Fri Sep 20 12:18:43 UTC 2024: ## SaaStr CEO Shares Top 10 Mistakes Founders Make When Hiring a VP of Sales

**[City, State] -** Founders, beware! Hiring a VP of Sales is crucial for scaling your SaaS business, but it’s a risky move. SaaStr CEO Jason Lemkin, through his years of experience, has identified the top 10 mistakes founders make when filling this vital role, and they can cost you dearly.

**1. Exiting Sales After Hiring:** The most common mistake? Founders become complacent and step away from sales activities after hiring a VP. This is a recipe for disaster. Founders must remain involved and active to guide and support the sales team, becoming a valuable resource for closing deals.

**2. Reverting to Founder-Led Sales:** Mishires and burnt-out founders often lead to a return to founder-led sales, which is unsustainable in the long run. Founders must prioritize recruiting and hiring a capable replacement quickly to avoid this cycle.

**3. Hiring Jaded or Broken Candidates:** The current market is flooded with experienced sales professionals who have become jaded or burned out. Avoid these individuals, as they often bring negativity and lack the drive to succeed.

**4. Ignoring Product Expertise:** Don’t hire a “people person” who lacks deep understanding of your product. Thorough reference checks and product demos are crucial for ensuring a candidate’s competence.

**5. Not Believing in Your Hire:** If you have doubts about your candidate’s success, don’t hire them. Founders need to wholeheartedly trust and support their VP of Sales.

**6. Expecting a “Full-Stack” Salesperson:** While ideal, finding a candidate proficient in all aspects of sales from outbound to closing is rare. Recognize and address specific skill gaps in your team.

**7. Making Mishires and Settling:** Hiring a “good enough” candidate can lead to a year of setbacks. Stay persistent and find someone who aligns with your vision.

**8. Overlooking Potential in “Stretch” Candidates:** Don’t dismiss energetic individuals who might lack experience. Passion and willingness to learn can make a difference.

**9. Relying on Investors’ Opinions:** Investors often have unrealistic expectations for the ideal VP of Sales. Trust your gut and choose someone who aligns with your company’s needs.

**10. Giving Up on Finding the Perfect Fit:** Even with setbacks, don’t lose faith. The perfect VP of Sales is out there, ready to drive your business to new heights.

By avoiding these common mistakes, founders can increase their chances of securing a VP of Sales who will lead their team to success, ultimately accelerating their SaaS business growth.

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