Pros

For an entry level outside sales position, Cbeyond can provide some excellent training and "trial-by-fire" experience, if you have the talent and work ethic. This position is definitely not for everyone, espcially if you do not have thick skin and tenacity, but for those willing to learn and work your butt off, it is a great place to make good money straight out of college and is an excellent jumping point into the rest of your sales career. The turnover rate is high, but mostly because they will hire inexperienced salespeople into a very tough sales enviornment. Also, best office culture for the 20-30 crowd...work hard, play harder. I worked there for 2.5 years, and they were some of the fondest of my professional career, but I saw a lot of people come and go that just couldn't hack it, or didn't care enough to try. If you can make it at CBeyond, you can make it anywhere.

Cons

Most people who start in outside sales don't know what they are getting into and think that just because they "like people" that they can sell. It is very much a sink-or-swim atmosphere, and if you aren't making your numbers, you won't last. On a daily basis, it feels like your territory is "saturated", but they can definitely be overcome. It is mostly outside cold-calling, and if you can't handle getting screamed at by a secretary or being escorted out of an office building by security for soliciting, then don't waste your time. You will definitely get your teeth kicked in, but if you can take it, you will do well.

Advice to Senior Management

Thanks. Working for CBeyond is what made me realize that I love sales and that few things pump me up more than a good ole' cold call close.