Is the key to building a healthy sales team a culture of belonging?
Sales is a competitive industry, and sales programs often provide incentives for employees to stay motivated to hit quarterly goals, cash in on commission and directly impact the company’s bottom line.
Businesses that want to foster a competitive sales environment while preventing unhealthy competitive behaviors are taking a proactive step by investing in an inclusive team culture. Celebrating individual wins as wins for the team, open and active knowledge sharing and making time for team-building activities lay the groundwork for a sales team that benefits from the healthy side of competition culture without experiencing any of the negative side effects.
By building an inclusive team culture, these teams are capitalizing on belonging in the workplace — which has a direct effect on productivity. According to a study from BetterUp, a culture of belonging in a workplace can lead to a 56 percent increase in employee performance. When employees feel they are in the right place and working with the right people, they tend to deliver their best work.
Built In had the opportunity to speak with 15 sales reps across the country to hear what they love about their sales team — and the culture that supports their shared success.
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Qualtrics creates software that helps brands deliver exceptional frontline experiences, build high-performing teams and design products people love.
What makes you excited to come to work each day? How is Qualtrics’ sales team different than others you have worked for in the past?
The reason I’m excited to come to work today is probably the same reason I was excited to join Qualtrics in the first place: the culture of the organization. I joined from SAP, and having worked with Qualtrics before, I had a great impression of the people I would work with.
Qualtrics has a fantastic culture, especially in our U.K. office in London. There’s a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration towards common goals. What excites anyone about going to work is collaborating with intelligent people, serving engaged clients, solving problems for those clients and moving the business forward — all in an open manner. I get along well with everyone in this office, and that’s what it’s all about.
“I get along well with everyone in this office, and that’s what it’s all about.”
In terms of how this sales team is different, it comes down to management and the culture that cascades through the management chain. My boss Andrew is extremely thoughtful and patient. There’s little hierarchy between us, allowing for collaboration and support on deals. Having a collaborative boss who adds value to how you work and helps you grow is a big difference at Qualtrics, with the recognition that things take time and you’re given that time to develop.
What is the culture on the sales team like?
We have a good team culture. Sales professionals can sometimes prioritize individual competition over collaboration, which may lead to unintended negative behaviors. However, within our team, we genuinely help and support each other. For example, I’m currently helping two colleagues who are on holiday. We truly make an effort to assist one another, and that stems from hiring the right people who fit this culture.
We all share valuable insights from our customer conversations, and we recently had a team-building activity in Dublin, which was a lot of fun. We celebrate our successes, and it really comes from having a supportive manager who fosters a culture of collaboration.
If I were to describe this to a friend looking to apply, I’d say it’s a supportive environment with great people who you might enjoy spending time with outside of work.
What are the perks like for sales folks?
Sales is a risk-reward function; the rewards can be great, but the risks are high. While I haven’t made the President’s Club at Qualtrics specifically, I’ve made it at other companies. I’d summarize Qualtrics by saying it’s a supportive culture with great people, where you can have fun while you work. Plus, there are the usual perks, like going to the President’s Club or our sales kickoff in Vegas last year which is a fun highlight.
DFIN offers end-to-end risk and compliance solutions through a suite of software solutions.
What makes you excited to come to work each day? How is DFIN’s sales team different than others you have worked for in the past?
There really is no one thing that makes me excited to come to work every day. It is a culmination of a couple of key items.
First and foremost, interacting with my clients on a daily basis brings me much joy. The clients that I support are by and large happy with the DFIN partnership they have chosen and are always open to learning about how I can make their lives just a little bit easier. The job of reporting a company’s financials to the SEC is undoubtedly very stressful and often thankless, so I try to look for “operational efficiencies” that I can bring to my clients every day that will make their job a little easier during peak filing periods.
The culture and people at DFIN are also big differentiators from businesses that I have worked for in the past.
What is the culture on the sales team like?
The sales culture at DFIN is one that is supportive of one another and inclusive and welcoming of diverse opinions and thoughts. Our team is extremely support and truly interested in each other’s successes — always willing to lend a colleague a helping hand knowing that they will better themselves by doing so.
“The sales culture at DFIN is one that is supportive of one another and inclusive and welcoming of diverse opinions and thoughts.”
The DFIN sales team is also fortunate to have a large number of legacy sales professionals who have been working within the financial industry for a very long time.
What I am most impressed with is the concerted effort that is made by the business to hire sales professionals from outside the industry with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to draw from. The diversity that has been brought into the sales team has prompted the organization to look at things differently and challenge the status quo. Having the courage to not do something simply because “that’s the way we have always done it” has given the space for the organization to grow and thrive into the future.
What are the perks like for sales folks?
DFIN is an organization that believes in and encourages work-life balance. After the Covid-19 pandemic, we all found ourselves in a world where the line between work life and home life is often blurred — dogs barking in the background during conference calls, Amazon deliveries being delivered mid-day, your child needing to be picked up from school because of an early dismissal, etc.
DFIN is proud to offer its associates an unlimited amount of paid time off in order to help better balance the personal and professional responsibilities that are required of all of us. Additionally, DFIN offers a fair and competitive compensation plan that rewards its associates for the right types of sales behaviors and significantly increases commission payouts for overachievement.
Nexthink helps IT teams around the world modernize the digital employee experience.
What makes you excited to come to work each day? How is Nexthink’s sales team different than others you have worked for in the past?
Every day, I wake up with a sense of anticipation and enthusiasm, eager to step into my management role with the sales team. This excitement is fueled by several key factors that make my job not just a profession but a passion.
One of the most exciting aspects of working with this sales team is the collaborative and supportive environment we foster. On this sales team, there’s a strong emphasis on personal and professional development through continuous learning and growth. We also work with a clear vision and purpose. We are not just selling products; we are providing solutions that genuinely help our clients achieve their goals. This sense of purpose adds meaning to my work, knowing that what I do has a positive impact on others. We are encouraged to think outside the box, experiment with new approaches, and leverage the latest technology to improve our efficiency and effectiveness. Additionally, a significant motivator for me is the recognition and reward. Hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed here. Whether it’s a simple acknowledgment in a team meeting, kudos or tangible rewards, there is an appreciation for effort here.
What is the culture on the sales team like?
When describing the culture of our sales team to a friend, the first thing that comes to mind is the word “inclusive.” Our team is more than just a group of colleagues — we’re a community that thrives on diversity, collaboration and shared success. The atmosphere here is incredibly collaborative. We genuinely work together to achieve our goals, rather than competing against one another. One of the things that truly sets our team apart is how much we enjoy celebrating our successes. Whether it’s hitting a major sales milestone, closing a big deal or even just making it through a tough week, we make it a point to celebrate. These celebrations range from casual after-work get-togethers to more organized events like team lunches, outings or themed office parties. It’s all about recognizing hard work and making sure everyone feels appreciated.
“Our team is more than just a group of colleagues — we’re a community that thrives on diversity, collaboration and shared success.”
What are the perks like for sales folks?
The compensation package for our sales team is highly competitive. It includes a strong base salary complemented by an attractive commission structure that rewards high performance. As growth is a key part of our team culture, we invest in professional development: training, mentorship and coaching. Depending on your role, you may have the option to work remotely, either part-time or full-time. This flexibility allows you to manage your schedule in a way that suits your lifestyle. Our sales team often benefits from flexible working hours, allowing our sales to start and finish their days at times that work best for them, as long as their goals are met.
The perks for our sales team go far beyond the typical benefits package. From competitive compensation to professional development, health and wellness support and flexible work arrangements, we strive to create an environment where our salespeople can thrive both professionally and personally. These perks are a reflection of our commitment to valuing and supporting our team members, ensuring that they are motivated, satisfied and equipped to succeed.
Trustpilot is an independent review platform that helps consumers find businesses they trust.
What makes you excited to come to work each day? How is Trustpilot’s sales team different than others you have worked for in the past?
My team and colleagues are what make me excited to come to work every day. While we are individual contributors, my team is always collaborating and learning from each other. Together we come up with new outreach strategies, help each other with opportunities and more. Even when we are remote, my team is in constant communication and we’re huge supporters of each other.
Additionally, working with different businesses every day keeps me engaged and on my toes. I’m able to prospect in various verticals and can focus on multiple industries each day. This is a differentiator from other sales teams I’ve worked for as my focus is broader, and I have more room to reach out to industries that pique my interest.
What is the culture on the sales team like?
The culture of our sales team is collaborative, fun and welcoming. Everyone is always super friendly and more than happy to help each other out. I’m comfortable reaching out to any of my colleagues for anything because everyone wants to see each other succeed. We are constantly sharing best practices and updating strategies with each other.
My favorite tradition in the office is the gong and boxing bell that we ring when the deal closes which creates a great energy in the office. The energy is particularly high on closing days when we get to celebrate our wins and head out for team socials to connect and reset before the next month. Aside from closing days, there are various themed events and socials throughout the year such as summer and winter parties, in-office Olympic games, Juneteenth celebrations and more. There’s also a monthly catered community lunch where the whole office comes together, which is a great way to get to know people from other teams.
What are your favorite memories from working on this team?
My favorite memory on the sales team was when I closed my first deal as an account executive. The entire sales floor was so exciting for me, and I received an abundance of support, virtually and in person. This memory really speaks to our culture on the sales floor, as everyone is always happy for each other. Over a year into the role, my colleagues are still extremely supportive and excited for each other. We love to win together.
“We love to win together.”
Altium offers sophisticated electronics design software with a platform that encompasses the entire electronics journey from design to manufacturing.
What makes you excited to come to work each day? How is Altium’s sales team different than others you have worked for in the past?
I’m passionate about Altium’s suite of products and building relationships with people, both clients and colleagues. I truly care about our clients and their work, making it naturally enjoyable to serve as a trusted advisor every day. The sales team at Altium is very collaborative and reciprocal in terms of challenging and motivating each other to expand our knowledge and methodologies.
“The sales team at Altium is very collaborative and reciprocal in terms of challenging and motivating each other to expand our knowledge and methodologies.”
What is the culture on the sales team like?
The culture is welcoming, progressive and rewarding, and everyone — including senior leadership — is very approachable. Altium also makes a point to celebrate work anniversaries and birthdays and host team outings.
What are the perks like for sales folks?
The sales organization hosts individual and team contests with a variety of rewards including spiffs, vouchers, gift cards, work-from-home days, etc.
Osano is a data privacy compliance company that offers an all-in-one platform to help organizations manage their security programs.
What makes you excited to come to work each day? How is Osano’s sales team different than others you have worked for in the past?
Osano was my first major job after college, but even with that limited experience, I still know what makes working at Osano exciting for me. I hear from friends who feel stuck or deal with office drama. Personally, I’ve never encountered either of those feelings in my four years at Osano. I attribute this to Osano’s approach: “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” This philosophy — shared by my mentor, Jake Bernstein — resonates deeply with me. It’s important that my daily work is intentional, has a purpose and keeps me growing.
On Osano’s sales team, I was taught to embrace change and put it into daily practice. Growing in my career and as a person is why I’m consistently excited to come to work every day. The cherry on top is Osano recognizes and rewards this growth and impact. For instance, I started as an entry-level sales development representative, and now I’m a senior account executive. Growth is part of the culture at Osano, so long as you seek it.
“Growth is part of the culture at Osano, so long as you seek it.”
Even though Osano is the only sales team I’ve been part of, I believe what sets us apart is the people, our “Osanians.” We truly value people who share our goals, values and diverse perspectives.
What is the culture on the sales team like?
Our culture at Osano is all about being yourself at work. It’s about embracing who you are and trusting in your ability to do your job in the most authentic way. One of my very first mentors here at Osano — Chief Revenue Officer Dustin Joost — once saved me from a terrible case of imposter syndrome. I was recently promoted from sales development rep to account executive and I had so much to learn. I initially thought I had to be someone else to succeed in sales. Instead, my mentor shared that every salesperson has their own “superpower” which makes them unique in their own way. I took these words to heart and honed my superpower, and now I get to be myself while selling a product I truly believe in and love.
In the spirit of authenticity, we’ve had a range of special traditions and celebrations at Osano. One of my favorites was when our manager treated us to Taco Bell to celebrate a successful month or quarter. It’s often the little things that help our sales team excel at our work while also enjoying ourselves — almost like we’re living the “live mas” spirit.
What are your favorite memories from working on this team?
In 2022 during our second annual team trip to Austin, we spent a lot of time together attending working sessions as a sales and marketing team and enjoying fun activities like horseback riding, axe throwing, team dinners and more. For me, it’s the in-between conversations where I learn more about my coworkers’ families and their lives outside of work and hobbies, getting to know them on a personal level. Being 100 percent remote, we come together for our annual team trips and pick it right up from where we left off.
On the final day, we had our company dinner with our first-ever culture awards ceremony. I was nominated and won Osano’s first-ever “2022 Most Revenue Award” on the sales team. It was impactful to win the award and see my mentors, the sales team, and other Osanians who’ve been part of my growth. I have so much pride in being part of Osano and seeing their faces and excitement. Accepting this award has been the highlight of my career so far.
Fast forward to today, I’ve continued taking on more responsibilities, becoming a subject matter expert on our data privacy platform, and I feel honored to be able to share my experience and learnings while pushing Osano forward.
Exabeam offers AI-driven security operations via its platform, which helps businesses with threat detection, investigation and response processes.
What makes you excited to come to work each day? How is Exabeam’s sales team different than others you have worked for in the past?
I absolutely love coming to work and representing this sales team at Exabeam. In the past, I have worked on teams in person and I actually feel more of a connection working on this team from a remote location, which is pretty fascinating to me. Each person on our team comes from a different career background and experience level. I am definitely still in the earlier stages as far as that goes, but I never feel less than my other teammates. We are all working towards the same goals and have each other’s backs.
“I never feel less than my other teammates. We are all working towards the same goals and have each other’s backs.”
What is the culture on the sales team like?
The first word that comes to mind is “family.” Our manager emphasizes this, and I can really feel that day in and day out. My manager and other team members are quick to help me out in any way possible and are kind enough to make themselves available no matter how busy their schedule is. Although we all work from different parts of the country, it doesn’t affect the tight-knit team we have formed. Whenever a deal is closed, no matter how big or small, the entire team is almost immediately sending over praise and celebratory messages.
What are your favorite memories of working on this team?
Something special for me to look back on is that I was included as a part of this team before I was even officially on the team. I had expressed interest in becoming a commercial rep, and my now manager Brian allowed me to join their team calls to get a look at what it’s like and how they operate. The other reps were welcoming and offered to help me out in any way they could. When it came time for the opportunity to join the team, it felt like I had already been accepted as a part of it long before.
FareHarbor provides an all-in-one booking and business management platform designed for tours, activities, rentals and attractions.
What makes you excited to come to work each day? How is FareHarbor’s sales team different than others you have worked for in the past?
I’ve worked at FareHarbor for almost eight years, and I’ve never had the “Sunday Scaries” — I genuinely look forward to working. I am motivated by healthy competition amongst my colleagues, and by the uncapped commission. I decide how many calls I make and which companies I reach out to. I love working with our clients, activity businesses, because the owners I speak with are fascinating. I always look forward to conversations with skydivers or scuba divers who are passionate enough about their hobbies to build successful businesses around them.
What is the culture on the sales team like?
My team name is “Seabeast,” so hopefully that gives you an idea of how fun the environment is here. My coworkers are kind, charismatic and always willing to help each other out. Many sales organizations are all about competition, but with FareHarbor, there are 10 people on my team who are excited to help me strategize. We enjoy dreaming up creative pitches and brainstorming ways to align our software with funky client needs.
“Many sales organizations are all about competition, but with FareHarbor, there are 10 people on my team who are excited to help me strategize.”
Despite being a hybrid company with offices in many cities, I still feel connected to my team members who work farther away. There are always opportunities to join video calls and participate in cold-calling games to get more face time. And when we’re physically in the same place, my teammates are always willing to meet up for ten-too-many dumplings at our favorite local spot.
What are the perks like for sales folks?
There are many perks that are unique to our sales team. Tangible benefits include uncapped commission, sales contests where winners are awarded monetary prizes, seasonal office parties, the option to travel for big client meetings or conferences and more.
There are also non-tangible perks that add a lot of value from a career perspective. The first is innovation and impact. We are not set in our ways. When I have an idea for a new type of company that we should target or an investment that FareHarbor should make, leadership is all ears. FareHarbor wants to grow and understands the value of fresh perspectives. FareHarbor is not meeting-heavy. Self-sufficient salespeople seeking freedom will excel here. My biggest motivation is seeing my coworkers close gigantic deals and thinking, “Which company in my lead pool will change my life?”
Drata offers automated compliance services from start to audit-ready.
What makes you excited to come to work each day? How is Drata’s sales team different than others you have worked for in the past?
What excites me about coming to work each day is the ability to truly help organizations start and scale their compliance programs. This is new for a lot of people I speak with, and it can feel overwhelming for them at first. My job is to help educate them about this process, showcase ways to make this extremely manageable and valuable for their teams and turn what some may consider a daunting or boring project into something exciting.
What is the culture on the sales team like?
I would describe the culture on the Drata sales team as electric. I have never been surrounded by so many skilled, intelligent and genuinely helpful reps in my life. Everyone truly has each other’s backs, is constantly sharing information to help the broader team, is willing to lend a hand to help you win and motivates each other to do better. Sales can and should be a really competitive environment. But at Drata, it doesn’t feel like you’re competing against one another. It feels like you’re competing together — on a team.
“At Drata, it doesn’t feel like you’re competing against one another. It feels like you’re competing together.”
What are your favorite memories from working on this team?
My favorite memories are the in-person quarterly business reviews and annual kickoffs, where we all come together to celebrate a year’s worth of hard work. Seeing my peers in person, learning about their personal lives and accomplishments outside of work and celebrating each other’s performances allow me to feel connected to my peers and less alone in a very challenging role.
Cedar provides a healthcare services platform that connects providers and payers for an improved healthcare billing experience.
What makes you excited to come to work each day? How is Cedar’s sales team different than others you have worked for in the past?
I’m passionate about solving complex problems that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Healthcare billing is a notoriously challenging process for millions of Americans, and as someone who has felt the pain and frustration of a poor billing experience firsthand, I feel deeply connected to Cedar’s mission.
I’ve been fortunate to be a part of some amazing teams over my career, but Cedar continues to impress. Everyone on our team is extremely talented, collaborative and committed to the work we do. There are no egos to contend with, and we all recognize that growth is a team sport. With such capable and seasoned experience, I’m confident that this team will produce multiple leaders in our industry.
What is the culture on the sales team like?
Cedar’s sales team is as close a group as I have ever been a part of. I consider us a family that actually gets along, and we genuinely can’t wait for opportunities to connect with each other. While I believe every successful sales team should be goal-oriented, I would describe our culture as collaborative and mission-driven. Every new partnership that we solidify gets us one step closer to our mission, and the team member who led the deal has the honor of announcing the news to the entire company. Since complex sales take a village, these announcements are an opportunity for our sales team to thank all teams and individuals who contributed to the company’s success. It’s a great tradition that leads to positive energy across the company.
“I consider us a family that actually gets along, and we genuinely can’t wait for opportunities to connect with each other.”
What are your favorite memories from working on this team?
While there are many memories to choose from, our team offsites stand out above the rest. Healthcare is a complex industry with long and demanding sales cycles, so it’s critical to balance the hard work with unique opportunities to bond and celebrate our achievements as a team.
A few years ago, we traveled to Park City, UT where we enjoyed a few amazing days of skiing, eating and, to appease those funding the trip, some light strategic planning. On the last night, we made our way to the grand piano in the hotel lobby where a musically talented individual from our team led an impromptu sing-along that lasted well into the night. It wasn’t a planned team-building activity; it was just a group of close friends enjoying each other’s company and having an incredible time. That moment will stay with me forever and is representative of the incredible culture we have built at Cedar.
If you want to be part of a team where strong bonds and meaningful work come together, consider applying to Cedar.
Sendbird is a conversation platform that supports chat, voice and video features in other applications.
What makes you excited to come to work each day? How is Sendbird’s sales team different than others you have worked for in the past?
The part of my job that excites me most about coming to work each day is helping our customers solve their communication challenges. One of Sendbird’s core values is “Endless Tenacity for our Customers,” and it all starts with empowering customers with the right product offerings through strategic consultative selling.
The sales team at Sendbird is different than other places I have worked for because you get the real sense that leadership cares about your well-being and success. In other places, I have felt more like a number on a large team, but at Sendbird, I feel like I can make a difference that is noticed by the entire company.
“In other places, I have felt more like a number on a large team, but at Sendbird, I feel like I can make a difference that is noticed by the entire company.”
What is the culture on the sales team like?
The sales team’s culture at Sendbird demands effort, execution and growth to be successful. The sales team trusts and supports each other, which promotes healthy competition and personal development. The leadership team is quick to mentor and correct any mistakes that may harm the company’s overall success.
The team also celebrates wins big and small and rallies around those needing help. An example of celebrating wins is with a companywide “#winning” Slack channel solely dedicated to highlighting sales wins and providing positive encouragement and praise to all the team members involved in each deal. This channel helps to build deep relationships across all the teams at Sendbird.
What are the perks like for sales folks? What are your favorite memories of working on this team?
There are many great perks to working at Sendbird in sales, and working remotely is probably at the top of the list for me. This provides a lot of flexibility with the work-life balance that Sendbird promotes. Other perks include an allotted amount of money every year to be your best self, which can only be used to spend on yourself or your family. We also have remote team lunches that are covered by Sendbird on a bi-weekly cadence.
One of my most incredible memories is our 2022 President’s Club. The top producers among all the teams were invited to stay at the Mayakoba Resort in Playa del Carmen. I have been to many President’s Clubs over the years, and this was by far the most fantastic resort imaginable. There were so many amazing people there from Sendbird, and it truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget sharing with co-workers, whom I view as close friends and family.
Crexi is a commercial real estate technology company that provides transparent information on properties for sale, lease and auction.
What makes you excited to come to work each day? How is Crexi’s sales team different than others you have worked for in the past?
From the moment I started, I’ve never had a day I wasn’t excited to go to work. I have the opportunity to talk to diverse personalities, both customers and coworkers. I am surrounded by the most accomplished, smart and driven group of teammates I’ve ever worked with, and it’s not just the sales team — it’s true of the entire company.
What is the culture on the sales team like?
Most sales organizations preach teamwork and collaboration, but Crexi lives and breathes it. Teamwork is our culture. We call clients for each other, close deals for each other and constantly update one another on the most effective strategies. The product is also great. The product team responds to and innovates based on feedback, and it’s great to sell something you believe in. The team’s dynamics and processes are fun, helpful and fair as well. Everyone has the same opportunity to succeed, the same number of leads and the same support system.
“Most sales organizations preach teamwork and collaboration, but Crexi lives and breathes it.”
What are the perks like for sales folks?
We work hard, but we also know how to celebrate our wins. Whether it’s a company-paid trip to Yard House for a birthday lunch or spinning a wheel for bonus money when we hit our numbers, Crexi makes sure our efforts are rewarded with both fun and commission.
Lansweeper is an IT asset management software provider helping businesses better understand, manage and protect their IT devices and network.
What makes you excited to come to work each day? How is Lansweeper’s sales team different than others you have worked for in the past?
What gets me excited to come to work each day is being surrounded by a team that shares similar goals and objectives. We celebrate each other’s wins, big and small. The genuine camaraderie and mutual support make it a rewarding environment. Plus, there’s always someone ready to offer a helping hand when needed, which fosters a strong sense of community and teamwork. It’s this supportive and goal-oriented culture that makes each day here fulfilling and energizing.
“It’s this supportive and goal-oriented culture that makes each day here fulfilling and energizing.”
What is the culture on the sales team like?
The culture on our sales team is dynamic and collaborative. We have a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to share ideas and work together towards common goals. Communication is open and transparent, and there’s a strong emphasis on both individual and team success.
For traditions, we often celebrate milestones and achievements with team events or social gatherings, which help build camaraderie and boost morale. We also have regular team meetings where we discuss progress, share insights and recognize outstanding contributions.
What are your favorite memories of working on this team?
Since Lansweeper is a global company, I particularly look forward to our annual sales kickoff each year. It’s an exciting opportunity for everyone in Austin to connect face-to-face with colleagues who work remotely from different locations. This event allows us to strategize collectively, share insights and align on the initiatives and goals for the year ahead. It’s not just about setting objectives; it’s about coming together as a unified team to build a cohesive strategy and foster relationships that strengthen our collaboration throughout the year. The kickoff energizes us and sets a positive tone for the months to come, making it a highlight of the year.
NextRoll is a marketing technology company that offers multiple software solutions that power B2B marketing and advertising programs.
What makes you excited to come to work each day? How is NextRoll’s sales team different than others you have worked for in the past?
At NextRoll, our sales team is very collaborative toward our goal of strategically serving our potential customers. Our collaborative approach is exemplified by the exceptional commitment of our team members.
For example, a colleague of mine who is a customer success manager took time out of her vacation to provide crucial information to help me with a head-to-head comparison with a competitor. Peers of mine have guided me with tips for using tools within our technology stack. One of our senior product managers here tackles challenging legal and product questions at critical stages, ensuring we’re able to deliver the best solutions. Our onboarding team consistently shares innovative campaign ideas to enhance late-stage opportunities. Additionally, one of our solutions consultants exemplified dedication by inputting a large amount of data into my demo instance for a big presentation I had coming up, even after working a long day.
These examples highlight how our team unites to either win or go down fighting, always striving to find the best solutions for our customers.
What is the culture on the sales team like?
Our team embodies a healthy, lively spirit, thriving on friendly competition. An example of friendly competition occurred when my teammate and I attended an in-person industry conference and eagerly competed to secure the most scans and booked meetings. While we aimed to win, we also supported each other and ensured that contacts were routed to the appropriate sales segments within our company. Our team is collaborative by sharing creative outreach ideas, calling and meeting success stories and making the process of advancing deals both fun and innovative. Our leadership offers spiffs for self-generated opportunities, fueling our collective success.
Our sales culture is collaborative and supportive, with a strong focus on sharing best practices. We enjoy flexible schedules, essential for managing global accounts effectively. We proudly celebrate and reward the discovery and prospecting of quality opportunities, fostering a motivating and dynamic work environment.
“Our sales culture is collaborative and supportive, with a strong focus on sharing best practices.”
What are your favorite memories of working on this team?
One of my most rewarding experiences was collaborating with our internal teams — solutions consultants, onboarding, customer success, and sales leadership — to secure a deal. Our lead solutions consultant and VP of sales joined me for a virtual demo during a bustling industry convention. Despite the noise and commotion going on around us, we successfully presented to a team of 20 professionals in a late-stage opportunity. Our prior collaboration with their marketing team and the compelling business case we had built were crucial in winning the deal from a well-known competitor. We even overcame that competitor’s discounting efforts to renew with the customer. This experience deepened my connection to our team and heightened my excitement for my role.
Oishii provides high-quality fruits via its non-GMO, technology-supported indoor, vertical farms.
What makes you excited to come to work each day? How is Oishii’s sales team different than others you have worked for in the past?
The job is different every day and it keeps me excited. I hate being stuck in a routine, so I love the variety that comes with working in field sales. One day I’m visiting our top-selling stores in New York City, and another day I’m sampling berries at a festival in DC.
I have a nontraditional background for a typical sales job, so Oishii allows me to pull all of my previous experience and skills together into one dynamic and creative role. I have always enjoyed start-up culture and the sense of freedom that comes with trying new things.
What I love about our sales team is that we are so much more focused on developing relationships and strategies than just numbers. Yes, numbers are obviously a huge part of sales, but we’re on the ground floor of building the mechanisms to achieve them. Our success is directly reflective of the quality of our work — forming deep connections with customers and store teams and providing valuable feedback about what’s going on in each of our regions to the rest of the sales team at our headquarters and throughout the United States.
“What I love about our sales team is that we are so much more focused on developing relationships and strategies than just numbers.”
What is the culture on the sales team like?
The Oishii sales team has a strong sense of camaraderie. It’s essential for us all to feel connected since we are spread across the county, so we chat daily, even if it’s just photos of the latest Oishii berry cocktail we’ve created. Usually, when a problem arises in one region, it’s bound to happen in another, so we are always sharing new insights and strategies with each other.
One of the philosophies we all believe in is “One Team, One Fight.” We’re a melting pot of individuals and different backgrounds with one common goal: revolutionizing agriculture and fruit. We work collaboratively on cross-regional projects that benefit us all. I personally have worked hard on developing our brand ambassador role, while others have executed some of Oishii’s largest events to date.
A great example of team culture is during large calls, you can often hear a slack “ping” in the background while one of us is presenting their wins for the week — that’s the rest of the sales team chiming in to congratulate them! We also host quarterly dinners for each other in our respective territories. This is a great way to bond and share what makes each region unique.
What are the perks like for sales folks?
Sales folks at Oishii have lots of perks and opportunities given that we are on the ground floor of a dynamic and ever-growing company. We get the usual benefits of sales positions such as a quarterly bonus and my favorite perk, leftover berries from all of the events we host.
But really, we have the opportunity to grow in our roles and into other roles. In my own territory, we went from 26 locations to 53 in just a few months. I took this opportunity to grow my team, work on people management and create organizational tools that I’ve been able to share with other rapidly growing regions. We also have the opportunity to move laterally across the company. I’ve seen part-time brand ambassadors turn into full-time managers and others find their passion at Oishii even if it’s not what they initially signed onto.
We also get to meet some pretty cool people. I’ve met the CEO of Whole Foods just by being in a store at the right time. I’ve participated in events with other industry leaders, and I’ve flown to Florida to deliver berries to a VIP. We’re very opportunistic as a company, and you never know what’s coming next.
