Graduate Case Study – Jamie Davis – BDR at CloudApps

Jamie Davis is a recent graduate from the SaaSLeads Academy who is already forging an exciting sales career at Cloudapps. We sat down with Jamie to talk about his experiences at the Academy.

 

Starting out

 

Hi Jamie. Let’s start at the beginning. How did you first find out about the SaaSLeads Academy?

I found out about it through my friend Torron (Iveson, SDR Team Lead at SaaSLeads). We grew up together. He knew I wasn’t happy in the job and he messaged me asking if I’d like to be involved in the Academy.

The interview process was really good, nothing like I’ve ever had before. I have to praise them for that. I felt like you didn’t have to fake anything trying to be the person you thought they wanted you to be; you could just be yourself. 

 

How would you describe the Academy to someone thinking about signing up?

I’d tell them about the recruitment process, how you can be yourself. I’d also tell them that it’s a great way to kickstart your career in SaaS sales.

 

Skills

 

What were the skills you developed at the SaaSLeads Academy?

The overarching skill was how to sell. I learned how to build trust and build value in a conversation. 

I also learned about time management – although I can still get better there!

Perhaps the most valuable thing I learned was how to embrace failure with open arms. It’s how you learn. You grow from your mistakes and do better next time.

 

You must have picked up some personal development skills too?

100%. Confidence is the obvious one. I’d usually be nervous doing all these calls and Zoom calls with random people that I’d never spoken to before. Now it’s normal. You learn to converse better. That pays dividends in my own conversations and relationships as well.

 

Best bits

 

What was your favourite part of the programme?

Where to start? The daily training was fun and interactive. Some of the things I picked up there will stay with me for life. I have to give a shout out to Torron, Laith and Brian – the team leaders and coaches. They were all really great to learn all the theory from; then, once I was out in the practical world of prospecting, they were always there for support whenever I needed it.

I learned a lot from the guest speakers inside and outside of sales – shout out to Larry Long Jr, Gary Blunt and Neil Bhuiyan.

Finally, it was great to work with the other SDRs in the Academy. We were all working on different accounts, but sharing stories and ways to work, picking each other up when we were down.

 

You must have some funny stories?

Definitely sharing calls that went wrong with the other SDRs. It helps you get over it, learn from it and move on. When you’re working from home, being on Zoom sharing stories is essential.

 

Finally, can you sum up your SaaSLeads Academy experience in three words?

Be. A. Sponge.