Jason Lemkin, SaaStr CEO and Founder, shares invaluable insights on hiring a VP of Sales. He discusses the common founder mistakes that can derail the hiring process, emphasizing candidate enthusiasm and product knowledge. Lemkin explains the necessity of due diligence and personal selling experience, warning against the pitfalls of relying solely on investor advice. He highlights how rigorous recruitment processes are crucial for business growth and the far-reaching impact of a poor hire on startup success.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Stay Involved in Sales
Founders should not exit sales after hiring a VP.
Stay involved in deals and support the VP, even as your role evolves.
insights INSIGHT
Jaded Executives
Many executives today are jaded, broken, or done due to recent market fluctuations.
Founders must carefully assess candidates for burnout and negativity during interviews.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Avoid Jaded Candidates
Avoid hiring jaded executives who blame others for past failures.
Look for passionate, driven individuals eager to meet customers and close deals.
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SaaStr 758: Avoid These Common Founder Mistakes to Hire a Great VP of Sales in 2024 with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin
In this episode of the official SaaStr podcast, we delve into the common pitfalls founders encounter when hiring a VP of Sales.
SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin kicked off the SaaStr Annual by reflecting on twelve years of hiring lessons, sharing critical insights into why sales leaders fail and how founders can avoid these mistakes. The discussion covers the importance of due diligence, understanding the product, embracing sales involvement post-hire, and recognizing the signs of jaded or broken candidates.
The episode emphasizes the need for rigorous hiring processes and the impact of a bad hire on startup growth. Tune in for practical advice to ensure your next critical hire drives success.
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