Hello ladies!

Anonymous

April 28,2022 at 12:23PM UTC

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Hello ladies!

I have been with my company for several years now in a couple different roles. I am ready to take the next step in my career and wanted some advice. My goal is to become a VP of Sales leading a large salesforce. I have 2 years of full cycle sales experience (including enterprise) and 4 years of BDR management experience.

To be equipped for a VP role down the road, would it make more sense to get more closing experience or move into Mid-Market Sales Management? Both seem viable but, unsure of what skills really need development for an executive position.

Any advice would be great!

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AnonymousApril 28,2022 at 12:43PM UTC
I'm not sure more 'job' experience will result in a VP role. I would focus on getting some leadership experience or 'face time' with strategic leaders. If you can put yourself in front of the same people a VP might, to discuss org objectives or give a presentation, it will highlight your skills and allow you to showcase what you can do for them.
AnonymousApril 29,2022 at 2:16AM UTC
Thank you! I started looking at VP of Sales job descriptions to get a sense of the requirements to give me a baseline. I don’t think I put myself out there that way often. I tend to focus on my role and let my work speak for itself. Which I’ve learned doesn’t get you far.
Kimberley Ferretti HammettApril 28,2022 at 1:52PM UTC
There are usually multiple avenues you can take to get there so the good (and frustrating) news is that there is no one right answer here.
A good way to make an informed decision is to get a good picture of the major competencies a VP is using daily and focus on growing in those areas. If you are able to, sit down with a VP and see if you can at least chat with them, if not shadow for a day or so and get an idea of gaps you'd most need to fill and find out ways to learn more about that. If you don't have the opportunity to speak with a VP, ask HR if you can at least have the Job Description and if they have a competency map for the role.
Most likely "Organizational Savvy" is going to be a big part and one of the most difficult to gain. Often, beyond the experience "in the trenches" what will really get you ready is thinking more organizationally and even globally. Typically, the best leaders in Sales aren't necessarily the best sales people, but they know enough about sales, data, strategy and people to guide everyone toward organizational goals. It's knowing what to focus on and when to get the best outcomes, Not just in the sales process. When to invest in training and with who, when to focus on better recruiting strategies to get the best sales-people in, the most effective lead generating partners etc etc. Working with other teams to understand how it all plays together will help a lot with this. It doesn't necessarily need to be a role change either. Simply thinking of what other parts of the organization touch your sales process and reaching out to learn more from them or work with them on projects will greatly prepare you and shed light on a good path for you.
I hope that helps!
AnonymousApril 29,2022 at 2:15AM UTC
This helps SO much. As frustrating as it can be to not have a clear path, it does help me know that it’s more about aligning with the people who are willing and able to support my initiative. Thank you!