Show notes
If you’re struggling to close deals, join the Sales Skills For Founders newsletter here: 📨 https://salesskillsforfounders.comSummary:In this solo episode, I share my personal journey of leaving corporate America after 15 years in software sales to build my own sales coaching business. I walk through the path that got me here, from a former golf pro to a top performing seller to a founder, and I break down the two to three years of preparation that made the jump possible. I cover five key lessons: building momentum before you quit, focusing on doing better instead of doing more, giving yourself permission to act, ditching the idea that there's one right playbook, and finding your circle of peers, mentors, and coaches. You'll walk away with a practical, honest framework for thinking through your own transition out of a stable job, including how to think about branding, getting paid clients early, and getting your finances in order before making the leap.Chapters:0:00 Intro / Welcome back1:01 My backstory: from golf pro to corporate sales3:06 The 2019 conference that planted the seed4:15 Coffee chats with Doug that turned into coaching5:28 The question from Randy that changed my direction6:06 How the idea came together in early 20247:11 Point 1: Create momentum before you jump8:01 Build your brand before you need it10:02 Get paying clients before you go full time11:39 Get your finances in order first14:57 Point 2: Don't do more, focus on better16:33 Point 3: You don't need permission18:49 Point 4: There is no playbook, write your own21:41 Point 5: Find your people, peers, mentors, coaches26:19 Final thoughts and how to connect with me👋 Hey, I'm Brian Ondrako and I left a 15-year career as a top performing software sales rep to coach early-stage startups on the skills and systems to build predictable revenue. Check out my coaching programs on my website, https://brianondrako.com or say hello on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianondrako/