Find Neil on LinkedIn: HEREIn this episode of The SDR DiscoCall Podcast, Neil Bhuiyan takes you through his journey from SDR to Account Executive at Showpad, sharing the pivotal moments that shaped his career in Sales Development.What you'll discover:The challenges of transitioning from SDR to AE—and how to navigate them.Why relationships and feedback are the secret weapons for career growth.How can adapting your sales style make or break your success?The highs and lows of the sales journey, from first deals to imposter syndrome.Neil opens up about the lessons learned, mistakes, and mindset shifts that helped him level up in his career. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow in tech sales.Key TakeawaysTransitioning from SDR to AE is smoother with a solid foundation of leads.A strong onboarding experience helps in understanding company culture and values.Building relationships with team members enhances performance and morale.Sales enablement plays a key role in connecting sales and marketing.Feedback from peers and mentors is essential for growth in sales.Cold calling requires creativity and a personal touch to engage prospects.Understanding the customer’s story leads to better sales conversations.Imposter syndrome is common for new AEs but improves with experience.Adapting your sales style to fit personal strengths leads to better results.Learning from failures is a crucial part of the sales journey.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to the SDR DiscoCall Show08:40 - Joining Showpad: New Beginnings in Belgium12:23 - Onboarding Experience: Building Relationships16:28 - The Buzz of Sales: Creating a Team Culture20:45 - First Cold Calls: Learning Through Experience24:44 - Sales Enablement: Bridging Marketing and Sales31:51 - Preparing for Account Executive Life39:04 - First Deals: The Imposter Syndrome43:02 - The Reality of AE Life: Challenges and Lessons49:29 - Adapting Sales Techniques: Finding Your Style56:19 - Conclusion: Reflecting on the Journey
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#109 The SDR DiscoCall Show – Tom Fortnum
Find Tom on LinkedIn: HEREIn this episode of The SDR DiscoCall Show, host Neil Bhuiyan interviews Tom Fortnum, an SDR at Kefron, about his unconventional path from business intelligence analyst to thriving in sales development.Tom shares how his background in competitive rowing instilled the discipline, resilience, and teamwork that now fuel his success in sales. He breaks down the key skills and mindset shifts that helped him transition careers, navigate the high-pressure world of SDRs, and balance the demands of both sports and sales.Expect insights on adaptability, teamwork, and mental toughness, along with practical advice for SDRs looking to excel in a fast-paced industry. Tune in for a conversation packed with motivation, strategy, and real-world SDR wisdom!Key TakeawaysSales development is crucial for generating sales cycles.Tom's journey into sales began with a supportive role in business intelligence.Kefron provides accounts payable automation solutions.The interview process can be streamlined with the right support.Saying yes to opportunities can lead to unexpected career paths.Onboarding is essential for new SDRs to understand their role.Adapting to change is vital in a fast-paced sales environment.Balancing sports and work requires discipline and time management.Motivation can be built through consistent habits.Team culture is key to handling losses and celebrating wins.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to the SDR DiscoCall Show01:32 – Meet Tom Fortnum: A Rising SDR Star02:48 – Understanding Kefron and Its Solutions04:01 – Tom’s Journey from Analyst to SDR10:16 – Navigating the Job Market and Finding Sales Opportunities13:40 – Overcoming Experience Barriers as an Aspiring SDR16:25 – Onboarding at Kefron: The First Steps in Sales17:37 – Tom’s Growth Journey to Becoming a Top Performer23:44 – Balancing Sports and Sales: Managing a Dual Life25:59 – High Performance in Rowing: Training and Goals27:14 – Discipline and Time Management for Success31:06 – Staying Motivated and Building Consistent Routines34:39 – Lessons from Sports and Sales on Handling Loss40:33 – The Role of Team Dynamics in Sales Success42:18 – Family Support and Perspectives on Tom’s Career43:04 – Advice for the Younger Self on Embracing Sales Challenges
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#108 The SDR DiscoCall Show – David Wilkins
In this episode of the SDR Disco Call Show, host Neil Bhuiyan sits down with David Wilkins, the founder of SDR Leaders of EMEA, to explore his remarkable career journey. Find David on LinkedInTheir Website:From relocating from the UK to the Netherlands to overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome, David shares how his experiences have shaped his leadership approach and professional growth in tech sales.Together, they discuss the pivotal role of networking, the power of building supportive communities, and how SDR Leaders of EMEA have become a vital resource for SDRs striving to succeed in a competitive landscape. With practical insights and candid reflections, this episode offers valuable takeaways for sales professionals at every stage of their careers.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction 01:31 – The Importance of Community and Mentorship02:12 – David’s Hobbies and Interests04:06 – David’s Career Path and Challenges10:53 – Transitioning to Infoblox18:05 – Career Growth at Infoblox20:48 – Dealing with Self-Doubt and Recognising Potential in Others22:59 – Teasing Out Leadership Potential30:13 – Working at Snowflake31:53 – SDR Leaders of EMEA Community40:08 – Advice for SDR Leaders42:39 – Advice for Younger Self44:06 – Shout Outs and ConclusionKey TakeawaysThe SDR Disco Call Show delivers valuable insights for tech sales professionals, helping them navigate challenges and excel in their roles.David Wilkins highlights the critical role that community plays for SDR leaders, offering both guidance and camaraderie in an often isolated role.Dyslexia and imposter syndrome were hurdles that shaped David’s personal growth and professional resilience, showing how challenges can drive success.Amsterdam’s work-life balance has become a strong draw for many professionals, providing a supportive environment for career advancement.Starting at Palo Alto Networks marked a turning point for David, giving him the platform to grow into leadership and deepen his expertise.Recognising and nurturing potential in team members is a fundamental leadership skill, and trust, as well as collaboration, are the cornerstones of long-term success in sales.Post-COVID networking has transformed, making community-building initiatives like SDR Leaders of EMEA even more vital to the growth and connection of sales professionals.
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#107 The SDR DiscoCall Show – James Buckley
In this episode, Neil Bhuiyan interviews James "Saywhatsales" Buckley, host of the Sell Better Daily Sales Show. James shares his inspiring journey from being a cook with issues to becoming a successful sales professional. He highlights the importance of leaving negative environments and surrounding yourself with positive influences.
They discuss the value of customer service experience in sales, emphasising how it builds comfort in talking to strangers and handling rejection.
The conversation also covers the significance of making employees feel valued, embracing change, and the power of personal growth. James offers insights into creating content, and building a personal brand, and concludes with his three success tips: avoid the hard stuff, slow down, and be kinder.
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#106 The SDR DiscoCall Show – Saad Ghafoor
In this episode, Neil Bhuiyan sits down with Saad Ghafoor, EMEA’s top SDR for 2024, to uncover his journey from recruitment to tech sales. Saad dives into the power of purpose-driven work, the importance of learning from top performers, and the courage to fail and adapt.
He shares his winning strategies for cold calling, including the art of storytelling and asking the right questions. Saad also highlights the value of experimenting with different approaches and building a strong internal reputation.
His advice? Enjoy the journey, focus on learning, and remember that sometimes you need to slow down to speed up.
About The SDR DiscoCall Podcast: For Brand New Sales Development Reps
The SDR DiscoCall Podcast takes you on a journey akin to the initial "Discovery-Call" phase of a sales cycle, commonly known as a "DiscoCall," where sales reps engage with first-time prospects in the tech industry to gather crucial insights within a concise timeframe. Hosted by Neil Bhuiyan, Founder of HappySelling.io, each episode invites a seasoned SDR (Sales Development Representative) from various companies, with a maximum of two years of experience, to share their unique insights.
Through structured segments covering introductions, personal SDR anecdotes, and three key takeaways, listeners gain invaluable knowledge and strategies for navigating the dynamic world of tech sales. Now also available as a visually engaging 4k-video show on YouTube via HappySelling.io. Tune in and embark on a journey of discovery and growth in sales excellence.
Listen to The SDR DiscoCall Podcast: For Brand New Sales Development Reps, Gaeilge Weekly and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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