How I escaped a low-growth sales role and doubled my income

"The Industry Pivot System helped me realize I wasn't the problem—my environment was. By strategically positioning my skills in cybersecurity, I finally broke into six figures with more freedom and fulfillment."

Burnt out, stuck, & ready to quit

Just a few months ago, I was completely burned out and questioning everything about my sales career. I worked as a Business Development Rep at Salesforce, which looks impressive on paper—but my salary and opportunities had flatlined. I'd pour endless hours into prospecting and team projects, but felt stuck in the same role, year after year.

Despite working at a "prestigious" company, I was watching less experienced reps at cybersecurity startups earn double my income with half the stress. Meanwhile, my compensation barely moved beyond the standard 3-5% annual increase.

- "Is it me?"

- "Am I just not good enough for a sales role?"

- "Will I ever make the leap to six figures?"

I started to doubt my future in sales altogether. The stress took a toll on my motivation and family life, especially since my wife and I were expecting our first child. The pressure was real.

Discovering the Industry Value Gap

Then I found Gaurav's Industry Pivot System. I was skeptical at first—it seemed too simple that changing industries could make such a difference. But our first call was eye-opening: Gaurav pointed out something I'd never considered: maybe I wasn't the problem—maybe my environment was.

Using the Career Capital Matrix, we analyzed my skills and identified that my exact same sales abilities were valued at 2x higher in cybersecurity compared to my current role. The industry was experiencing 40%+ yearly growth, creating a massive demand for sales talent that outpaced supply.

The Industry Pivot System showed me I was stuck in what Gaurav calls the "Low-Growth Trap"—working harder and harder in an environment that simply wasn't designed to reward my efforts appropriately.

Strategically positioning my skills for a high-growth industry

Gaurav and I overhauled my entire professional positioning:

1. Strategic CV & LinkedIn repositioning Using the Positioning Framework, we completely reimagined my profile. Instead of presenting myself as a "BDR at Salesforce," we positioned me as a "Full-cycle sales professional specialized in technical B2B solutions"—highlighting capabilities that cybersecurity companies desperately needed.

2. Role-Fit Outreach Instead of blindly applying online, we used the Role-Fit Summary method to connect directly with hiring managers at top cybersecurity startups. For each outreach, I specifically addressed their pain points and explained exactly how my experience would solve them—even without industry experience.

3. S.H.H. Interview preparation We drilled the Smart-Hungry-Humble framework, which transformed how I presented myself in interviews. Rather than apologizing for my lack of cybersecurity background, I showcased how my outsider perspective brought fresh sales strategies they needed.

4. Value-based negotiation The negotiation training was a game-changer. Instead of accepting the first offer, I learned to quantify my potential value to the company and negotiate from a position of confidence, not desperation.

From undervalued BDR to six-figure Account Executive in 5 weeks

Within just 5 weeks of implementing the Industry Pivot System, I landed multiple interviews with cybersecurity companies. One fast-growing startup was particularly impressed with how I positioned myself as a solution to their enterprise sales challenges.

They offered me an Account Executive position with:

- A base salary nearly 40% higher than my previous role

- Uncapped commission structure with realistic OTE double my previous total compensation

- Equity in a rapidly growing company

- Flexible work arrangements that let me be present for my growing family

The best part? I didn't need to learn a single new skill to double my income. The same abilities I already had were simply valued much higher in this new environment.

Same skills, different environment, completely different results

Before the Industry Pivot System, I was grinding away at a company that could never truly reward my contributions properly. I was working harder and harder for smaller and smaller returns.

Now I have more freedom in how I manage my day-to-day, more respect from my peers, and a clear path to further promotions. My stress levels have plummeted while my bank account has grown significantly.

"I went from doubting my abilities to earning a six-figure salary in an exciting, fast-growing industry. The Industry Pivot System showed me I wasn't lacking skills—I was just in the wrong environment. Now I'm no longer grinding aimlessly—I'm thriving, with more freedom and responsibility than ever before."

—Bryan, Account Executive (Cybersecurity)

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