Celebrating International Women's Month

International Women’s Month is an opportunity to reflect on the impact, intelligence, and inspiration that women give to the world 365 days a year. Of course, we don’t have to wait until Women’s Month to celebrate diversity and inclusion, but the month does serve as a special time to specifically call out how women are driving transformation in our businesses, cultures, and lives.

For International Women’s Month, we’re highlighting women on the Invoca sales development representative (SDR) team. The SDR team drives sales pipeline and revenue growth for the business by building relationships with prospective customers. At Invoca, the SDR role is an entry-level sales growth role and employees are given opportunities to move up within the sales org.

Overall, sales teams have a gender-parity problem. Companies can positively impact the gender parity problem in sales by hiring women in entry-level sales jobs and nurturing them into sales leadership positions. At Invoca, our sales and people & culture teams work together to recruit women interested in entry-level sales positions. We are committed to creating equal opportunities for women during the hiring process, throughout the employee experience, and during promotion cycles — these are critical times for employers to put their diversity policy into action.

Today, we’re thrilled that women comprise approximately 50% of our sales development representative team.

We spoke with a few women on Invoca’s SDR team and asked why they joined the Invoca sales team, how they are supported to succeed, and what advice they have for women seeking sales positions.

Here’s what they said:

Why did you join the Invoca sales team?
I knew I wanted to work in tech, but I wasn’t sure how. I graduated from UC Santa Barbara and researched local tech companies. I found myself gravitating towards Invoca. Coming from a statistical background, joining a company that gives marketers access to data (that they didn’t have before) to make smarter, better-informed decisions was truly what drove me to join. Having a passion for our product, and jump-starting my career in tech, makes it all worth it. Plus, who doesn’t love cold-calling?

Especially in a typically male-dominated industry, it pays to offer a different perspective. Women are just as important to the growth of any sales organization as anyone else.

How are you supported to succeed in your work?
From the start of my Invoca career, I have felt nothing but support from my managers and peers. Whenever I have a question, I walk right up to my manager or fellow SDRs, and everyone is always willing to help (even if they’re busy). Our daily call blitzes allow us to celebrate our wins and losses as a team. I’m also encouraged to provide feedback and voice my opinions to my managers, which makes me feel fully supported.

What is your advice for women who want to get into sales?
I would say, “Just do it!” Even if you’re not sure if sales is the right path, you never know where it will lead you. Being an SDR has challenged me in ways I never thought imaginable. If you enjoy a challenge, are competitive, and aren’t afraid to take risks, by all means, come join us! Especially in a typically male-dominated industry, it pays to offer a different perspective. Women are just as important to the growth of any sales organization as anyone else. I would also love to see more women (especially women of color) fearlessly jumpstart their careers in this industry.

Why did you join the Invoca sales team?
I know that regardless of where my career takes me, I will be selling. Whether that is an idea, a proposal, our time, or anything else — we’re always selling. So, I want to hone those skills in a formal setting, really understand how to sell consciously and mindfully, and have the extra edge I need as I advance in my career. Plus — it keeps you sharp!

How are you supported to succeed in your work?
People think that sales is a solo sport, but it’s really not. To be successful, everyone collaborates and shares ideas to help set ourselves apart from our competition. Plus, your teammates are in the trenches with you and can relate to the big-wins and the tough-losses, so the sense of support and family is always growing. We’re also lucky that our management team sits on the floor with us, so the coaching and feedback is relevant and timely.

Don’t let the traditional picture of a sales team (or any team, for that matter) keep you from pursuing what’s interesting to you.

What is your advice for women who want to get into sales?
To the fellow females looking at an entry-level sales job, I say: “Go for it!”. The success of a sales team is dependent on the insight and experience of women, and the Invoca sales team is no different. Don’t let the traditional picture of a sales team (or any team, for that matter) keep you from pursuing what’s interesting to you. Women are breaking cultural barriers all the time, and you’re just as qualified and important for the growth of a team as anyone else. Always — go for it!

Why did you join the Invoca sales team?
After graduating from CSUCI, one of my professors recommended me for a fellowship/internship that would pertain to a business development role. I stumbled upon Invoca towards the end of my fellowship and did some research. I was pleased to see that, not only was Invoca leader in the industry (G2 Awards, recognition with Forrester and Gartner), but that the company’s culture was also praised. I knew I wanted to jumpstart my career in tech sales, finding a thriving company with strong company values was the icing on the cake.

I would love to see more women, especially Latinas and women of color, fearlessly jumpstart their careers in this industry.

How are you supported to succeed in your work?
From the short three months I’ve been with Invoca, I have been supported immensely by my managers and peers. Special shoutout for #TeamKeith for helping me ramp up and happily answering the millions of questions I would have. Also, big thanks to Keith and Ander for going out of their way every day to challenge, motivate and educate us on not only our professional craft but our own personal brand.

What is your advice for women who want to get into sales
There is this stigma that tech sales is a male-dominated industry and typically women tend to shy away or become discouraged when looking into these roles. I would tell any fellow female looking to get into an entry-level sales job that they can do it and can absolutely crush it! I would love to see more women (especially Latinas and women of color) fearlessly jumpstart their careers in this industry.

Why did you join the Invoca sales team?
I joined the Sales team because I came from doing door to door sales and I realized that I was ready for the next challenge.

How are you supported to succeed in your work?
I am supported every day with people ready to answer my questions, give me feedback, and congratulate me on a job well done.

Women in sales bring a unique set of talents and experiences to the table.

What is your advice for women who want to get into sales?
To fellow females looking to break into sales – you might sometimes feel like you’re playing in a male-dominated game, but remember, you are an irreplaceable and valuable member of the team! Women in sales bring a unique set of talents and experiences to the table. Just look at Sarah Bachetti, Marisa Sarabia, Natale Patterson, and Tina Scala!

Why did you join the Invoca sales team?
Deanna Lyn! =)

How are you supported to succeed in your work?
At the end of the day – we win together or lose together. Recognizing this, my team is constantly sharing our success (and complete failures). We are all learning together and growing together.

What is your advice for women who want to get into sales?
If you want it, GO FOR IT! But you definitely have to want to succeed. My team, and everyone I work with, does an incredible job at providing all the support and tools needed – but to be successful in sales that’s not all you need. You have to have the desire to win, then GO FOR IT!

We are all learning together and growing together.