Hiring an IT Sales guy

[junosamus]

guys, I am more of a technical guy who has a startup providing Microsoft IT Services in Wisconsin. I am very strong technically but very weak from sales perspective. Generating leads is something that i do from speaking at conferences, having booth or word of mouth and my partner( call him the sales guy) follow-up with the leads. Every time i have tried to hire a sales guy to generate me business or leads it has been a disaster. below is the history.

a. Sales guy 1 ; 47 y old : quits after 3 months. he was not able to generate any leads.

b. Sales guy 2 : fresher, hired him when Covid hit, he was with us for 1 year never generated even a single lead. its always been i am trying to reach them etc.

c. Offshore Cold callers : they research companies and call them: i have had a guy for 1.5y but i was never able to get a single new lead.

Every time i put an ad in LinkedIn or monster for a sales guy, either they are demanding salaries which is 6 digits with minimal background or they don't want to work with a small company. Me and my partner are always busy with stuff and don't have time to baby sit sales guys. Where are we going wrong? How & where to hire a business development guy who can generate leads for me.



Juno

 

[thinkfast]

I think its completely depend on nature of business. If you are searching leads online then there are different processes and if looking for leads offline (Local area or regional leads) then need to follow another ways. So, first of all let us know what and where you are searching for leads.

Online and offline, in both case one common thing can be followed, Fix his salary or package on commission basis according to lead.

 

[fisicx]

guys, I am more of a technical guy who has a startup providing Microsoft IT Services in Wisconsin.

Have you identified your target client? Have you identified their needs? Have you got a marketing plan?

I suspect for many small businesses they will install MS products and then ask for help when they need it. Which means you don't need a sales guy. You need someone who really understands marketing. Someone who will make sure anyone looking for help finds your business.

Not actually sure why your location matters. IT services can often be done remotely.