Should CISOs Be More Empathetic Towards Salespeople?
Apr 25, 2024
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Emily Heath, general partner at Cyberstarts, joins the podcast to discuss the relationship between CISOs and sales representatives. They delve into the challenges CISOs face with aggressive sales tactics, emphasizing the necessity of empathy and authenticity in sales interactions. The conversation highlights the importance of setting boundaries, providing strategic feedback, and building relationships based on trust and value.
CISOs should show empathy towards sales reps to drive product quality and competition forward.
Effective communication is vital for CISOs to provide constructive feedback to sales teams and enhance mutual respect.
Deep dives
Sales Pitches and CISOs' Perception
The podcast discusses the common complaints of CISOs about sales pitches and when those complaints might come off as entitlement. Sales pitches can be overwhelming for senior staff, leading to patience thinning. However, showing empathy towards sales reps is crucial as they drive product quality and competition forward.
Constructive Feedback to Sales Teams
The topic of how CISOs can provide constructive feedback to sales teams without sounding abrasive is explored. It's essential for CISOs to communicate effectively with sales and help them understand how to approach security professionals better. The relationship between CISOs and salespeople is reciprocal and requires mutual respect and clear communication.
Managing Sales Outreach
Dealing with the high volume of sales outreach, including emails and calls, is a significant challenge for security leaders. Setting boundaries and being transparent with sales reps about interest levels is vital. Jim Bauker's advice to filter external emails and calls can help manage the influx of sales communication effectively.
Importance of Building Relationships
The importance of building lasting relationships in sales is emphasized. Good salespeople focus on building connections, listening to clients' needs, and being honest about their products' fit. Building trust through relationship-building, honesty, and long-term engagement can lead to referrals, even if a purchase isn't made immediately.
When do these legitimate complaints cross the line to sounding entitled?
Do CISOs need to show a little more empathy to sales?
Thanks to our podcast sponsor, SquareX
SquareX helps organizations detect, mitigate and threat-hunt web attacks happening against their users in real-time, including but not limited to malicious sites, files, scripts, and networks.Find out more at sqrx.com.
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