#Sales is an expensive and most critical aspect for continued #success , yet #startups have setbacks in building their sales organization. I often get asked when is the right time to make the first sales hire. I believe the founders are the best first salesperson of their product. A founder should make first sales hire when: 1. Early product-market fit is established 2. Proven customer value proposition and reference ability 3. A strong cohort of early customers 4. The process/playbook for a new salesperson to succeed is created 5. Create the right financial incentives (instant gratification) for experienced salespeople Getting the “salesperson persona” is extremely critical. At the early stage, it’s most important to solve for someone hands-on, used to ambiguity, can build & #design processes, and interpret product feedback. Ideally, this person is someone who has 3-5 years of experience selling products that have similar Average Contract Values (ACV’s). Any interesting startup sales hiring stories? …see more