Tech Sales is for Hustlers

Success in your career doesn’t come from perfection, it comes from a willingness to admit to your imperfections. This is the type of self-awareness that many struggle to possess, so the sooner you can work on this the bigger advantage you’ll have.  

In this episode of the Campus Series podcast, James Fyles, Executive ln Residence at Appalachian State University discusses the importance of coachability for career success, the different between coaching and teaching, and why your first job is your first experiment.  

While practice doesn’t always promise perfection in sales, it’s the type of preparation that is necessary for success as a beginner in sales. Through practice and repetition, you can increase your confidence, overcome your fear of failure, and begin to close those crucial deals.  

In this episode of Tech Sales is for Hustlers, Campus Series, Rob Peterson, Dean’s Distinguished Professor of Sales at Northern Illinois University; Editor of Journal of Selling; and Founding Member of the Sales Enablement Society describes his classes, how he works with students, and how he prepares them for sales jobs with various exercises and improvisations. 

Success in sales isn’t about where you’ve come from, it’s about where you want to go. Regardless of your background or personal experience, if you possess a willingness to learn and a desire to succeed, sales can be the career for you.   

In this episode of the Campus Series podcast, Lenita Davis, Director of the Sales Program at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and Melaney Barba, a Sales and Marketing Lecturer, get into the benefits of a sales career, while describing their own journeys in this field and the sales program at their university.   

Take time to appreciate what you have. Staying humble keeps Marco Johnson at the top of his game. 

Now an Enterprise and Strategic Account Executive at Gainsight, Marco prioritizes quality over quantity. Don’t get bogged down in the technical minutia; instead, focus on finding the problems you can solve.  

In this episode of Tech Sales is for Hustlers, Marco shares how to conquer the unique challenges of selling a service, time management rules to live by, and the three questions you need to be able to answer to close.   

Know yourself, and success will follow. Corey Root claims that no industry will teach you more about yourself than Sales.  

Now Strategic Planning Associate Manager at Tinuiti, Corey asserts that the core skills you develop in sales will put you a step ahead on any career path.  

In this episode of Tech Sales is for Hustlers, Corey discusses the differences between sales and marketing, how to tell whether a job challenges you to meet your full potential or just isn’t the right fit, and how he landed a closing role.  

Don’t wait for someone to offer — Ask! When it comes to elevating your career, Rob Gonsalves suggests taking the initiative, stepping up to the plate, and making your intentions known.  

Now a Sales Manager at memoryBlue, Rob knows that gains happen incrementally. Learn new things, tailor your strategies, and set SMART (Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Relevant. Time-based.) goals. 

In this episode of Tech Sales is for Hustlers, Rob shares the #1 skill needed to be a successful AE, the best ways to nurture a relationship with a high-maintenance client, and how to use tactical empathy to uncover pain and tee up the close. 

The right team will help you keep your head in the game. A high-energy, competitive environment helped Carlos Morales maintain motivation and build resilience.

Now an Account Manager at riskmethods, Carlos calls out the key relationships and invaluable lessons that accelerated his career. There's no substitution for a culture of consistent practice, helpful guidance, and healthy competition.  

In this episode of Tech Sales is for Hustlers, Carlos talks about how to foster cross-departmental communication, the daily responsibilities of being an account manager, and how to pick the right place to grow your career. 

Run the call, don't let the call run you. Asking the right questions puts Emily Shlapak in the driver's seat. 

Now an Account Executive at LinkSquares, Emily keeps things authentic by sharing the failures that led to her success. Perfection doesn't exist. Being vulnerable increases your relatability and helps build trust.  

In this episode of Tech Sales is for Hustlers, Emily talks about how a career in sales positively impacts every facet of your life, the skills you need to be a successful AE, and why a challenging client is a blessing in disguise.  

The right structure can be incredibly freeing. Having a well-defined strategy and reliable rules to refer back to gives Justine Tourtellotte the confidence to try new things and get out of her comfort zone.  

Now a Business Development Manager at Cynerio, Justine discusses the benefits of being in a competitive environment — you develop relationships that help you overcome challenges and lift you up when you begin to doubt yourself.  

In this episode of Tech Sales is for Hustlers, Justine discusses ways to build your network, why grit takes you farther than your resume, and ways to shift your mindset when things get tough.  

Ask, and you will grow. Jeremy Wood recommends benching your pride and learning from those around you — peers, mentors, managers, and clients. The relationships you nurture will always be your most significant resource.  

Now the Senior Director of Delivery for memoryBlue, East, Jeremy reflects on his climb through the company ranks. As Jeremy’s career evolves, he’s paying it forward, helping others to elevate their own.   

In this episode of Tech Sales is for Hustlers, Jeremy shares what matters most when recruiting and nurturing talent, the number one way to improve client relationship management, and why it never pays to take the easy route.