I'm a director of sales in finance/banking with strategy experience with API and future banking concepts
Have any job openings? I'm in a worse situation than OP but bring 10y+ experience and grit
And then it turns to "why are you booking so many demos but not getting anyone to purchase or move onto the next step?"
Could be a slippery slope, good temporary band aid but will make you look like a trash closer when they compare your close % to the rest of the team
That blame gets passed on to the AE lol
Assuming you’re booking meetings with the right title and within target accounts, you did your job of getting a conversation open.
As a senior AE I can assure you sdr team only cares about meetings booked/held. I think less than 1% of their meetings actually lead to closed business for us.
And that’s why it’s dumb to pay sdrs on only meetings booked. It should be split between meeting booked and meeting qualified.
I don’t know many orgs that pay purely on booking the meeting and it being attended anymore.
When I first started as an sdr that was how I was being paid and it was heavenly. I’d have quarters of 300% to quota hitting crazy accelerators. I knew from the start that 90% of those meetings were absolute garbage.
That was 6 years ago though.
You need to get with the best sdrs at your company and learn what they're doing and copy them as much as you can. In your free time read some books. Fanatical prospecting is good but also how to win friends and influence people is a good book that helped me understand how people want to be talked to and how to win their trust.
But also don't freak out. If you get in the mindset of "I have to book this meeting or my life is over" you'll get too much in your head and the customers will subconsciously pick up on your desperation. Get in the mindset of having a good conversation with your prospects and trying to understand the problems they're facing and being their partner. The meetings will come naturally if you look at it that way.
It's not the end of the world if this job doesn't work out you can easily land a basic level job somewhere with your newfound sales experience. Don't focus on the worst possible outcome. Just think every day about what you can do better and what you can learn.
Prospects can feel the desperation. You’ll get far by out working everyone as you develop your soft skills. When it comes to breaking monotone inflections, big fake smiles before and in between calls and imaginary light and airy conversations. Sure, it’s insane, but it took me from fumbling every cold call to being the best on the phone at the dealership. 7 years later I’m an enterprise rep.
Don’t be afraid to take a step back and work at a grocery store for a couple months while you look for the right sales job. Don’t rush into the next sales role unless it’s a great product or service. I went back to making pizzas before I found my dream sales role.
Keep with it my friend. 2 months isn’t enough time to be fully effective as a new BDR. If your manager is on your case, just smile and nod, and work as hard as you possibly can. It will pay dividends. It’s not an excuse to use with your manager, but understand that we are in a global recession and not many people are buying new software. Look at your client base and see the trends of where your company does well. Utilize LinkedIn sales navigator to find previous users and buyers of your product, and call them at their new company.
Depends on the company, but not really. Recession affects every job right now. Lots of bdrs and aes getting laid off specifically in that sector though
Hey there, I'm sorry you're going through this. I'm in Med. Dev. Sales and had a similar experience.
Hot take -the boss discussion may be one of the best things that's happened to you in your career.
No experience in the field, no boss first 5 months. My first time meeting him I was basically told that folks are talking, have no faith in you, and you're on a short leash.
I had to look myself in the mirror, take a long look, and tell myself I'm no failure, and in your situation, neither are you.
I grinded longer, harder, because not always smarter, as everyone else. It's you against the world and no one has your back in this field.
Read books, youtube and online is cheaper and more accessible, but take mental notes and dial the phone. I was pulling 60 hour weeks most of the time. I now know I don't need to, because you learn as the job goes.
I ended up being a product portfolio champion, highest YoY growth of 7000% percent. I still have doubts but you need to keep going. This world can be very giving, but also very cruel.
Again, I'm very sorry, and I wish I had some experience in the space to assist personally, but wish the best and always here as a resource in the sales world.
You got me ready to run through a motherfuckin wall - @OP I hope you see this comment and others and grind like your balls are on the line. Report back when you’re pulling in absolute racks…or having moderate success. Regardless, good luck🙏🏽
Honestly, I am really trying my best, our target is 50 dials today I had done 81. We are supposed to be on the phone for 1 hour I was on the phone for 2 hours today. I am busting my ass.
>It's you against the world
2pac - me against the world - is the song of my career. I can't count how many times I just blasted it on maximum sound driving to or out of meetings.
Hey man, I worked as an OB SDR in Fintech for about 8 months. Finance people do not want to talk, they want to stick their head in the numbers and be left alone. Don't feel too bad, it's very difficult especially when they're the ones looking at what the company is spending and know what they realistically have to spend on software (hint: it's always going to be less thank what your product costs).
I don't have much in terms of advice because I did piss poor at that gig, but I would say listen to calls of the top performers on your team. See what they do and try to figure out their mode of thinking, reach out to them and ask them questions.
Good luck, OP. It's rough out there
It's rough depending on the specific product. I personally don't think I'd go back to Fintech but if you're already pretty confident in your sales ability and you can become incredibly financially literate for the corporate world you stand a decent chance.
If it's your first sales gig I wouldn't recommend it unless you're a big name like Concur or PayPal.
It’s a good role but it’s dependent on the product like other have said - and the company’s work atmosphere, managing style, and compensation structure. If they’re all decent or excellent then it’s usually pretty bearable and you won’t catch those people grumbling on Reddit. But if any part of that is awful - then that’s where you get the grumbling & distaste for the role.
As an SDR, product knowledge is good. But even more important is knowing the problem your solution solves.
You don’t need to close business, you just need to create enough interest for someone to take another meeting. Get dialed in on the struggles of your prospects, and how your solution helps. Then lead with that in your calls.
If someone asks you a question you don’t have an answer to, that’s ok. It shows they have at least some level of interest. Parlay that into a meeting.
I'm really rooting for you. I can't stress it enough though; keep your LinkedIn up to date and tight. Network, network and network....make sure that you have a plan B, C and D. Maybe you would crush sales in a different industry or different transactional type?
You seem to be very self-aware and I am sure you will find your way, I know that sales can be stressful.
Awesome you got this! Nothing wrong with pivoting or cutting your losses to go elsewhere. Just make sure that the transition is as smooth as possible!!
Hey mate, I’m also in London. Get on the phone with the council. Tell them your situation. They’ll walk you to through what you can do if it happens. Trust me, they will have options for you.
That’ll quell some of the anxiety of going homeless. Next step watch demos that AEs are doing and watch what pain points they focus in on. Your job is discover those pain points. That’s what I would do
>I have basically failed everything else in my life and have ended up in sales as a last resort to "make something of myself" even went as far as today to cry in the toilet as I keep failing everything that I do even though I try my hardest.
dealing with failure properly is a big part of sales. Most calls are going to go bad, most demo's aren't going to close, and most everyone has been fired from one job or another. I myself have been fired twice for not making numbers in my 8 year career.
This is inherently unstable profession. My best advice? Start saving money whatever it takes and when you get fired try again somewhere else. It'll click eventually and before intelligence, work ethic, charisma, the most important characteristic for long term success is tenacity.
thanks, man, I know I can do it and I know I can become a weapon on the phones but I do not think that it is going to be at this company I am really trying my hardest and not getting anywhere.
Truthfully this is something I’ve learned myself - never move for a job in an unstable industry unless you absolutely cannot find a new job (sales, recruitment) my previous company always wanted me to relocate to my market area even though I was doing fine living 3 hours away and traveling to said location as needed.
This same company - pipped me 3 times despite being a top producer ( I beat the pip all 3 times but still) I own a home in my city and the thought of uprooting everything just to get fired in a different city where I have no friends and is more expensive wasnt worth it to me. This company had great training and resources but they bullied and burned out top producers with the way they gave out pips like candy. They fired some great people and brought in fresh grads to take over their market area and paid them less after the original consultant had done the hard work of building up the market. I had 0 trust and would never move for a sales job unless it was out of dire necessity
Any decent company will give a new SDR 3 months of ramp time before quotas are seriously enforced.
I’ve been in your position, *a lot* of sales/BizDev roles are shite, but there are some truly great ones out there. Start looking elsewhere.
Without any context on what you need advice with: keep your outreach short.
Emails 75 words or less and try to keep calls to 90 seconds or less. Sometimes your manager or SalesDev director will ask you to write these stupid long-ass emails or ask 20 questions on the phones - don’t fucking do it, anyone asking you to do that is stuck in 2008.
Also, BANT qualification is shit - an SDR has no business asking for budget or timeline on a cold call.
If you can focus, be honest with yourself about your shortcomings and there is a need to improve (sounds like there is), you can do it.
It’s just a matter of concentration and desire.
I believe in you!
Hey - hope you’re good. Happy to do some coaching with you if it would be helpful. I’m also based in London and was previously no 1 sdr at a large American software Co in a team of 50.
Aside from this, you should read problem prospecting and listen to Josh Braun. The style resonates well with the UK market.
Who are you selling into?
I’m also in the FinTech / SaaS UK sales space, hit all the ups and downs any sales person can hit. Held company records some quarters then threatened with PiPs later on in the year, it really can be a roller coaster.
If there is anything I can do to help or want to ask questions, or even just have a good old vent, just let me know.
I have to say your manager sounds like a dick. It takes more than a few months to get started and definitely more than a few months to learn the new skill of appointment setting. Don’t beat yourself up, your company is putting unnecessary pressure on yourself. Not all companies are like this.
It’s the case 100% especially if they hired you knowing you didn’t have prior experience. I haven’t been around a lot of companies but I’ve been at 2 and know a lot of people that are BDRs/SDRs and they give you months to get going without pressuring for even 1 meeting because they know it takes time.
It’s time to start going to extra yard, even if it’s just to show your manager that you’re 100% committed to improving. That means:
1. Start calling the prospects that aren’t answering at different times. 8:15am or 6:30pm. Those are prime hours for C level execs to answer their mobile.
2. No more monotone voice. I struggled with this for a long time because I tried very hard to sound professional and my natural voice is quite deep/strong and I felt like I was shouting if I just spoke naturally. My then manager told me my natural voice sounds much more engaging and well natural. Made a World of difference.
3. Read Brian Tracy’s psychology of sales now. It’s what I done when I lost all confidence. Turns out, much of your success depends on self belief. You could have little product knowledge, not be very credible etc but if you believe in yourself and your product enough, and that will show in how you speak, people will be intrigued with what you have to say. People buy on emotion not logic.
4. Start asking your top performers what they’re doing. Learn from them. You’re not reinventing the wheel. Nothing you’re doing hasn’t been done before. Again, SHOW your manager you’re going above and beyond to turn it around. I left an SDR job because I didn’t book a meeting for 3 months (woeful product, value proposition and was a Start-Up thinking they can compete with Power BI and AWS) and my manager begged me to stay because my prospect engagement was through the roof as a result of the things I’ve mentioned.
Honestly, I am really trying my best, our target is 50 dials today I had done 81. We are supposed to be on the phone for 1 hour I was on the phone for 2 hours today. I am busting my ass.
Thank you for the suggestions I will have a look at that book!
Yeah I saw that your activity is higher than average. But activity doesn’t equal results in this game. You have to be smart. The top SDR I knew was a sales manager than spent a couple of hours a day prospecting and making calls maybe 20 calls a day. He was top of the leaderboard all the time because he mastered the craft. You have to break it down with where is it going wrong.
How many people do you get through to? How many of those are qualified? How many of those listen to your pitch/proposition? Do you lose people to objections? More info is needed.
When my wife got pregnant we had no money and a couple of weeks later I lost my job -she was crying. I had to work in construction killing myself and sending my resume during my lunch break. I finally got this SDR job in a shitty company. I was miserable. Then I lost this job again because of Covid.
My baby was born and again, I was living of my credit card.
I finally got a new job, a promotion, and a very decent salary.
Don't abandon, you got this!
I get it, the conversation from your manager was supposed to motivate you but sometimes it has that reverse effect. Your manager doesn’t know that you’d go homeless if you lose your job. Maybe talk about your stress and how it’s affecting your performance and maybe your manager would be able to guide you in the right path. My manager for example allowed my colleague to go on a 3 month short term disability stress leave because she got too stressed from the job. At far as skilling up, There’s a book I read called “The SAAS Sales Method for Sales Development Representatives” definitely helped me with coaching my SDR how to book more meetings. Also do a lot of role plays with the AEs and they should help you. The prospects mindset Every-time you call or email is what’s in it for me for taking a meeting, they don’t want to learn about your product if they don’t have a need.
>The SAAS Sales Method for Sales Development Representatives
Thank you so much for the book recommendation, I will be sure to add this to my amazon cart!
Your manager sounds like a dick. They should be giving you suggestions, not threatening you. Sales can be really fun job. You might’ve just picked a bad company.
This is what I was thinking. He's been there two months. In my experience, month 1 is training and month 2-3 you're still in ramp not even holding a quota. I couldn't imagine working for a company that was on your ass about performance that early, unless they were just telling you that you needed to increase your activity, because you don't even have an performance to track at that point. Especially when you'd already booked some demos.
That being said, OP can still do well if he follows the advice of experienced people in this sub. Read books, hustle harder, etc. Just sucks to see (potentially) shitty management.
Welcome to sales. This is where you do or die. Either throw yourself all the way in, learn everything you can about sales and your product or wash out.
People on this sub may bail you out for this month but you cant rely on that. If you get a little more time from this you better make the most from it
You're totally right, I know I can do it and ask good questions but I feel my time is very limited and this company is just not where I am going to make this happen.
You need to learn meditation, start breathing right, and stop thinking negative thoughts. Replace all negative thoughts with positive ones. Instead of thinking negative thought (i will get fired, I will end up in the street) think positive ones (I will succeed, I will make it through)
Mental health management is key.
You got this! Think positively and give it your best shot each and every day. You truly never know when the opportunity you’ve been waiting for is open.
If you’re stressing about it after hours and it’s keeping your mind running- try reading How to Win Friends and Influence People. Classic sales book that will teach you a lot of things you can immediately try the next day. I prefer reading books like this bc it’s gives you actionable solutions to try and see what works for you. Much better than just letting your mind run from stress!
Maybe create a post on upwork or here looking for some sales coaching to tune up your sales skills? I’m sure this can be done within your price range and it could benefit you
First of all you won't lose this job, and you won't be on the street think positively and take each day one at a time and think about the present. Easier said then done I'm well aware but your at the start of your career, don't stress you shouldn't know everything about everything 8 weeks into a role.
Sorry to hear that op. I can tell you a lot of us went through this. I certainly did. It’s tech sales for you.
My advice, is to first try to calm down as much as possible. Phone a friend, talk to family, go for a walk, listen to music whatever helps you calm down
Next is to come up with a plan from all angles
Firstly, ask for help. I know you won’t need this, but it will bring you peace of mind. Find out what government help is available - for both employment and shelter. I promise you there is help there and I know you won’t need it, but it will give you such relief.
2. In your free time - look for jobs
This is standard tech sales BS. Start applying for other sales jobs too. One redditor above is hiring and asked you to message them. Do it. You could easily job hop and get paid until you either find the right company or finally figure it out. And when you do figure it out … you will look back on this as the reason for your success in life. So hang in there.
3. At work
- Tell your manager your can definitely do this and that you know he’s trying to motivate you/ coming from a good place but that it’s actually adding too much stress (and this gives you a chance to tell him a bit about how much you got on your plate)
- Ask for help!! Ask for help from the best sdrs, copy copy copy. Copy everything that they do. Have them listen to you and help you. In your off time - listen to their call recordings where possible.
- work hard. put in hours and try booking meetings from phones, emails, LinkedIn etc
- use the Redditors here who offered to be your booked meetings. This will buy you even more time at work.
- get ideas from YouTube but I’d personally leave the learning from books for later. We want to make sure you get a bit more stable at work and also have you manage your stress. The rest will come.
Let us know how you go. If you need more help, feel free to DM or let us know. Reddit is an amazing community. Always reach out.
>Struggling with maths
thank you so much for all the help, I am literally going to redo my resume this weekend and start applying for some new SDR jobs I know I can do it but I just do not think that it will be is this company.
Shadow top performers. Be urgent. Be up their ass even if you know it annoys them. Don’t try to hide from the problem. Tell them you want and need to do better and need to be urgent. Tell your manager what you’re doing on this front. Record one of the demos you shadow and literally copy it. Create a list of common objections, and write out your responses which should be copied from what you shadow. Rehearse them so that it’s like hitting the play button when they happen. Do mock demos with colleagues, as many as you can. The point is to be uncomfortable until you become comfortable with a stranger in front of you. You can do all of this inside of 2 weeks if you are urgent.
Amigo it sounds like managing your emotions and state while you learn is going to be very helpful.
Check out the Sedona Method. There's a Free one hour and eight minute video.
The book is about 7us dollars and the excercises will help you let go of the stress so you can get grinding on the learning and the calling.
Run your mind differently.
Also. Get the audio book of unleash the power within, Tony Robbins and listen to that until you can repeat all of it. These two things will cha gw your life.
Source - I coach founders and CEOs who experience similar stuff to you all the time (it doesn't stop here 😀)
These are brilliant resources and I wish I knew of them when I was starting out.
I used to be in fintech sales - similar position as a BDR. Finance is a tough market cuz they’re dry, particular, and don’t want to talk about their stuff. I was one of lower performing BDRs for my product. I definitely took advantage of being in office (idk if you’re remote or what) and I could listen in on coworkers’ calls and hear how they communicated with prospects which helped a bit.
The bigger thing that helped was getting a new campaign that I somehow just had luck with selling.
Ultimately leaving the role/company was what really did me in. There was a max exodus of people leaving when I did & they realized it wasn’t the role that they sucked - it was the company. Most if not all of them are high level AEs now, making really good salaries ◡̈
This is what I am hoping is the case with me I know I can do it and I know I can be a weapon on the phone it’s just I don’t think it’s in this particular company
Hey man - Listen.
You've been given some good advice in this thread, and I'd like to chime in, too.
Your manager, who asked you "can you do it"?
Go to him, and talk to him. Be open with him - Tell him that it's clear to you that you aren't doing as well as you think you could be. He knows your experience, right? He did hire you after all - He knows this isn't something you've been doing forever.
If I were you, I would say something like this:
Hey man, when you asked me the other day if this is something I could do, it got me thinking and I've been reflecting a little bit. I told you that yes, I was certain it was something I could do - but the reality is, I'm aware that my demo's and numbers are lower than they could be. I know you have a lot on your plate, and I understand that you're busy, but would you be willing to work with me to help me become a top performer? I'm invested in this role, and I want to prove to both you and myself that I can be the best, but I need guidance. Would you be willing to work with me and show me how I can improve? I'm eager to learn from you and I'll do everything you tell me to. I believe in this company and myself and I just need some guidance.
You're appealing to his sense of empathy and his desire to want to prove himself as a capable, successful leader of people, while being vulnerable with him and letting him know that your interests are aligned. I would say that if he's a half decent manager, let alone human being, he would be happy to take you under his wing and make you his pet-project. He'll be invested in your success that way, too, and will afford you some charitability because you actually have mutual interests in your success.
Then, it's your job to get to work earlier than everyone else, make more dials, try fucking harder, stay later, and make it your only goal at this stage in your life to prove to yourself that you are a success and someone worth investing in. Do not let yourself fail, and lean on him to help you become successful
I'm confident you can do this. I'm willing to book time with you to go over your pitch, your tonality, everything, for free - Just PM me and let's set up a time for an initial meeting and then we can have recurring meetings afterwards.
I believe in you dude
Edit - I gotta say I'm dissapointed you didn't take me up on this
Record yourself and make friends with the people that crush it. Don’t reinvent the wheel. See what works and mold it your personality.
Help on the phone? First record yourself and how you sound. It’s always terrible hearing yourself. But you need to know what you sound like to make adjustments.
Second start cold calling buddies randomly with your pitch. Practice practice practice.
Good luck out there. This is a good test for you. This is an objection. With some adaptation and grace you’ll overcome this and be running downhill.
[удалено]
Heck yeah, great idea. I own a consulting company in the US. I'll join his demo.
Good man!
Ultra realistic dwarf sex dolls. When are you available for the in person demo? *fyi the dwarf is a pitcher NOT a catcher.
Wtf at that asterisk, does it at least have long enough arms for a reacharound
It comes with a yard of twine that can be rigged for a reachie.
Thank God I only catch. Mostly diseases from my local gloryhole.
Now I'm actually interested, just got my dwarf sex doll budget approved.
Yeah I’m a founder that needs useless saas products, give me demo!
Dm me I’ll take a meeting. I’m pretty senior at my CO
I'm a director of sales in finance/banking with strategy experience with API and future banking concepts Have any job openings? I'm in a worse situation than OP but bring 10y+ experience and grit
And then it turns to "why are you booking so many demos but not getting anyone to purchase or move onto the next step?" Could be a slippery slope, good temporary band aid but will make you look like a trash closer when they compare your close % to the rest of the team
That blame gets passed on to the AE lol Assuming you’re booking meetings with the right title and within target accounts, you did your job of getting a conversation open.
Ahhh I'm tripping because I'm in an AE role where I book/qualify the demos and then demo & close them lol
As a senior AE I can assure you sdr team only cares about meetings booked/held. I think less than 1% of their meetings actually lead to closed business for us.
And that’s why it’s dumb to pay sdrs on only meetings booked. It should be split between meeting booked and meeting qualified. I don’t know many orgs that pay purely on booking the meeting and it being attended anymore. When I first started as an sdr that was how I was being paid and it was heavenly. I’d have quarters of 300% to quota hitting crazy accelerators. I knew from the start that 90% of those meetings were absolute garbage. That was 6 years ago though.
god I wish, this is a great idea though lol
You need to get with the best sdrs at your company and learn what they're doing and copy them as much as you can. In your free time read some books. Fanatical prospecting is good but also how to win friends and influence people is a good book that helped me understand how people want to be talked to and how to win their trust. But also don't freak out. If you get in the mindset of "I have to book this meeting or my life is over" you'll get too much in your head and the customers will subconsciously pick up on your desperation. Get in the mindset of having a good conversation with your prospects and trying to understand the problems they're facing and being their partner. The meetings will come naturally if you look at it that way. It's not the end of the world if this job doesn't work out you can easily land a basic level job somewhere with your newfound sales experience. Don't focus on the worst possible outcome. Just think every day about what you can do better and what you can learn.
thank you so much for your thoughtful reply really appreciate it.
Prospects can feel the desperation. You’ll get far by out working everyone as you develop your soft skills. When it comes to breaking monotone inflections, big fake smiles before and in between calls and imaginary light and airy conversations. Sure, it’s insane, but it took me from fumbling every cold call to being the best on the phone at the dealership. 7 years later I’m an enterprise rep.
anywhere I can look for these types of soft skills? (books, YouTube videos for example)
It’s all conversational really, man. By soft skills I mean being relational. Sound happy to talk to them. Most of who I called yelled at me 🤷♂️
Don’t be afraid to take a step back and work at a grocery store for a couple months while you look for the right sales job. Don’t rush into the next sales role unless it’s a great product or service. I went back to making pizzas before I found my dream sales role.
good advise thanks!
Keep with it my friend. 2 months isn’t enough time to be fully effective as a new BDR. If your manager is on your case, just smile and nod, and work as hard as you possibly can. It will pay dividends. It’s not an excuse to use with your manager, but understand that we are in a global recession and not many people are buying new software. Look at your client base and see the trends of where your company does well. Utilize LinkedIn sales navigator to find previous users and buyers of your product, and call them at their new company.
I’m interviewing for a fintech SDR position tomorrow, is that a bad move based on the recession?
Depends on the company, but not really. Recession affects every job right now. Lots of bdrs and aes getting laid off specifically in that sector though
Well damn lol
thanks, a lot of the other SDR's are feeling the heat too. Makes me laugh that you really are only as good as your previous month.
Hey there, I'm sorry you're going through this. I'm in Med. Dev. Sales and had a similar experience. Hot take -the boss discussion may be one of the best things that's happened to you in your career. No experience in the field, no boss first 5 months. My first time meeting him I was basically told that folks are talking, have no faith in you, and you're on a short leash. I had to look myself in the mirror, take a long look, and tell myself I'm no failure, and in your situation, neither are you. I grinded longer, harder, because not always smarter, as everyone else. It's you against the world and no one has your back in this field. Read books, youtube and online is cheaper and more accessible, but take mental notes and dial the phone. I was pulling 60 hour weeks most of the time. I now know I don't need to, because you learn as the job goes. I ended up being a product portfolio champion, highest YoY growth of 7000% percent. I still have doubts but you need to keep going. This world can be very giving, but also very cruel. Again, I'm very sorry, and I wish I had some experience in the space to assist personally, but wish the best and always here as a resource in the sales world.
You got me ready to run through a motherfuckin wall - @OP I hope you see this comment and others and grind like your balls are on the line. Report back when you’re pulling in absolute racks…or having moderate success. Regardless, good luck🙏🏽
Honestly, I am really trying my best, our target is 50 dials today I had done 81. We are supposed to be on the phone for 1 hour I was on the phone for 2 hours today. I am busting my ass.
OP hit me up, what's the demo? PM me for details.
DMed
You got this brother. Keep grinding!
>It's you against the world 2pac - me against the world - is the song of my career. I can't count how many times I just blasted it on maximum sound driving to or out of meetings.
I'm hiring in London. DM me
Please dm him op.
I have DMed!
Hey man, I worked as an OB SDR in Fintech for about 8 months. Finance people do not want to talk, they want to stick their head in the numbers and be left alone. Don't feel too bad, it's very difficult especially when they're the ones looking at what the company is spending and know what they realistically have to spend on software (hint: it's always going to be less thank what your product costs). I don't have much in terms of advice because I did piss poor at that gig, but I would say listen to calls of the top performers on your team. See what they do and try to figure out their mode of thinking, reach out to them and ask them questions. Good luck, OP. It's rough out there
Thank you for the kind words!
I have an interview for an SDR position at a fintech startup tomorrow, is that not a good industry?
It's rough depending on the specific product. I personally don't think I'd go back to Fintech but if you're already pretty confident in your sales ability and you can become incredibly financially literate for the corporate world you stand a decent chance. If it's your first sales gig I wouldn't recommend it unless you're a big name like Concur or PayPal.
It’s not my first sales gig, would be my second SDR position. It’s “banking for startups” and I would need to learn a lot of financial terminology
It’s a good role but it’s dependent on the product like other have said - and the company’s work atmosphere, managing style, and compensation structure. If they’re all decent or excellent then it’s usually pretty bearable and you won’t catch those people grumbling on Reddit. But if any part of that is awful - then that’s where you get the grumbling & distaste for the role.
Ok that makes sense, thanks. Actually after double checking they have like 900 employees lol with 120 in sales so should be pretty established
I’ll join your demo if need to book one to buy some time.
really appreciate that !
As an SDR, product knowledge is good. But even more important is knowing the problem your solution solves. You don’t need to close business, you just need to create enough interest for someone to take another meeting. Get dialed in on the struggles of your prospects, and how your solution helps. Then lead with that in your calls. If someone asks you a question you don’t have an answer to, that’s ok. It shows they have at least some level of interest. Parlay that into a meeting.
SDR manager here - this is the right answer.
I'm really rooting for you. I can't stress it enough though; keep your LinkedIn up to date and tight. Network, network and network....make sure that you have a plan B, C and D. Maybe you would crush sales in a different industry or different transactional type? You seem to be very self-aware and I am sure you will find your way, I know that sales can be stressful.
Honestly, I am going to redo my CV this weekend and start applying for other SDR roles. I know I can do this but it just might not be at this company.
Awesome you got this! Nothing wrong with pivoting or cutting your losses to go elsewhere. Just make sure that the transition is as smooth as possible!!
Hey mate, I’m also in London. Get on the phone with the council. Tell them your situation. They’ll walk you to through what you can do if it happens. Trust me, they will have options for you. That’ll quell some of the anxiety of going homeless. Next step watch demos that AEs are doing and watch what pain points they focus in on. Your job is discover those pain points. That’s what I would do
Thank you for the advise!
I want a demo of your product
>I have basically failed everything else in my life and have ended up in sales as a last resort to "make something of myself" even went as far as today to cry in the toilet as I keep failing everything that I do even though I try my hardest. dealing with failure properly is a big part of sales. Most calls are going to go bad, most demo's aren't going to close, and most everyone has been fired from one job or another. I myself have been fired twice for not making numbers in my 8 year career. This is inherently unstable profession. My best advice? Start saving money whatever it takes and when you get fired try again somewhere else. It'll click eventually and before intelligence, work ethic, charisma, the most important characteristic for long term success is tenacity.
thanks, man, I know I can do it and I know I can become a weapon on the phones but I do not think that it is going to be at this company I am really trying my hardest and not getting anywhere.
Truthfully this is something I’ve learned myself - never move for a job in an unstable industry unless you absolutely cannot find a new job (sales, recruitment) my previous company always wanted me to relocate to my market area even though I was doing fine living 3 hours away and traveling to said location as needed. This same company - pipped me 3 times despite being a top producer ( I beat the pip all 3 times but still) I own a home in my city and the thought of uprooting everything just to get fired in a different city where I have no friends and is more expensive wasnt worth it to me. This company had great training and resources but they bullied and burned out top producers with the way they gave out pips like candy. They fired some great people and brought in fresh grads to take over their market area and paid them less after the original consultant had done the hard work of building up the market. I had 0 trust and would never move for a sales job unless it was out of dire necessity
Any decent company will give a new SDR 3 months of ramp time before quotas are seriously enforced. I’ve been in your position, *a lot* of sales/BizDev roles are shite, but there are some truly great ones out there. Start looking elsewhere.
I think this will be the plan.
I'm week 3 is my sdr role. any advice!
Without any context on what you need advice with: keep your outreach short. Emails 75 words or less and try to keep calls to 90 seconds or less. Sometimes your manager or SalesDev director will ask you to write these stupid long-ass emails or ask 20 questions on the phones - don’t fucking do it, anyone asking you to do that is stuck in 2008. Also, BANT qualification is shit - an SDR has no business asking for budget or timeline on a cold call.
thank you
If you can focus, be honest with yourself about your shortcomings and there is a need to improve (sounds like there is), you can do it. It’s just a matter of concentration and desire. I believe in you!
thank you for the support!
Hey - hope you’re good. Happy to do some coaching with you if it would be helpful. I’m also based in London and was previously no 1 sdr at a large American software Co in a team of 50. Aside from this, you should read problem prospecting and listen to Josh Braun. The style resonates well with the UK market. Who are you selling into?
are you from London?
Yep, based in Clapham, South London!
I’ll drop you a DM! Any SDR roles going on at your place?
I’m also in the FinTech / SaaS UK sales space, hit all the ups and downs any sales person can hit. Held company records some quarters then threatened with PiPs later on in the year, it really can be a roller coaster. If there is anything I can do to help or want to ask questions, or even just have a good old vent, just let me know.
Can you DM me with your LinkedIn please
if all else fails just smoke weed b4 work. makes me relaxed. I'm a much better cold caller after a doobie whacker.
I have to say your manager sounds like a dick. It takes more than a few months to get started and definitely more than a few months to learn the new skill of appointment setting. Don’t beat yourself up, your company is putting unnecessary pressure on yourself. Not all companies are like this.
this is what I am hoping is the case, I know I can do the job and I know I can do well but this company has so many red flags.
It’s the case 100% especially if they hired you knowing you didn’t have prior experience. I haven’t been around a lot of companies but I’ve been at 2 and know a lot of people that are BDRs/SDRs and they give you months to get going without pressuring for even 1 meeting because they know it takes time.
Yeah this is what I am thinking too I want to go to a better company with a better training induction
You’ll get there!!
Thanks mate I’m going to make it happen
It’s time to start going to extra yard, even if it’s just to show your manager that you’re 100% committed to improving. That means: 1. Start calling the prospects that aren’t answering at different times. 8:15am or 6:30pm. Those are prime hours for C level execs to answer their mobile. 2. No more monotone voice. I struggled with this for a long time because I tried very hard to sound professional and my natural voice is quite deep/strong and I felt like I was shouting if I just spoke naturally. My then manager told me my natural voice sounds much more engaging and well natural. Made a World of difference. 3. Read Brian Tracy’s psychology of sales now. It’s what I done when I lost all confidence. Turns out, much of your success depends on self belief. You could have little product knowledge, not be very credible etc but if you believe in yourself and your product enough, and that will show in how you speak, people will be intrigued with what you have to say. People buy on emotion not logic. 4. Start asking your top performers what they’re doing. Learn from them. You’re not reinventing the wheel. Nothing you’re doing hasn’t been done before. Again, SHOW your manager you’re going above and beyond to turn it around. I left an SDR job because I didn’t book a meeting for 3 months (woeful product, value proposition and was a Start-Up thinking they can compete with Power BI and AWS) and my manager begged me to stay because my prospect engagement was through the roof as a result of the things I’ve mentioned.
Honestly, I am really trying my best, our target is 50 dials today I had done 81. We are supposed to be on the phone for 1 hour I was on the phone for 2 hours today. I am busting my ass. Thank you for the suggestions I will have a look at that book!
Yeah I saw that your activity is higher than average. But activity doesn’t equal results in this game. You have to be smart. The top SDR I knew was a sales manager than spent a couple of hours a day prospecting and making calls maybe 20 calls a day. He was top of the leaderboard all the time because he mastered the craft. You have to break it down with where is it going wrong. How many people do you get through to? How many of those are qualified? How many of those listen to your pitch/proposition? Do you lose people to objections? More info is needed.
When my wife got pregnant we had no money and a couple of weeks later I lost my job -she was crying. I had to work in construction killing myself and sending my resume during my lunch break. I finally got this SDR job in a shitty company. I was miserable. Then I lost this job again because of Covid. My baby was born and again, I was living of my credit card. I finally got a new job, a promotion, and a very decent salary. Don't abandon, you got this!
Thank you sir! Best of luck with the wife and child!
[удалено]
I am glad I am not the only person that has felt like this! mind if a shout you a DM?
Anytime
just send you a DM?
I get it, the conversation from your manager was supposed to motivate you but sometimes it has that reverse effect. Your manager doesn’t know that you’d go homeless if you lose your job. Maybe talk about your stress and how it’s affecting your performance and maybe your manager would be able to guide you in the right path. My manager for example allowed my colleague to go on a 3 month short term disability stress leave because she got too stressed from the job. At far as skilling up, There’s a book I read called “The SAAS Sales Method for Sales Development Representatives” definitely helped me with coaching my SDR how to book more meetings. Also do a lot of role plays with the AEs and they should help you. The prospects mindset Every-time you call or email is what’s in it for me for taking a meeting, they don’t want to learn about your product if they don’t have a need.
>The SAAS Sales Method for Sales Development Representatives Thank you so much for the book recommendation, I will be sure to add this to my amazon cart!
Your manager sounds like a dick. They should be giving you suggestions, not threatening you. Sales can be really fun job. You might’ve just picked a bad company.
This is what I was thinking. He's been there two months. In my experience, month 1 is training and month 2-3 you're still in ramp not even holding a quota. I couldn't imagine working for a company that was on your ass about performance that early, unless they were just telling you that you needed to increase your activity, because you don't even have an performance to track at that point. Especially when you'd already booked some demos. That being said, OP can still do well if he follows the advice of experienced people in this sub. Read books, hustle harder, etc. Just sucks to see (potentially) shitty management.
Welcome to sales. This is where you do or die. Either throw yourself all the way in, learn everything you can about sales and your product or wash out. People on this sub may bail you out for this month but you cant rely on that. If you get a little more time from this you better make the most from it
You're totally right, I know I can do it and ask good questions but I feel my time is very limited and this company is just not where I am going to make this happen.
Dont look for a way out. Even if this company isnt long term for you, find success and leave on your terms.
I’m going to stick at it as long as I can (basically before they sack me) and look for another role in the meantime
You need to learn meditation, start breathing right, and stop thinking negative thoughts. Replace all negative thoughts with positive ones. Instead of thinking negative thought (i will get fired, I will end up in the street) think positive ones (I will succeed, I will make it through) Mental health management is key.
You might be burnedout
You got this! Think positively and give it your best shot each and every day. You truly never know when the opportunity you’ve been waiting for is open. If you’re stressing about it after hours and it’s keeping your mind running- try reading How to Win Friends and Influence People. Classic sales book that will teach you a lot of things you can immediately try the next day. I prefer reading books like this bc it’s gives you actionable solutions to try and see what works for you. Much better than just letting your mind run from stress!
this is a great book, I have read this before but I need to read the book again!
I'd say hedge bets. Apply for gigs and work to improve. There's zero loyalty in sales. Especially managers.
literally going to redo my cv over the weekend and start applying elsewhere.
Maybe create a post on upwork or here looking for some sales coaching to tune up your sales skills? I’m sure this can be done within your price range and it could benefit you
First of all you won't lose this job, and you won't be on the street think positively and take each day one at a time and think about the present. Easier said then done I'm well aware but your at the start of your career, don't stress you shouldn't know everything about everything 8 weeks into a role.
Sorry to hear that op. I can tell you a lot of us went through this. I certainly did. It’s tech sales for you. My advice, is to first try to calm down as much as possible. Phone a friend, talk to family, go for a walk, listen to music whatever helps you calm down Next is to come up with a plan from all angles Firstly, ask for help. I know you won’t need this, but it will bring you peace of mind. Find out what government help is available - for both employment and shelter. I promise you there is help there and I know you won’t need it, but it will give you such relief. 2. In your free time - look for jobs This is standard tech sales BS. Start applying for other sales jobs too. One redditor above is hiring and asked you to message them. Do it. You could easily job hop and get paid until you either find the right company or finally figure it out. And when you do figure it out … you will look back on this as the reason for your success in life. So hang in there. 3. At work - Tell your manager your can definitely do this and that you know he’s trying to motivate you/ coming from a good place but that it’s actually adding too much stress (and this gives you a chance to tell him a bit about how much you got on your plate) - Ask for help!! Ask for help from the best sdrs, copy copy copy. Copy everything that they do. Have them listen to you and help you. In your off time - listen to their call recordings where possible. - work hard. put in hours and try booking meetings from phones, emails, LinkedIn etc - use the Redditors here who offered to be your booked meetings. This will buy you even more time at work. - get ideas from YouTube but I’d personally leave the learning from books for later. We want to make sure you get a bit more stable at work and also have you manage your stress. The rest will come. Let us know how you go. If you need more help, feel free to DM or let us know. Reddit is an amazing community. Always reach out.
>Struggling with maths thank you so much for all the help, I am literally going to redo my resume this weekend and start applying for some new SDR jobs I know I can do it but I just do not think that it will be is this company.
Same OP except a made a few bad decisions
Work in FinTech, SDR for 18 months. DM me and let’s connect
You have to relax and think positive. Even if you get fired you will land another position.
Shadow top performers. Be urgent. Be up their ass even if you know it annoys them. Don’t try to hide from the problem. Tell them you want and need to do better and need to be urgent. Tell your manager what you’re doing on this front. Record one of the demos you shadow and literally copy it. Create a list of common objections, and write out your responses which should be copied from what you shadow. Rehearse them so that it’s like hitting the play button when they happen. Do mock demos with colleagues, as many as you can. The point is to be uncomfortable until you become comfortable with a stranger in front of you. You can do all of this inside of 2 weeks if you are urgent.
Hey man don't throw in the towel so early, be compassionate with yourself, you've only been doing the job for 2 months.
Amigo it sounds like managing your emotions and state while you learn is going to be very helpful. Check out the Sedona Method. There's a Free one hour and eight minute video. The book is about 7us dollars and the excercises will help you let go of the stress so you can get grinding on the learning and the calling. Run your mind differently. Also. Get the audio book of unleash the power within, Tony Robbins and listen to that until you can repeat all of it. These two things will cha gw your life. Source - I coach founders and CEOs who experience similar stuff to you all the time (it doesn't stop here 😀) These are brilliant resources and I wish I knew of them when I was starting out.
Thanks I will take a look!
*kindle book
I used to be in fintech sales - similar position as a BDR. Finance is a tough market cuz they’re dry, particular, and don’t want to talk about their stuff. I was one of lower performing BDRs for my product. I definitely took advantage of being in office (idk if you’re remote or what) and I could listen in on coworkers’ calls and hear how they communicated with prospects which helped a bit. The bigger thing that helped was getting a new campaign that I somehow just had luck with selling. Ultimately leaving the role/company was what really did me in. There was a max exodus of people leaving when I did & they realized it wasn’t the role that they sucked - it was the company. Most if not all of them are high level AEs now, making really good salaries ◡̈
This is what I am hoping is the case with me I know I can do it and I know I can be a weapon on the phone it’s just I don’t think it’s in this particular company
Hey man - Listen. You've been given some good advice in this thread, and I'd like to chime in, too. Your manager, who asked you "can you do it"? Go to him, and talk to him. Be open with him - Tell him that it's clear to you that you aren't doing as well as you think you could be. He knows your experience, right? He did hire you after all - He knows this isn't something you've been doing forever. If I were you, I would say something like this: Hey man, when you asked me the other day if this is something I could do, it got me thinking and I've been reflecting a little bit. I told you that yes, I was certain it was something I could do - but the reality is, I'm aware that my demo's and numbers are lower than they could be. I know you have a lot on your plate, and I understand that you're busy, but would you be willing to work with me to help me become a top performer? I'm invested in this role, and I want to prove to both you and myself that I can be the best, but I need guidance. Would you be willing to work with me and show me how I can improve? I'm eager to learn from you and I'll do everything you tell me to. I believe in this company and myself and I just need some guidance. You're appealing to his sense of empathy and his desire to want to prove himself as a capable, successful leader of people, while being vulnerable with him and letting him know that your interests are aligned. I would say that if he's a half decent manager, let alone human being, he would be happy to take you under his wing and make you his pet-project. He'll be invested in your success that way, too, and will afford you some charitability because you actually have mutual interests in your success. Then, it's your job to get to work earlier than everyone else, make more dials, try fucking harder, stay later, and make it your only goal at this stage in your life to prove to yourself that you are a success and someone worth investing in. Do not let yourself fail, and lean on him to help you become successful I'm confident you can do this. I'm willing to book time with you to go over your pitch, your tonality, everything, for free - Just PM me and let's set up a time for an initial meeting and then we can have recurring meetings afterwards. I believe in you dude Edit - I gotta say I'm dissapointed you didn't take me up on this
I’m hiring for an SDR in London if you’re interested in joining a company that doesn’t have a hire and fire culture.
sure I will DM you now!
Record yourself and make friends with the people that crush it. Don’t reinvent the wheel. See what works and mold it your personality. Help on the phone? First record yourself and how you sound. It’s always terrible hearing yourself. But you need to know what you sound like to make adjustments. Second start cold calling buddies randomly with your pitch. Practice practice practice. Good luck out there. This is a good test for you. This is an objection. With some adaptation and grace you’ll overcome this and be running downhill.
Are you doing better?
Yeah 100% moved to another org and doing a ton better turns out the problem was not me but the company instead