When To Step Back From Founder-Led Sales
Founder-led sales in startups is non-negotiable, but there comes a time when it hinders more than it helps.
I learned this the hard way, first by avoiding sales altogether, and then by not handing it off when I should have.
I see many founders make the mistake of holding on to sales for too long, not realizing it's actually preventing their company from growing.
If you're at a stage where your startup has hit Product Market Fit, consider stepping back from a sales operational role.
Here's why:
- You're too close to the fire
That early passion that got you those first customers is now stopping you from seeing the bigger sales picture.
- Impatience is kicking in
Sales is a game of patience, something that's hard to come by in the founder life.
- The weight is too heavy
Balancing sales while keeping everything else on track is unsustainable.
Now, it's time for sales to be someone's sole focus, not just another item on your endless to-do list.
Tell me, are these signs you recognize in yourself, or do you need someone to point them out for you?