Is it normal?

Anonymous

February 14,2023 at 3:12PM UTC

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Is it normal?

I recently started a new role as an account manager at a company that I really liked. I have previous sales experience (~5 years). As I finished training, I was told I would join the sales support team to learn the internal processes. It has been 6 months since, and now I got my annual metrics that basically state that I will be on the support team for 1 more year without my own accounts but includes some training calls and attending other AM calls. Looks like something similar was done before me as well, but I always thought that my communication style was my strongest asset, yet now I haven't had a client call in a long time, losing the skill. I tried raising this question, but I don't get a direct answer. I am not a newbie and don't fully understand why I need so much training. I was not shared any of this prior to taking the role.

What should be my next steps? I don't want to look for another job, and I like the company, but admin stuff is not my fav part of the job, and now I have a prospect of 1 year of doing it.

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AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 3:44PM UTC
First, congrats on the new gig! That's exciting.
Now down to business lol: it sounds like to me you've did the right thing to raise your hand and ask for clarification. How often do you meet with your manager? Do y'all meet weekly or monthly while your in training?
I would start using your 1:1 check-ins to go over your progress so far as you do this next wave of training. I'd also ensure the manager knows your personal goals for the year. Let em' know your desire to take client calls and all that and how it all connects back to the metrics you were given, or even better, show them how you could excel in those metrics via client calls.
Also, what about your team mates? I saw you mentioned the yearlong training is pretty standard around there but maybe it's worth asking a colleague (or two) in your role or similar to see what advice they can share. Maybe they can also give you tips on how to approach your manager about topics around personal goals (no need to go in detail unless you feel comfortable).
Just continue to keep the communication lines open! You're building a new relationship with your manager and company and sometimes, these things take time. However, don't negate how you feel --- the fact you brough this up says a lot about how passionate you are about your skills and career growth, so please make sure your manager understands that. You deserve that support and it will come!
I sincerely wish you the best of luck.
AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 3:45PM UTC
If you are concerned about losing your communication skill, perhaps something like Toastmasters public speaking can help. You can keep you communication skills active and having something to show at performance review time.
AnonymousFebruary 14,2023 at 7:14PM UTC
Find a mentor at the company in a senior role. Send them an email asking for coffee and to hear their story. Getting face time with them will not only encourage you it will remind them you have drive and you exist!
AnonymousFebruary 15,2023 at 4:13PM UTC
My sense is that it is time to leave that company. This role is probably holding you back skill and income-wise. That is an absurd amount of training unless it is a super highly technical security clearance level product. Do what's best for you.
misskelleypFebruary 15,2023 at 8:22PM UTC
Considering that as a sales person usually your compensation is sales based (commission) they are really shorting you. I would raise this with the hiring manager who hired you. Let them know you are an experienced sales person, you now understand their internal processes and it's time for you to get back in front of customers. If that goes nowhere it's time to look for another job. My opinion only. Good luck!
Wendy Place BurnsFebruary 16,2023 at 1:27PM UTC
lots of good suggestions here . Just to clarify, were you hired as a commission-based sales person selling product for a 'for profit' company? I ask because, if you arent fulfilling a sales-driven role that provides profit for the company, what does the company gain by holding you back from the role you were hired for? Outside of what you are losing as well, it's an odd scenario.
AnonymousFebruary 16,2023 at 2:12PM UTC
Yes, they are paying me commission now based on the team I support (which is fine), but I don't see how doing the back-end prep helps me to be a better seller. This is the first time I am experiencing this type of on-boarding.
Liz MilneFebruary 20,2023 at 6:32PM UTC
It might be that knowing all the background stuff helps the sales team to know exactly what sort of offer they can make without needing to consult anyone else, which - when you get there - could be quite satisfying? If they seem like a decent company, I would give them the benefit of the doubt here...
AnonymousFebruary 16,2023 at 9:24PM UTC
Switch and bait. Look for another job that meet your experience.