Do not give free consulting when interviewing
A startup is hiring for VP of Sales.
I reached out to strike up a conversation to see if there was a fit for me to help as a fractional VP/CRO/CMO.
This was the reply:
“Here is a follow-up exercise I would like for you to do as in next steps.
30–60–90 Day Plan
What’s your plan for the first 30, 60, and 90? It is important that we hit the ground running.Competitor Analysis
Briefly analyze our competitors and explain why we’re positioned to lead the market.Market Analysis
Please identify key market players and trends and highlight opportunities.Product Pitch
Prepare a short sales pitch for our product. Don’t worry about knowing all the details; we’re looking to see your sales skills and how quickly you can understand our value proposition.Product Champions
Who can champion our product from your network? Speak to them in advance, get their take on our offering and your vision, and let us know what they think.
This guy thinks he’s being slick following this process since this is how he was hired into some mega-corporations as a sales rep years ago.
But now he’s interviewing for a leader with an equity stake, but he’s asking for free work before the first date.
We agreed not to continue the dialogue.
You’re not a beggar, nor are you desperate, nor are you someone’s whipping boy/girl.
Know your worth and charge accordingly.
Market like you mean it.
Now go sell something.
