Entry Level.

At its core Software as a Service (SaaS) is a serviced software application that can be accessed by users anywhere, at any time, and on any device. All you need is an internet connection. No user installation or maintenance required.

Applications like Salesforce, Outreach, Gong, Qualtrics and Highspot and are all SaaS products that are becoming more prevalent in business, but innovative startups are expanding what we think is possible with SaaS through useful, ingenious tech.

It’s easy to assume SaaS just means software sold as a subscription due to how popular a monthly or annual cost for a SaaS product is, but the reality is the product being sold goes far beyond just a software license.

The differentiator is in how the software is deployed, managed, supported, and accessed. Since SaaS products are all delivered online, the true value is often seen behind the scenes. The value that emerges is in the physical servers powering access to the software anywhere in the world; compared to the traditional need for server owned and operated by the client. It’s in the developers managing and updating the software on a case-by-case basis to meet client needs in real time; versus a more rigid and static traditional software solution that does not easily allow for differences in releases. It’s in the speed in which software can be deployed to the client; compared to the lengthy set-up process for onboarding new software that requires both acquisition and activation of those physical servers and development team on company time and dollar.

Traditional software sales has long been about the product. The focus of demos has been a walkthrough on how to use the product. SaaS differs, as the key point of sale is in that value SaaS brings. Because of this ability to be flexible and agile to client needs, it is vital to show understanding in the challenges the client has and how your SaaS product can solve those challenges.

This is why building relationships is so important to be a successful SaaS salesperson. You aren’t just selling a product, where after the sale is made you move on to the next prospect. Instead, you are selling the aftercare, support, and ongoing benefits that come with the SaaS model. That means you need trust, understanding, and a strong relationship with any prospect or client to be successful.

SaaS Sales is one of the few careers where you can make over $100k in your first year of school, even without a 4-year degree! This is perfect for the money motivated human who wants to meet their financial goals by showing up with grit, working hard to keep metrics high and caring about your buyer and the problems you solve.

When you first think of sales you may think of the used car salespeople in movies. That narrative could not be farther from the truth in the SaaS sales space. Top Reps are focused on networking & forming value-based relationships with executives called decision makers. The most nurturing, emotionally intelligent, and curious people tend to do the best in these revenue focused roles. Fearlessness and competitiveness are required too. In the SDR role you will use lots of tech tools to make the sales cycle easier so being tech savvy is a must. You will use your ability to connect, influence and persuade to set meetings with your buyers. You will get noticed and set these meetings using cold calls, compelling emails, and social media DMS. The best reps get scrappy using video messaging, funny GIFs and attending networking events on behalf of their brand.

In this SDR role you will be solving real problems companies have, through the value the product you will be selling brings. It takes a hybrid skill set of nurturing relationships, and the hunger to drive a high volume of meetings to keep your pipeline of prospective relationships and buyers full. The average top performer in Sales makes $150k within two years of their Account Executive career. There is a clear trajectory in your sales career unlike many other careers. You can go from SDR to Account Executive to sales leader within 5 years and make hundreds of thousands a year. This sounds like a scam, but it is the reality we see it every day.