I have come across this question raised by an associate that I know of - who has just started off a business; and joined the ranks of the ever flourishing Startup ecosystem.

This is a very valid query - especially for all the startups out there. The questions that pop-up are:

1) Do I need a Sales Team?
2) When should I Hire a Sales team?
3) Can I manage a Sales team?
4) If I hire an internal team - what if they don't deliver?
5) Should I hire an internal Sales team? or Outsource the whole shindig?

Well, let's approach these questions objectively..

Do I need a Sales Team?

This is the question all startup businesses need to ask themselves. Well, the answer is YOU DO! Even though there are various online channels to generate sales & leads - a Sales Team is definitely a need; be it a Product or a Service. Every Business Needs Sales and that's about it.

When should I Hire a Sales team?

To put it simply -

If you are a Product company - you will need the sales team as soon as the product is ready. Of course, tie-ups, marketing efforts, etc., should be done much earlier at the prototype or the MVP stage.

If you are a Services company - you need a sales team right from the beginning.

Can I manage a Sales team?

Simple, if you or someone from your team is from a Sales background - only then can you manage a Sales Team. Else, hire someone who can manage the team or just outsource it.

If I hire an internal sales team - what if they don't deliver?

This question is like a hanging sword - before you realize you would have burnt cash on a non-performing Sales Team. Most new Sales Teams don't deliver immediately - and with out the right management its all gonna go south.

Should I hire an internal Sales team? or Outsource the whole shindig?

And, the answer(s) to the question is -
> You Hire an Internal Sales Team if you are confident, have sales experience and can manage the team
> You hire an External Sales Firm to handle your business, in case you cannot afford hiring a team fulltime.

Outsourcing your Sales to an external firm is always a better choice - as it saves your time, money & most importantly ensures business is running!