Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re up to now
For the last 4+ years I’ve been part of OpenText’s LegalTech business as an Account Executive having enjoyed previous careers as an Accountant and within the legal sector as a headhunter for 10 years.
What was your journey into a career in tech sales?
My journey into tech sales was entirely by accident. In 2017, after supporting a range of legal clients for 10 years, my employer purchased a US tech company that had no UK footprint. I demonstrated an interest in supporting this initial growth and was offered the opportunity to develop the UK business. I later decided to move to OpenText to further develop my product knowledge and gain access to a wider client network.
What would you say are the best things about working in tech sales?
Tech sales can be a very rewarding career, both financially and emotionally. With technology at the forefront of innovation you have the ability to play an influential role within clients and aid decision making, however it can also be incredibly demanding; your impact and success can be easily measured and even after a successful quarter, or year, the clock re-sets and the next target awaits. Career development within sales is unusual, in that you can be amongst the most successful individuals within a company, with an uncapped earning potential, however this won’t always translate to senior titles.
What advice would you give to someone who is just about to start their career in sales?
For me the most important advice for an individual looking to start a career in sales is to really try to understand the business and culture at prospective employers. A natural interest in the underlying product you’re selling or an understanding of the target market, and the types of individuals that you’ll be selling to, will certainly help build early success. I’d also say to anybody looking to start your career in sales, if you truly believe you have the ability to influence others and can handle the pressures of working in a sales environment then keep focussed on finding the right opening at the right company, don’t be seduced by unrealistic OTE numbers and remember that any company that values you, will provide a decent base salary.
Why did you decide to join Tangent as a Mentor and why should others join as Mentors too?
I was interested in the opportunity to take what I have learned over the last 20 years and give something back to individuals that are starting their career in this industry. I was lucky to often be in the right place at the right time to take advantage of opportunity when it arose and if I can help provide that career lift to somebody from a less advantaged start, then I gain from this too.
Ready to make a difference?
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 👇
