<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true"><li>Hiring the first AE (Account Executive) in a startup is crucial, requiring more than just sales skills.</li><li>Founders should personally close initial deals to understand the sales process before hiring an AE.</li><li>Look for a problem solver and entrepreneurial individual for the first AE role.</li><li>Passion for the product and mission is often valued over extensive sales experience in early hires.</li><li>Match the candidate's experience to your sales strategy, whether focused on SMBs or enterprise clients.</li><li>Consider a candidate's ability to pay for themselves in 3-4 months rather than overthinking compensation.</li><li>Interview extensively to find the right fit, as hiring the wrong AE can result in setbacks.</li><li>Set clear expectations and monitor early results to ensure the AE starts closing deals promptly.</li><li>The right AE will not only close deals but also improve the sales process and support team scaling.</li></ul>

Dear SaaStr: How Do I Make Sure My First 1-2 Sales Reps Are Strong?

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