A career in SaaS sales can be a very lucrative and rewarding experience. The global SaaS market is expected to reach $85 billion by 2025, making it an attractive career option for those seeking to join a rapidly growing industry. If you are considering a career in SaaS sales, here are a few things you should know.
What is SaaS?
If you’ve ever used Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud, you’ve used a form of cloud computing called Software as a Service, or SaaS.
SaaS applications are designed to be accessed over the internet and are usually subscription-based, meaning you pay a monthly or annual fee to use the software. Some popular examples of SaaS apps include Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Salesforce.
SaaS tools have become so popular that, according to one source, 99% of organizations are now using one or more SaaS solutions in their business. They offer benefits such as reduced costs, increased efficiency, and improved collaboration.
What are SaaS Sales and their Benefits?
Sales in software as a service (SaaS) is a process of selling and delivering software applications over the internet. The SaaS sales model has many benefits for both buyers and sellers.
For buyers, SaaS sales offer a pay-as-you-go model that can save them money upfront and over time.
With SaaS, there are no large upfront costs for purchasing software licenses or hardware. Instead, users can “rent” or access the software from any internet-connected device on a subscription basis. This makes it easy and affordable for small businesses to start with enterprise-grade software.
From the seller’s perspective, SaaS provides a recurring revenue stream that is more predictable than one-time license sales. It also gives sellers the ability to offer their customers a free trial period to get started with the product.
The Skills You Need for a SaaS Sales Career
Sales representatives in the software-as-a-service (SaaS) industry need to have a mix of skills to be successful. These are the top three skills you need to have a successful SaaS sales career:
Communication and Rapport Building
Like any sales job, you must be able to build relationships with potential customers and close deals.
It’s also important to know how to nurture a relationship with a customer and maintain it after you’ve closed a sale.
Technical Knowledge
SaaS customers are often well-informed and technically savvy professionals.
To earn the respect and trust of your customers, you need to be knowledgeable about the SaaS product you’re selling and how to use its technology.
It helps if you have a tech background or a degree in technology, but it’s not necessary. Any prior experience working with tech companies also helps your case.
Networking
The most successful SaaS sales representatives are those who can build strong relationships with their customers.
You should build rapport with your customers and connect with other salespeople, marketers, and entrepreneurs to acquire new customers and keep up with the industry.
Find a Mentor for your SaaS Sales Career
Sales can be a difficult career field to enter without any guidance. Luckily, finding a mentor can help ease the transition into a successful SaaS sales career.
A mentor can help you navigate the SaaS and tech industry quickly and provide tailored guidance for specific challenges. Here are a few tips on how to find the right mentor for your SaaS sales career.
- Define your goals. What do you hope to achieve in your sales career? Do you want to move up in management? Make more money? Sell a specific product or service? Having clear goals will help you find a mentor who can help you achieve them.
- Do your research. Once you know what you want to achieve, start researching potential mentors. Look for someone who is already successful in the SaaS sales field and has experience with the type of selling you’re interested in pursuing.
- Look to your existing network. Your ideal mentor might be closer than you think. Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues and tell them you’re seeking mentorship from someone experienced in SaaS sales.
- Don’t be afraid to ask. Many seasoned salespeople are eager to help beginners, provided the request isn’t too arduous. Once you’ve found your ideal mentor, have an elevator pitch ready. Communicate your goals and trajectory, your time commitment, expectations from them, and what you’re willing to put into the mentorship relationship.
Get an Internship or Do Volunteer Work
If you’re a student or entering the workforce for the first time, an internship is a great way to start a SaaS sales career.
You’ll gain valuable experience and learn the ropes from experienced SaaS sales professionals. Plus, internships sometimes lead to full-time jobs.
Volunteer work is another option to consider. Contact a local tech startup in your area and offer to volunteer your time in exchange for experience.
Network With SaaS Sales Professionals
Networking with other SaaS sales professionals is one of the most important things you can do for your career.
Start by talking to people you know in the field and reach out to SaaS sales professionals who work in roles you’d like to have someday. Tell them you’re looking for guidance and advice as you enter the industry and would like to speak with them.
Utilize social media as a networking tool. Create and update your social media pages, including your LinkedIn profile.
You should also attend SaaS events and industry conferences and connect with the SaaS sales professionals you meet on social media.
Remember: It takes time to develop professional ties, but it is frequently one of the most effective ways to get a SaaS sales job or advance your career.
Final Thoughts
Starting a career in SaaS sales may be difficult, but with the proper preparation, it can be a great choice for those hoping to break into a lucrative role within the tech or SaaS industry.
If you need help establishing your SaaS sales career, Jarvis Elliott can help!
Partner with a recruiter you can trust and will have your best interest in mind by working with Jarvis Elliott.
Jarvis are global leaders in SaaS recruiting and SaaS recruitment services. We’ll help you find the best roles that meet your salary requirements and guide you through every step of the job interview process.
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