The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Sales Development Representative (SDR) / Business Development Representative (BDR)
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Prospecting, lead qualification, cold outreach (email/phone), setting meetings, understanding top-of-funnel sales metrics. Basically, getting really good at getting your foot in the door.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently exceeding meeting-set targets for Account Executives.
- Strong understanding of our Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) and qualification criteria.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially on the phone.
- Demonstrated ability to handle initial objections and generate interest.
- 2
Inside Sales Representative / Account Manager (SMB)
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Managing a portfolio of smaller accounts, handling inbound leads, running basic sales cycles, cross-selling and up-selling existing clients. It's about managing relationships and smaller transactions.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently hitting or exceeding individual sales targets for existing clients or inbound leads.
- Strong product knowledge and ability to articulate value propositions.
- Excellent client relationship management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to close deals independently.
- 3
Sales Professional from a related industry (e.g., IT Services, Software)
Direct entry (with relevant experience)Skills to master
- Adapting existing B2B sales skills to the nuances of the telecommunications market, learning our specific product portfolio, and understanding the competitive landscape. You'll need to learn the 'On-Net vs. Off-Net' lingo quickly.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven track record of success in B2B solution sales.
- Quick learner with a strong aptitude for technology.
- Ability to demonstrate transferable sales processes and methodologies.
- Genuine interest and curiosity in the telecommunications sector.