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Featured Replies

Congrats on the internal move and finding a job-- any port in a storm. But, word to the wise, I'd keep interviewing and looking externally because being a Federal Seller probably ain't gonna be that great for the next few years with DOGE, severe cost cutting, an administration that doesn't value investment, contracts, software or professional services, etc.
Read today Deloitte is cutting from their Federal teams. I know most PubSec and Fed sellers I know are sweating it.

Sat in QBRs in Bethesda today and one of the directors caught me laughing to myself and asked if I had something to add. I said “no, not out loud.”

What I should have said was “everybody chill. We’re in a particularly nasty iteration of the simulation, and no amount of stress can reverse the systemic breakage occurring right now.”

One of the VPs actually has a practice around how to profit from DOGE destruction. I can’t wait to see that deck.

Still, after spending my first week scrambling around the beltway I’m spent. And I get to do it again next week.
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  • Pescado_Rojo
    Pescado_Rojo

    I work for a HW company, but my stuff is mostly software. I can't tell you how sick I get of hardware guys slashing margin on my stuff to make 20 points on the hardware part of the deal. I sell to the

  • BearSchlong
    BearSchlong

    Accepted a verbal this afternoon from my new boss, with written letter/package to follow by Friday. And tomorrow night I have to have dinner with the old boss and a presentation to a client I've been

  • Pescado_Rojo
    Pescado_Rojo

    I went to work for a small software company that got acquired by a larger company about 6 months after I started. 6 months later, THAT company got acquired by a PE firm that owned some other software

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8 hours ago, BearSchlong said:


Sat in QBRs in Bethesda today and one of the directors caught me laughing to myself and asked if I had something to add. I said “no, not out loud.”

What I should have said was “everybody chill. We’re in a particularly nasty iteration of the simulation, and no amount of stress can reverse the systemic breakage occurring right now.”

One of the VPs actually has a practice around how to profit from DOGE destruction. I can’t wait to see that deck.

Still, after spending my first week scrambling around the beltway I’m spent. And I get to do it again next week.

Sheesh. I can’t imagine being a Federal or Public Sector technology or software sales guy right now. Talk about “the lost years”. I’m sure there will be the odd duck who can make money but the vast majority, especially anything net new, are going to gasp for air.

On 10/25/2024 at 8:34 AM, Buzzrock said:

Companies who put engineers in leadership positions can diaf.

I know this is a zombie response but I was laughing. My last company made a nerdy engineer a leader in... sales. Yes, Sales Management. 

You'll note I'm speaking in the past tense. 

  • 1 month later...

Any of you guys ever been in a place where things are generally good, you're making good money, but you're so fucking bored you can barely stand to log in in the mornings? 

4 minutes ago, Pescado_Rojo said:

Any of you guys ever been in a place where things are generally good, you're making good money, but you're so fucking bored you can barely stand to log in in the mornings? 

I mean, this is an odd way to confess that the buttplug vids you are making for your OF page are becoming routine and predictable, but you do you, man.

2 minutes ago, Brisketexan said:

I mean, this is an odd way to confess that the buttplug vids you are making for your OF page are becoming routine and predictable, but you do you, man.

don't think I don't know that's you requesting all those customs

27 minutes ago, Pescado_Rojo said:

Any of you guys ever been in a place where things are generally good, you're making good money, but you're so fucking bored you can barely stand to log in in the mornings? 

I think you said you were a global alliances guy in big tech because we had some chuckles poking fun at Atos and Cognizant the other day. 

Here is what I'll tell you-- take it with a grain of salt and for how much you paid for such sage internet advice:

Now is not the time to get antsy and underwhelmed and start ruminating how you are wasting away your life and having a career-life crisis. The job market for people like you (e.g. good money and things are good) is extremely tight right now. I have a friend who does what you do who can't get an equivalent job after being laid off at big tech a year ago. He's thinking about selling his boat it's that bad. He's had a few interviews that go to panel but ultimately don't get them as the market is lousy with ex-aws, ex-google, ex-salesforce, ex-SAP, ex-microsoft, etc. etc. all vying for the same $400-500k OTE jobs, which are shrinking.

In fact my friend at AWS who has a global alliances role said they aren't even hiring at L7's for the roles anymore like when he got on-- L6 or less.

The blueprint is out for how to do more with less operationally in tech (just read the latest from microsoft this week and from andy jassey today). I think we are about to enter into a (brief) time where things are going to degrade for sales bros and, if you are an old, you definitely need to hang on and keep cranking out good work where you are and maybe pick up a gratitude journal hobby for when you start feeling job-wanderlust.

All that, but also --and this is no offense to you-- but you probably think you are better than you are because you are comfortable, well-liked, make good money and do well to attain in an ecosystem and organization you've learned and get.

But by all means, put some fillers out and see what sort of bites and conversations you can get and stress test it for yourself, but I think we are entering into a time of retrenchment.

Quote

 

Microsoft Plans to Cut Thousands More Employees

Company’s layoffs are expected around start of July and will target sales, other departments

 

https://www.wsj.com/tech/microsoft-layoffs-sales-ai-25638cab

Edited by Vegas64

29 minutes ago, Vegas64 said:

I think you said you were a global alliances guy in big tech because we had some chuckles poking fun at Atos and Cognizant the other day. 

Here is what I'll tell you-- take it with a grain of salt and for how much you paid for such sage internet advice:

Now is not the time to get antsy and underwhelmed and start ruminating how you are wasting away your life and having a career-life crisis. The job market for people like you (e.g. good money and things are good) is extremely tight right now. I have a friend who does what you do who can't get an equivalent job after being laid off at big tech a year ago. He's thinking about selling his boat it's that bad. He's had a few interviews that go to panel but ultimately don't get them as the market is lousy with ex-aws, ex-google, ex-salesforce, ex-SAP, ex-microsoft, etc. etc. all vying for the same $400-500k OTE jobs, which are shrinking.

In fact my friend at AWS who has a global alliances role said they aren't even hiring at L7's for the roles anymore like when he got on-- L6 or less.

The blueprint is out for how to do more with less operationally in tech (just read the latest from microsoft this week and from andy jassey today). I think we are about to enter into a (brief) time where things are going to degrade for sales bros and, if you are an old, you definitely need to hang on and keep cranking out good work where you are and maybe pick up a gratitude journal hobby for when you start feeling job-wanderlust.

All that, but also --and this is no offense to you-- but you probably think you are better than you are because you are comfortable, well-liked, make good money and do well to attain in an ecosystem and organization you've learned and get.

But by all means, put some fillers out and see what sort of bites and conversations you can get and stress test it for yourself, but I think we are entering into a time of retrenchment.

https://www.wsj.com/tech/microsoft-layoffs-sales-ai-25638cab

I guess you missed the part where he admitted doing butt stuff for money.

29 minutes ago, Vegas64 said:

I think you said you were a global alliances guy in big tech because we had some chuckles poking fun at Atos and Cognizant the other day. 

Here is what I'll tell you-- take it with a grain of salt and for how much you paid for such sage internet advice:

Now is not the time to get antsy and underwhelmed and start ruminating how you are wasting away your life and having a career-life crisis. The job market for people like you (e.g. good money and things are good) is extremely tight right now. I have a friend who does what you do who can't get an equivalent job after being laid off at big tech a year ago. He's thinking about selling his boat it's that bad. He's had a few interviews that go to panel but ultimately don't get them as the market is lousy with ex-aws, ex-google, ex-salesforce, ex-SAP, ex-microsoft, etc. etc. all vying for the same $400-500k OTE jobs, which are shrinking.

In fact my friend at AWS who has a global alliances role said they aren't even hiring at L7's for the roles anymore like when he got on-- L6 or less.

The blueprint is out for how to do more with less operationally in tech (just read the latest from microsoft this week and from andy jassey today). I think we are about to enter into a (brief) time where things are going to degrade for sales bros and, if you are an old, you definitely need to hang on and keep cranking out good work where you are and maybe pick up a gratitude journal hobby for when you start feeling job-wanderlust.

All that, but also --and this is no offense to you-- but you probably think you are better than you are because you are comfortable, well-liked, make good money and do well to attain in an ecosystem and organization you've learned and get.

But by all means, put some fillers out and see what sort of bites and conversations you can get and stress test it for yourself, but I think we are entering into a time of retrenchment.

https://www.wsj.com/tech/microsoft-layoffs-sales-ai-25638cab

Oh, I agree with all of that. I think that makes it worse, honestly. I'm not going to do anything stupid. (well, not job related anyway)

 

53 minutes ago, Pescado_Rojo said:

Oh, I agree with all of that. I think that makes it worse, honestly. I'm not going to do anything stupid. (well, not job related anyway)

 

The flipside is that when/if the layoffs happen and it's a pure spreadsheet exercise and you are axed...well, you should have been looking around and trying to challenge and stretch yourself instead of just coasting along, maybe?

1 hour ago, Brisketexan said:

I guess you missed the part where he admitted doing butt stuff for money.

Obsession noted

Y'all are pussies with TDS. Never heard of Palantir. Never heard of having a software that consolidates? Be a salesmen, show them value. Tailor it. Fucking losers.

1 hour ago, Pescado_Rojo said:

okay, cool. Hook’Em

Let the drunk guy cook, I always say.

  • 1 month later...
On 6/20/2025 at 3:37 PM, Pescado_Rojo said:

Any of you guys ever been in a place where things are generally good, you're making good money, but you're so fucking bored you can barely stand to log in in the mornings? 

yes

I'm in the washing machine right now. I left a gig where I had crushed it to go to a smaller place and ideally do it agin. Said company is the market leader in its space. Since I joined... maybe 3 year ago...4 CEO's and a CRO, Hired by one VP, got a new one 3 months in, he retired after 6 mos, then next guy left 4 months later for a start up, got a new VP which I liked but knew would be temporary as we got acquired....then back to the hiring VP who was pushed out (and he needed to be as he was not on board with the merger). So were around 350 ppl and got acquired by 3500+ ppl size public company....I get a new VP (I like her, so's competent) .... now we are bing acquired by a 16K ppl public company. I am really started to loathe the invites for "All hands calls 

Edited by next2naus

Even the most ardent “LinkedIn gurus” say that if you’re not working for the top two market leaders you’re basically screwed.   Drop price or over promise 

2 hours ago, Im_smarter_then_you said:

Drop price or over promise 

If only there was another way to express that, like just one word…

22 hours ago, BearSchlong said:

Any RSU potential for you?

How are you doing? If memory serves without going back a few pages, you are selling into a FED space that is tripping over dollars to pick up nickels this year with DOGE, budget cuts, new administration, etc.

Not bad, actually, but its option year subscription inertia getting me to 100% OTE.

I have begun working very closely with a big aerospace firm and a DOD agency, which has been enlightening and interesting. DOGE doesn't try to bully .mil people, but holy smokes USAID and civilian agencies are getting bent over.

Culture shock is I'm not ex military.

On 8/14/2025 at 11:45 AM, BearSchlong said:

Any RSU potential for you?

meh...used car money. missed being here early enough for it to be more meaningful and maybe I will get a merit grant by the time the new acquisition closes. 

14 hours ago, Vegas64 said:

How are you doing? If memory serves without going back a few pages, you are selling into a FED space that is tripping over dollars to pick up nickels this year with DOGE, budget cuts, new administration, etc.

I love that you’re still pretending to not be chispy, donkey cigs, turkey chew, beard ip, or however many banned usernames you have on just this thread alone. Just own it dork. 

9 hours ago, Da Fino said:

I love that you’re still pretending to not be chispy, donkey cigs, turkey chew, beard ip, or however many banned usernames you have on just this thread alone. Just own it dork. 

While I’ll never not be a dork, I will also not ever be able to prove a negative to you. I’m definitely not Chrispy, etc.

  • 3 months later...
Not bad, actually, but its option year subscription inertia getting me to 100% OTE.

I have begun working very closely with a big aerospace firm and a DOD agency, which has been enlightening and interesting. DOGE doesn't try to bully .mil people, but holy smokes USAID and civilian agencies are getting bent over.

Culture shock is I'm not ex military.

Bump.

About $5m in contracts to book the next two weeks. Turned out to be the best sales year in my career x 4.
8 hours ago, BearSchlong said:


Bump.

About $5m in contracts to book the next two weeks. Turned out to be the best sales year in my career x 4.

This is the worst year I've had, there is a tidal wave coming in my field but I don't see myself riding it at my current employer. If I'm lucky I can get on at a competitor and use what I know to make hay.  

8 hours ago, BearSchlong said:


Bump.

About $5m in contracts to book the next two weeks. Turned out to be the best sales year in my career x 4.

I won't hit my number but it's ending well and at least it won't be the Armageddon I expected.  

I sell to school districts so our fiscal year starts in September. Pipeline at this moment is 9.3 million in ARR. Quota is 4 million, so hoping about half of that closes.

It’s a rough market but I’ve managed to make it work, even with a 1-2 year sales cycle. I have half of the teams pipeline, which seems like it would be a good thing but it’s really just the CEO up my ass all the time. They sure know how to motivate you to bust your ass.

Just got home from last road trip of the year. 40 flights, mostly to Dallas. Closed $4M in the last two weeks on a $4M quota, and I was already 80% to my number by the end of Q3. Gonna be my best year ever (please don’t retroactively cap my commissions).

Ready to decompress for the rest of the year.

On 12/5/2025 at 12:10 PM, Larry T. Spider said:

I sell to school districts so our fiscal year starts in September. Pipeline at this moment is 9.3 million in ARR. Quota is 4 million, so hoping about half of that closes.

It’s a rough market but I’ve managed to make it work, even with a 1-2 year sales cycle. I have half of the teams pipeline, which seems like it would be a good thing but it’s really just the CEO up my ass all the time. They sure know how to motivate you to bust your ass.

What do you sell to Schools?

On 4/17/2025 at 9:15 PM, BearSchlong said:


Sat in QBRs in Bethesda today and one of the directors caught me laughing to myself and asked if I had something to add. I said “no, not out loud.”

What I should have said was “everybody chill. We’re in a particularly nasty iteration of the simulation, and no amount of stress can reverse the systemic breakage occurring right now.”

One of the VPs actually has a practice around how to profit from DOGE destruction. I can’t wait to see that deck.

Still, after spending my first week scrambling around the beltway I’m spent. And I get to do it again next week.

How are we gonna pull outta this shit if you don't act worried?

It's about as effective as " You need to show more energy when things are going well"  Yeah motherfucker?  I don't see any pom-poms.

6 hours ago, Jameslaw121 said:

What do you sell to Schools?

It’s really niche. Districts legally have to provide services to high needs special education students, even ones they don’t have the capacity to serve. I set up programs for the .01% of students that are the most challenging, with my company’s staff, but in their buildings. They give us the space, pay us, and we do everything else.

Cost is in the range of 50k per student per year, but many are spending more than that to send them to day treatment or a residential facility. Or they are just tired of their staff quitting, paying workers comp claims, or dealing with lawsuits from parents.

The deals are complex and often involve state departments of education and/or cooperatives between multiple districts.

5 minutes ago, Im_smarter_then_you said:

Selling sustainability with Donald Trump as president is not easy 

Need to have engineering gin up a coal-burning module for something or other.  No scrubbers.

Just got home from last road trip of the year. 40 flights, mostly to Dallas. Closed $4M in the last two weeks on a $4M quota, and I was already 80% to my number by the end of Q3. Gonna be my best year ever (please don’t retroactively cap my commissions).

Ready to decompress for the rest of the year.

Hell yeah!
On 12/5/2025 at 8:45 AM, next2naus said:

This is the worst year I've had, there is a tidal wave coming in my field but I don't see myself riding it at my current employer. If I'm lucky I can get on at a competitor and use what I know to make hay.  

adding to this...My Manager is trying to push me out, going to be a fun next few weeks

On 12/13/2025 at 4:24 PM, next2naus said:

adding to this...My Manager is trying to push me out, going to be a fun next few weeks

didn't you make a million bucks last year? such a short memory these managers and companies have.

On 12/13/2025 at 6:48 AM, Im_smarter_then_you said:

Selling sustainability with Donald Trump as president is not easy 

now THIS is fascinating and talk about headwinds. 

But what do you mean selling sustainability? How does one sell sustainability? ESG consulting or management or something? Doesn't seem like a product you can sell it's an idea or concept for businesses to embody.

5 minutes ago, Vegas64 said:

didn't you make a million bucks last year? such a short memory these managers and companies have.

now THIS is fascinating and talk about headwinds. 

But what do you mean selling sustainability? How does one sell sustainability? ESG consulting or management or something? Doesn't seem like a product you can sell it's an idea or concept for businesses to embody.

Tracking emissions.  Emission reduction plans.   Climate disclosure frameworks.  Etc 

now THIS is fascinating and talk about headwinds. 
But what do you mean selling sustainability? How does one sell sustainability? ESG consulting or management or something? Doesn't seem like a product you can sell it's an idea or concept for businesses to embody.

May 2024 I spent the day with a CoP CTO who was trying to solve for metering carbon storage to monetize a $8b tax credit.

Now he’s probably working on how to reintroduce leaded gas.

According to AI, ESG didn’t go away, it grew up.
Selling sustainability with Donald Trump as president is not easy 

Very prescient.

Reframing fraud as “anti-woke capitalism”
39 minutes ago, Vegas64 said:

didn't you make a million bucks last year? such a short memory these managers and companies have.

 

That was actually 4Y ago at a different company. I needed out at the time after 8 years but I'd go back if there was a spot. This place I went to....I'm on my 6th Manager in less than 4 Years, we sold ourselves to a bigger shop $1.4B and now this larger company us being sold for $25B and my team that I overlay for is a fucking mess and hasn't done shit to help me, they have been down 2 AE's most of the year, one of them does't do shit and they pushed that teams Manager out. my current manager joined in May. it's brutal

46 minutes ago, Im_smarter_then_you said:

Tracking emissions.  Emission reduction plans.   Climate disclosure frameworks.  Etc 

Let's play a hypothetical. If one were interested in getting into this space, how would one? And what are some of the good companies in your experience?

12 minutes ago, Vegas64 said:

Let's play a hypothetical. If one were interested in getting into this space, how would one? And what are some of the good companies in your experience?

Very bad line of sales to get in.  Things “I’ve heard from my outreach “drill baby drill” “we’d rather pay a fine than adhere to California standards “ “we have a lot of southern customers so we don’t want to associate with sustainability anymore”

 

 

i understand most of this board is Texan and conservative so I’m sure there won’t be a lot of empathy.  That’s ok.  We fighting the good fight out here on left coast

22 hours ago, Im_smarter_then_you said:

i understand most of this board is Texan and conservative

Shocked Eyes GIF by MOODMAN

Comp question.  I'm in M&A where sales cycles are very long.  I've seen some people that have sourced engagements let go before the deals closes.  Most of our comp is based on success fees at closing.  Would those in similar roles expect commissions if they are terminated?  

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