‘There’s nothing like the feeling of adding value to a company’
Chris Noble
SaaSLeads Academy Graduate
Chris Noble is a SaaSLeads Academy graduate who is already building a strong career in tech sales. We sat down with him to find out what he’s up to, and how the SaaSLeads Academy got him there.
Starting out
Hi Chris. Thanks for talking to us today. You’ve just finished at SaaSLeads Academy. What’s next?
Right now, I’m getting ready to start as a BDR at Nylas. Nylas was the company that I was assigned to when I got to the practical stage of my time at SaaSLeads Academy. I’m thrilled that they liked me enough to give me the job.
What made you apply for SaaSLeads Academy?
I graduated in July with a Master’s in Business. The plan was to move from Edinburgh down to London and find a job doing something in finance or consulting. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get on to any graduate schemes. I also thought about going to Australia for a year, but COVID destroyed that idea!
I went to uni with a guy called Ezana, who was one of the first people to go through the SaaSLeads Academy. He thought it might be something I’d be interested in, so he introduced me to Will. (Will Koning, SaaSLeads Founder and CEO)
I did some interviews with Will and a couple of tests – making a cold video and a cold email for a prospect. Thankfully, I got the job!
Was sales something you always wanted to do?
Honestly, I’d never thought about it. But talking to Ezana, I immediately liked what I heard. I thought it would be a good way to start a career.
I could see the essential value of sales to a business. I also thought I might be good at it!
Joining the Academy
What was SaaSLeads Academy like?
It was brilliant. The first couple of weeks was training, with Will and also guest speakers from around the industry. Then gradually, we moved into doing it for real. We started doing outbound emails; then it was cold calls.
Will is very hands-on. He gives you a lot of time individually. The further you go, the more the training is personalised. He helps you address your specific challenges.
By November, I was working autonomously, setting my own schedule. Will was always there to help though, making sure my targets were achievable and that I was on course to hit them.
What skills did you pick up at SaaSLeads Academy?
So many. I learned how to sell, as well as how the industry works.
I picked up new skills in research and learning. To be able to prospect, you have to look for fit, dissecting companies and how you fit into what they need. I always wanted to learn those skills, because you can apply them to anything.
I also learned to work autonomously, which I really like. I’m responsible for my time, my work and my targets. The onus is all on me.
The future
What do you think the future holds for you? Is sales your career now?
Yes, I think so. I hope so. I can certainly see me doing this for the next few years.
I like Nylas, so I want to make a success of the BDR role, then make it to AE and close deals.
After that, I may stay in the industry. I want to start something myself one day, but I know that by then, I’ll have the sales skills that are essential whatever you do.
Thanks Chris. Final question. What was the best part of your SaaSLeads Academy experience?
Well, the best part was getting the job offer from Nylas. You can’t beat that.
But, there’s something else. Back in October, I went through a rough patch. I was starting to sell for Nylas and it wasn’t going well at all. I was questioning what I was doing in sales. I was worried that I wasn’t going to be as good at it as I thought. Will really helped me during this time. He helped me realise the advantages I had, helping me push on, building up my resilience. I will always remember that, whatever happens next.
Soon after that, I started to do better. I even began to see myself on Nylas’ sales leaderboard. That was brilliant. I’ve got a long way to go, but there’s nothing like the feeling of adding value to a company.
Find out more
If you want to follow in Chris’ footsteps and join the SaaSLeads Academy, or you just want to find out more, visit our site – www.SaaSLeads-academy.io
Will Koning is the founder of SaaSLeads.io.
He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful start-ups in the UK over the last 10 years.
He is passionate about Sales and disruptive Technology. In particular, elevating the Sales development industry in the UK to new levels.
Outside of work, Will spends his time split between London and Folkestone in Kent where you’re likely to find him sampling English beers and walking his dog by the sea,
Follow him on LinkedIn Here