SaaStr Details Mistakes New VPs of Sales Make First Week
SaaStr lists top mistakes new CROs and VPs of Sales make when starting roles, including product knowledge and preparation gaps.
SaaStr published guidance on mistakes new VPs of Sales and CROs make in their first week. The article focuses on errors that lead to mis-hires and outlines steps candidates and CEOs can take to avoid them.
Preparation Shortfalls Before Day One
According to SaaStr, many new leaders fail to know the product cold before starting. Others do not begin work the week prior by reviewing email, Slack, calls, and recordings. The piece notes that some arrive on day one without having logged into systems.
SaaStr also states that candidates often do not ask enough questions during interviews and instead present generic process decks.
Onboarding and Process Errors
The source reports that new VPs of Sales frequently insist on changing processes immediately without first identifying what works. Many also lack trusted reps lined up to join soon after starting. SaaStr highlights that leaders who cannot demo the product themselves in week one rarely learn later.
Outreach and Market Understanding
SaaStr notes that top performers begin some outbound outreach in their first week. The article adds that many new hires do not fully grasp existing GTM motions such as channel or partnership components before joining. It further states that leaders often push to move upmarket to enterprise sales too quickly.
SaaStr frames these points as a checklist for both hiring managers and candidates to reduce failed placements.
