Tell us a bit about yourself and what you're up to now
I started as a BDR at Screenloop (early stage HR Tech startup) 3 years ago, before climbing the ranks into Senior BDR then into an Account Executive. Being in such an early stage startup, I’ve worn many hats, and learnt a LOT in the process.
Outside of work you can find me on FL Studio producing pretty bad beats and dance music, enjoying London’s music scene, or watching football.
I’m wrapping up my time at Screenloop now to go travelling for a couple months before starting my next role.
What was your journey into a career in Tech Sales
If you told me 10 years ago I would’ve chosen a job where I cold call people every day and get rejected, this would have sounded like my worst nightmare. However, breaking into Sales was a very intentional decision…
I had my first taste of Sales when I was producing & selling music instrumentals online - I loved the thrill of learning which approaches landed well Vs didn’t through trial and error, and of course making a sale and seeing the £ come in. This wasn’t going to be a long term career for me though.
I wanted to learn from great people, improve my sales ability (not just hiding behind mass emails & insta DMs like I did selling beats) and learn how businesses actually work. So when I came across the SDR role, it felt like my questions on what career to pursue had been answered.
Fast forward from the first few months into being a BDR where I dreaded coming into work because cold calling terrified me, to now having developed in so many areas and LOVING sales, I’d say this was the right career to pursue.
What would you say are the best things about working in Tech Sales
1. In a world that often isn’t very fair, tech sales is truly meritocratic, where you get out what you put in.
2. If you’re willing to do the work and be consistent, the earning potential can be life-changing.
3. Particularly if you’re in a startup, you can be exposed to many parts of a business and learn at a way faster rate than you would in many other industries.
4. It can make you a better person! More resilient, confident, better communicator and negotiator, which are life skills that will significantly help outside of work too.
What advice would you give to someone who is just about to start their career in sales
1. Reflect on your Why(s). As an AE, there will inevitably be tough times. Reminding yourself of why you are doing this will help you get through them.
2. Invest time in improving yourself. Don’t just wait for your manager to coach you. Actively coach yourself by listening and watching back your own calls, your peers' calls, and book in review sessions with your team. You will improve at a MUCH faster pace.
3. Recognise you are in control of your outcomes. It's easy to blame the market, a lack of inbound, the fact your Champion suddenly left the business, the list goes on... This will get you nowhere. Instead focus on what is in your control and attribute any low points, as much as the successes, to the work you have put in. This will make you a better seller.
4. Enjoy it! Bring your energy, personality and creativity to being an AE. You will have more fun and be more successful.
Why did you decide to join Tangent as a Mentor and why should others join as Mentors too
It was an easy decision!
After being to a few tech sales events in London, it felt like most the people I met came from similar backgrounds. Even in the meritocratic environment of sales, opportunity isn’t created equal. Tangent works to solve this problem.
I enjoy sharing knowledge, coaching people on mindset, and helping others win. Tangent gives me the opportunity to do exactly that.
If you want to develop some new skills that look good on the CV, or feel passionately about Tangent's mission, I'd strongly recommend you give Mentoring a go.
Ready to make a difference?
A few hours a month, a lifetime of impact. Tangent connects you with aspiring Business Development Reps from socially diverse backgrounds for short-term mentoring and an employee referral.
Sign up to be a Tangent Mentor today 👇
