Pros
Like most sales jobs, you get out what you put in. The product portfolio is vast with many layers, so the more you know and the more you actually LOVE technology, the better you will do. Definitely a company that is on the leading edge of technology with a solid platform which its tech is built upon. The target market is, for the most part, an under-educated one (or at least not as up-to-speed as Enterprise Companies). This involves a bit more from us in Sales as we need to be more consultative and find needs, it usually does not just 'jump out'. We need to do a bit more research than when we were pushing basic voice and data, but it is worth it. The complex sales are a breath of fresh air from the more transactional variety, they excite the mind. Solution selling is more challenging, but worth a lot more in the experience and the paycheck. The great news is that we have the ability to sell both or a combination of the two (Complex and/or transactional). Sales is not limited to certain product silos where we need to pass off a lead just because we are in a dept that "can't sell that..." I can sell any product, just about anywhere in the country. Birch gives you the opportunity to choose where you want to focus where its the Cloud, Hosted Telephony, Managed Services, bandwidth, or base line voice and data.
The support staff is great. We have Sale Tech Ally which is a hotline direct to a live engineer that will help guide you through a design or talk with your prospect. Managers go with you on appointments and show you the ropes. Most, if not all management, is home-grown. They know the job we are doing, which makes it helpful. Internal promotion is abundant as long as you are willing to work and lead-by-example. Sounds corny, but its the truth. Compensation is pretty aggressive as well. Competitive base and a way to make a good deal of money, especially if you become well-rounded and knowledgeable enough to sell all solutions.
Cons
As much as it can be a "pro" for some, it can be a "con" for others... the product portfolio is deep and learning it can take some time to master. Much of that learning is on us as well. The training dept does send out product specs and collateral, but I have found that taking time to spend with an engineer is the best way to learn. Our hosted phone system is limited in some regards with features (which we are told they are working to upgrade). Some of the processes for paperwork and operations are a bit clumsy. I rely on my manager to help me with my accounts once sold.
