Pros

If your goal is to learn basic sales skills, to become management, or to work towards a specific advanced position within the company, this is a great path. As far as future jobs go, you will demonstrate a proficiency in cold calling, and a very strong work ethic. As far as advancement, everyone starts as a Sales Associate and has to put up with the same hard work and drawbacks. If you are working towards becoming a Market Director, VP, Indirect Sales Rep, or Sales Consultant, you will have the drive to make it through the hardest part of the job (the first 6 months).

The company is also very fun to work for with great peers, and fun events to help make up for the fact that you do spend a ton of time at work. Also while I'm sure quality of management varies greatly, there is some amazing talent and if you get to work with them you will do better, learn more, and get more out of the job.

On a brand new note, the changes Cbeyond has made to their sales model are a huge step in the right direction. Larger territories, less territory movement, a bigger focus on getting to know prospects rather than just trying to sell them create a more sustainable environment, especially as Cbeyond becomes less activity based and more results based.

Cons

If you do not know what you are getting into, do not attempt to work for this company. If you just need a job, don't know if sales is the path for you, or just think you want an easy job off the bat this company will eat you alive.

As far as downsides for a motivated knowledgable rep, you do have to deal with peers quitting almost weekly. You also have to deal with a lot of people who are hired despite the fact they have no skills and no chance of making it. The product is also a tough sell, with most sales coming from upselling very small businesses, so while you really learn how to sell on value and not cost, it can be tough to keep up with your montly quota.

Overall, if you know what to expect and know what you want out of it you will have a positive experience at Cbeyond.

Advice to Senior Management

Pay attention at the individual level. Sometimes 50 points a day isn't the best way for a rep to succeed. If you see talent in a certain skill set, develop it. More deals will be sold, less turnover will result. Activity and the sales model is the fallback. If what you are doing outside of it just isn't working, that's the time to focus on activity.