Tell us a bit about yourself and what you're up to now
I've been at NearSt for 4 years. I started in the sales team working a couple of roles and I'm now working in Operations alongside the founders.
In my spare time you'll see me at gigs, the Emirates or down the pub chatting to friends about their next big or working on my own.
What was your journey into a career in Tech Sales
I joined NearSt straight out of Uni. I knew I wanted to be in a startup and be part of something that could change the world. I was spending my time at Uni reading about startup banks like Monzo, Starling etc etc and it just clicked with my brain. Plus I couldn't stand the 6 stage interviews that grad schemes have, I've got better things to do with my time.
Sales was the obvious place for me to get into the start up world. I'm a talker and like getting to know people so it was the best place for me to cut my teeth.
What would you say are the best things about working in Tech Sales
Everyone is selling whether they like it or not. So learning how to understand a customer and then provide a solution to fit them is an invaluable skill. It helps you in everyday life. Plus it helps you become super resilient. Most of sales is being told no. So you get used to that pretty quickly.
Finally, sales is where the business vision and the reality meet. It gives you immediate insight into how a customer reacts to your offering, which gives you a great understanding of business. That translates into any role moving forward if you wanted to leave sales.
What advice would you give to someone who is just about to start their career in sales
There's very little downside so unless you've got clear dreams just do it. Even doing it for a year will help you in the long run.
Why did you decide to join Tangent as a Mentor and why should others join as Mentors too
Opportunity should be available to everyone. I joined to make sure we're giving everyone the best chance to show what they can do.
Tangent will help you build relationships with up-and-coming BDRs. You'll help them get better and who knows it could give you access to great talent.
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 👇
