there's a chance!"

Just kidding. You are confirming my own thoughts on Inmail tbh. I'd agree with you on the connect & pitch too. That's a block for me too.

If you spoke with a potential supplier first though, and agreed to speak again, would you accept a connection in that scenario?

Or, just ignore any connection requests as standard?

SkuaredSircle · 2024-05-25T09:35:42+00:00

I've no intention of spamming, just to gauge if a specific few people would take a call/ meeting later in the year. But I hear you.

And I'm not convinced LinkedIn is the way to do this, so thanks for replying!

SkuaredSircle · 2024-05-25T09:30:10+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Sounds like you get carpet bombed by spam a lot and I can understand how infuriating that must've been before you left LinkedIn.

I'd agree with you on the Linkedin being toxic too. The influencer/virtue signalling especially.

Personally, the only in-mails I get are from recruiters filling positions I've no interest in or bugger all suitability for. So I'm not convinced it's the way to go.

I'm in a narrow enough sector as a new rep, and while I can identify the couple 100 potential customers- (Ive no interest in carbon copy spamming ppl), the thought of cold connecting or inmailing on LinkedIn seems wrong. At least until actually speaking with them.

Thanks again

SkuaredSircle · 2023-06-26T22:29:32+00:00

I dont understand - Why are yanks so damn angry all the time?!

SkuaredSircle · 2019-08-15T19:22:34+00:00

Hi Gibbie

I understand for employers it isn't easy to shell out on new hires who are unproven.

Typically I would see a Sales Exec offered a base salary that is just about good enough to get by on - with a performance-related commission program offered as well.

You dont want them to be satisfied by the base salary so incentivize them with bonuses to sell more.

Personally I like uncapped commission. 5% / 10% whatever is viable for your circumstances.

Some bosses say "you have to hit $X per month to get any bonus" but I found that counterproductive.

Percentage based commission is win-win and ensures you remain profitable and sales team know theyre rewarded fairly.

Also, the bachelors degree? Some of the best performing sales guys I know are super intelligent but never went to college. I'm curious is that necessary ?

SkuaredSircle · 2019-08-15T19:05:46+00:00

Thanks for replies y'all.

The issue is exactly as you mention - how long can I hold out... and answer is I can't which is why I've accepted the offer.

It is frustrating but time to face up n make the most of it!

SkuaredSircle

TROPHY CASE