Everything you need to know about Tech Sales
“By 2025, tech sales is expected to reach a market value of $436.9 billion, growing 12.5% annually.”
Tech sales is a thriving field at the crossroads of technology and business. As the digital world expands, tech sales professionals play a crucial role in connecting people with the latest innovations. “How can I get into tech sales without qualifications?” You might ask. Welcome to our concise, one-stop guide to the world of tech sales, from its essence to career prospects. We will be uncovering the reasons why Singapore has become a flourishing tech hub, providing evidence of the robust demand for tech jobs in the city-state, discussing career progression and salary expectations, and offering practical insights on how to embark on a rewarding journey in tech sales! So, whether you’re a tech enthusiast looking to pivot into sales or a seasoned sales professional eyeing the tech sector, let’s embark on this exciting exploration of tech sales together!
So, what is Tech Sales?
Tech sales is the process of selling technology as a software, hardware, or an IT service. Unlike buying a candy at a store where there is less thought given when making a purchase, buying technology software can be a complex-buying process involving multiple decision-makers and considerations. This complexity arises from the fact that software solutions often do not come cheap and it require effort to integrate it.
Tech sales primarily focuses on selling software as a service (SaaS) to other businesses. Unlike sectors like retail or insurance, tech sales focuses less on promoting a product and more on helping a customer solve an issue to motivate them to make a purchase. Sales professionals in this field take on a consultative role, with their main objective being to understand the client’s business goals and recommend customized solutions. The end-to-end process of selling SaaS includes pre-sale activities, such as identifying customer needs and pain points, customizing solutions, and providing implementation and ongoing technical support.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Sales Development Representative and Account Executive
The tech sales process involves various job roles and distinct responsibilities seamlessly integrated to drive success. Among the different job positions within the tech sales industry, the two standout job roles are Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) and Account Executives (AEs).
Sales Development Representatives (SDR) are the prospectors of the tech sales landscape. They are responsible for identifying and qualifying potential leads. SDRs initiate outreach through various channels like emails, calls, and social media, aiming to generate interest and engage potential clients. Their goal is to uncover prospects who have a genuine need for tech solutions and ensure that only qualified leads make it into the sales pipeline.
Account Executives (AE), on the other hand, are the relationship builders and deal closers. Once SDRs have identified and qualified leads, AEs step in. They conduct in-depth consultations with clients, understanding their unique needs and objectives. AEs strategically position tech solutions to address those pain points and make a compelling case for how these solutions can benefit the client. Their role extends beyond selling — they become trusted advisors, ensuring clients get the most value from their tech investments.
In essence, SDRs lay the foundation by identifying potential opportunities, while AEs take the reins to nurture and close those opportunities, making them the two most prominent and complementary job roles in the world of tech sales.
The Demand for Tech Sales Jobs
As Singapore solidifies its position as a tech hub, the need for skilled professionals who can bridge the gap between technology and business is soaring. According to LinkedIn, the fastest-growing jobs in Singapore in 2023 are:
- Sales development representative
- Cloud engineer
- Enterprise account executive
- Healthcare assistant
- Cyber security engineer
As more tech companies, such as Google, Microsoft, TikTok, and Stripe, look to continuously expand and grow their businesses regionally, Singapore has proven to be a favorable place for companies to set up operations. This, in turn, creates more job opportunities and will continue to emerge as one of the highest in-demand job markets.
Career Progression and Salary Ranges
Entry-level positions typically offer base salaries ranging from S$45,000 to S$90,000 annually, with opportunities for commission and bonuses that can significantly enhance earnings. As professionals gain experience and expertise, they can command higher compensation packages, with median salaries for skilled tech sales roles ranging from S$90,000 to S$150,000 annually. These figures not only reflect the substantial demand for talent in this field but also underscore the rewarding nature of a career in tech sales. For those considering a career in tech sales, Singapore’s job market offers promising prospects, both in terms of job growth and financial rewards.
Where should you start?
Entering the world of tech sales without a prior background may seem like a formidable challenge in a hyper competitive tech sales market. To kick-start your tech sales career, consider joining a bootcamp offered by Sales School. Sales School is the first Tech Sales School in Singapore which aims to help individuals with no sales experience or degree secure a tech-sales role with a job guarantee. This bootcamp is taught by top sales professionals from companies such as Salesforce, Linkedin and Supermetrics. Having said that, if you expect to be taught through theories and frameworks, you will be disappointed. The curriculum mainly consists of instructors facilitating engaging sessions where learners are immersed in real-world scenarios, to apply what they’ve learned and articulate their solutions for personalized guidance and assistance. Certifications, job-hunting, and in-person networking opportunities will also be held, in order to help you establish your footing in the tech sales world. So, what are you waiting for ? Click here to find out more !
