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View Full Version : Advice on Sales Position

crsaze
03-24-2008, 10:21 AM
After about 5 years in AV/VC support for a large healthcare organization, I'm considering a move from "behind the codec" to front-line sales with a VC reseller. I would love to get any opinions on the state of the IP Video sales industry and your experiences within or around it.

The reason for my career shift is largely based on lack of sufficient financial compensation in my current position, but also because I'm just not happy doing what I'm doing. Explaining over and over again how to press Fn+F7 and watching in futility over the web interface as people power off the codec instead of unmuting their mic... these things are driving me nuts. It's time for a switch.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
John Shur
04-23-2008, 02:52 PM
Getting lots of responses, huh? I guess not many sales people frequent this forum. I'm thinking of doing the same, so I can't really help at this point. It is true...to make some real money you have to get into sales. It does seem like the industry is maybe really getting some traction these days, with Cisco & the telepresence push. I really don't think it would hurt to try it...if you can get a position that pays a decent base salary. And frankly, many of the successful sales people I know don't seem to have any magic- just good at followthru and listening to the customer. Some are "natural" salespeople, but thats rare. And I think this industry is technical enough that its good to come up from technical side. You're still going to have to deal with boneheads, though...so don't expect that to change! Good luck.
crsaze
04-23-2008, 04:08 PM
Thanks for the reply. Well, whether it's a good idea or not, I'm in. I start the new position at the end of this month. I really do think it's a good move. I was originally a theatre performer, and I've been behind a desk for the last 5 years. It's time to get out and "perform" again.

I'm not sure if no salesmen read this. I thought maybe they just didn't want to share any of their *secrets* with a rookie. :) Again, thanks for your thoughts. I'll let you know how it works out.