Account Executive (Startups)

As an Account Executive (Startups) at Linear, you will become a product expert, helping customers use our platform effectively. Your role will include generating a robust sales pipeline and exceeding quarterly targets. You will be instrumental in building relationships with key stakeholders within accounts and advocating for customer needs by surfacing any product or adoption blockers to our product team.

To apply for the Account Executive (Startups) position at Linear, candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in a quota-carrying sales role. Experience selling to a technical audience is essential, and prior work with collaboration or developer tools would be a significant advantage. Being comfortable in a fast-paced, flexible environment is key to thriving in this role.

Linear prides itself on being a fully remote and inclusive company, fostering a diverse team of individuals who are passionate about their craft. As an Account Executive (Startups), you’ll benefit from the autonomy of remote work while being part of a collaborative team that values quality, creativity, and personal growth.

At Linear, we are dedicated to the success of our Account Executives (Startups). You will receive onboarding and ongoing training to ensure you become a product expert, in addition to resources for building your sales pipeline. Plus, you’ll have the chance to engage with our product and customer success teams to enhance customer satisfaction.

As an Account Executive (Startups) at Linear, you will enjoy an attractive benefits package that includes a competitive salary and equity options, paid lunch and coffee during workdays, paid co-working space or desk at an office, health, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, and regular team events. We prioritize work-life balance and support your professional growth.

When generating a sales pipeline, I focus on identifying target audiences and utilizing various strategies like cold outreach, networking, and attending industry events. I believe in building genuine relationships and offering value upfront to establish trust with potential clients.

I once set an ambitious target for myself during a quarter and exceeded it by 150%. I did this through strategic account management and consistently following up with leads. By tailoring my approach to each client's unique needs, I was able to build strong relationships that led to increased sales.

I make it a priority to listen to customers’ concerns and needs. I then communicate these insights to product teams effectively. This involves taking detailed notes during conversations and providing constructive feedback to create a better product experience for clients.

When faced with objections, I first listen intently to understand the customer’s perspective. Then, I ask clarifying questions to pinpoint the root of their concerns and address them with empathy, ensuring that I provide credible information to resolve their doubts.

My experience selling to a technical audience has taught me the importance of having a deep understanding of product functionalities and benefits. I focus on using clear, concise language to explain complex features and how they can solve specific challenges for the technical teams I work with.

I rely on CRM systems to track my sales performance, manage leads, and generate reports. Using tools like Salesforce or HubSpot helps me stay organized and allows me to analyze my strategies’ effectiveness to make informed adjustments.

I continually educate myself by reading industry blogs, participating in webinars, and attending networking events. Staying connected with peers and experts helps me remain informed about emerging trends and best practices, which I can then apply to my sales approach.

I prioritize my accounts based on potential revenue, strategic value, and engagement level. By categorizing accounts into tiers, I can allocate my time and resources efficiently to maximize my impact on high-potential clients.

In working with a difficult client, I made it a point to actively listen to their concerns without getting defensive. I scheduled regular check-ins and ensured that I quickly followed up on any issues they raised. Over time, this effort not only turned their experience around but also resulted in a more fruitful partnership.

My approach to product demonstrations is highly personalized. I ensure to tailor each demo to the specific needs and pain points of the client, showcasing how our product can add value to their workflows. Engagement during the demo is crucial, so I encourage questions throughout the process.