If the idea of a tech sales career seems unfamiliar to you, that’s ok.
It’s likely that tech sales wasn’t an option broadcast to you in school growing up!
You learned the quadratic formula, how to write an essay the teacher likes, and how to wait for permission to use the restroom. ; )
But sales? They likely didn’t mention that!
Rather, you might have, through the culture, absorbed that “sales is manipulative,” “sales is hard,” or “sales is greedy.”
Well, let’s break down what tech sales really is, how it could be valuable, and how tech sales might be the perfect place to launch a fulfilling life and career.
Apply now to Springboard Tech Sales Bootcamp (job guaranteed). Use code CAREERHACKERSSB for $500 off of tuition.
What is Sales?
Before we dig into tech sales specifically, let’s ask, what is sales?
Great salespeople can identify the people who have a legitimate felt need and build a relationship around filling that need the best way possible.
In its most simple form, sales is about two parties exchanging value for mutual benefit. It’s not about duping people. It’s not persuading people to spend money they don’t have on things they don’t want or need.
Sales done well is about helping other people get closer to what they want.
Soft skills like empathy and listening are key, too. And it doesn’t matter if you’re an introvert or extrovert.
That’s a refreshing reframe, isn’t it? When you see sales as helping people solve problems and building relationships, sales (or tech sales) becomes much more humanizing and attractive as a career path.
“Sales is about a mutual exchange of pleasure. The first keyword is mutual, and the second pleasure. When a transaction between a seller and buyer takes place, it isn’t because the seller is greedy and the buyer is stupid. Buyers are not stupid; they know exactly what they’re doing. And what they’re doing is giving you something you want (money) in exchange for something they want (what you sell).”
— Ash Ambirge, You Don’t Need A Job, You Need Guts
What is Tech Sales?
First, how does tech sales differ than say, selling vacuum cleaners or life insurance?
Well, if you break into tech sales, then you’ll be launching into career orbit, and building a resilient career. As you gain experience at one tech company, you’ll familiarize yourself with software tools, build connections, and have the potential for high pay (see chart below)..
In today’s modern economy, tech is where it’s at. And it’s only growing.
As Marc Andreessen has famously said, “software is eating the world.”
Tech sales is in-demand!
Entry-level tech sales roles usually means Sales Development Representative (SDR) or Business Representative (BDR). These terms are interchangeable.
An SDR/BDR for a tech company often is selling a SaaS product (software as a service) to customers or other businesses.
You’ll usually make 50-60 cold calls a day, plus do follow up emails and messages on LinkedIn.
While it’s true making these calls asks you to be “on,” during your workday, that doesn’t mean it has to be stressful to work a tech sales career.
Remember, mindset mindset mindset!
Instead of “I have to make all these calls to keep food on the table,” what if you approached it as,
“Sweet! I GET to connect with people, listen to their needs, and help them get those needs met. How fulfilling! Plus, I get to earn a high-income and enjoy the fruits of my efforts!”
How to Start in Tech Sales
It’s simpler than ever to launch a tech sales career. No college degree needed.
Springboard, a proven bootcamp that has helped thousands of students increase their salaries and change their lives with new careers, has opened up its Tech Sales Bootcamp for admissions.
You’ll get trained online with sales experts and 1:1 career coaching.
It’s just 15 hours a week, so you can work around your current job or life setup.
Springboard grads in other programs have been hired by Facebook, Google, Apple, and more.
Plus, If you don’t get a job, you’ll get your tuition back – guaranteed.
Apply now to Springboard Tech Sales Bootcamp. Use code CAREERHACKERSSB for $500 off of tuition.