Pros
I started in this role as an Account Executive but was promoted to Sales Manager after 6 months. My background previously was in SaaS sales for a big real estate software company. SourceForge/Slashdot Media appealed to me because I saw a lot of long-term potential due to three major reasons: 1. The commission plan paid on renewals, along with upsells and cross-sells. It was a full-cycle role. That meant I would be able to develop a book of business that would create predictable earnings even as I continued to sell into new logos. 2. There's a lot of sales support. The company invests heavily into inbound/outbound systems and makes coaching a major focus, which meant I would actually be coached into becoming the sort of sales rep I wanted to be in my career. 3. They valued my input, making me a part of the ongoing business growth strategy conversations. In only my 5th month at the company, because of a recommendation I gave, leadership flipped the entire sales process to implement a discovery approach I had tested and proven success in. One other note - The management style at SourceForge/Slashdot is different than I'd ever experienced elsewhere, and it honestly stretched me. At every other company I've worked, I got used to weak leadership and vague expectations. Average reps could skate by with fake pipeline and low skillsets. Here at Slashdot/SourceForge, however, that's not reality. There's a culture of radical transparency. Leadership expects the best from reps and wants them to win at a major level - meaning they won't sit in silence as reps crash and burn. No micro-management. But they'll have the tough conversations to course correct.
Cons
- Not a great job for average reps or low performers. - Not the right fit for anyone used to siloed sales responsibilities. AE's at SourceForge manage a full cycle (booking meetings, running demoes, closing deals, and managing client relationships).