What are /r/salesengineers' favorite Products & Services?

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Typically from what I've seen there are levels or grades within an organization and parallel paths for managers and individual contributors. So comp is tied to level and a principle SE might for example be considered the same level as a director. What those levels are will vary by organization, and IC will typically run out of levels before the management path does. This is going to vary a lot by organization, and many might not be completely transparent about the structure, but GitLab has a good breakdown of their org structure here: https://about.gitlab.com/handbook/total-rewards/compensation/compensation-calculator/

If you're interested in a C Level position you're almost certainly going to want to go the people manager route, and if you're interested in Chief Strategy position you're probably also going to want to transition out of the sales org and into something that roles up to that position. Most likely the product management path, but potentially also something in product marketing.

First, I strongly recommend Mastering Technical Sales. It's more than the "sales" side, but it will help you learn that non-technical side of the job.

It's a tiny bit dated. And very comprehensive: not all parts may apply to your job. But it's the most comprehensive analysis of the job I've seen.

If you want to stick to the pure "sales" side of the job, my personal favorite book is The Sandler Rules. But that's more of a "tips and tricks" kind of book rather than a look at a sales lifecycle.

For for "sales lifecycle" it makes sense to use whatever process your company has in place so that your terminology matches. But the links others have provided for MEDDIC (or just Google it) are a good place to start if you don't have anything at your company.

This is what I used but you could probably search for a wireless to ethernet bridge and find something else easily.

If you’re interested in the link 4.5 stars / 235 votes …

[AMAZON LINK] The Six Habits of Highly Effective Sales Engineers

Blurb : SOFTWARE SALES / TECHNICAL PRESALES / SALES ENGINEERS: If you are in software sales or technical presales - or considering entering the field - this book is for you! Is a convincing demonstration the only thing that's standing between you and your next customer? Are you ready to make your next demo the best demo of the year? Do you feel that you can do better but don't know how?

(Personally Never read it)

https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805

Getting to the "Yes, exactly that." moment with the customer. When you've drilled through all of the noise and actually understood their motivators and have presented the appropriate solution. Such a huge hit for me.

My experience is much shorter than yours, but I was a software engineer for about 2 years before making the switch over to sales engineering.

I loved the switch, and I have many friends that did the same switch over the last few years. I loved working on fast-paced projects when I was in college, so being a sales engineering is a great fit for me since I'm constantly working with fact-paced projects with different groups.

Sales engineers are skilled at being technical and selling. My software background made it really easy for me to hone in on technical skills, so I mostly had to work on selling/presentation skills. The hardest skill for me to learn was how to demonstrate value; rather than explaining how a feature works, you want to explain why a feature matters.

I've met a lot of people in the role with SWE backgrounds; it's a very diverse role. I suggest checking out Mastering Technical Sales to get a better idea of what skills are required on top of your technical background.

Just picked these up and they are incredible NICETOWN Full Shading Curtains for Windows, Super Heavy-Duty Black Lined Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Assured Window Treatment (White, Pack of 2, 52 inches W x 95 inches L) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077RQ15BF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4WZNSHDT4JTFVTWC27KH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Guide-Technical-Application-Engineering/dp/B08F2VTTYB Listened to this audiobook recently after a younger college newish to the job found it useful. Good intro for people like him.

It really depends on your industry and what skills you already have. For me, it worked to be an expert in my field. Now, you need a loooot of soft skills here, you have to be an excellent listener, you need to know how to ask questions, how to develop relationships with others, etc. Check out "We the SEs" Podcasts and if you like to read, you have to read a loot if you want to be a really good SE, get and read this book, which is basically the bible for SEs. Hope that helps!