ABOUT SAYI
Fellow sales professionals,
B2B sellers power Australia's economy yet unlike other professions, we have no representative body.
There are an estimated 500,000 sellers in Australia, of whom 20,000–30,000 work in the B2B space (Source: ABS/LinkedIn/SEEK data analysis).
We drive high-value growth across finance, technology, consulting, and more but we lack the recognition, protection, and professional standards that law, medicine, and accounting established long ago.
Sales professionals often have tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars at stake, with up to 50% of their income tied to targets, territories and commissions and that are poorly defined, arbitrarily assigned, or withheld without recourse.
We are often misunderstood as professionals; our development and skills are inconsistent, we can face unclear expectations, while our goals and roles are often restructured on a whim.
Our Mission
We’re organising a member-led association to:
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Lift the standing of B2B sales as a respected profession
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Establish and certify standards, ethics, up-to-date skills, and member accreditation (e.g. CPD, credentials)
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Support employers with best-practice contracts and hiring, and members with employment issues and commission disputes
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Promote member careers and build structured, long-term career paths in B2B sales
This isn’t about antagonising employers; it’s about building a better career path for sellers.
You have been invited by a fellow professional seller to register your interest and have your voice heard as a Founding Voter for the new organisation.
Why This Matters
SAYI is a movement to professionalise sales and give B2B sellers a voice.
The average job tenure for B2B sellers in Australia is now under 2.5 years and falling: one of the shortest of any white-collar profession (Source: LinkedIn)
We all know someone who has had their earned commission disputed - and sometimes even had to engage lawyers to get paid
Just 30%-42% of B2B sellers hit quota each year, and falling (Source: Gartner, CSO insights, Repvue)
Sales is evolving fast and so must sellers.
AI, remote work, geopolitical shifts and evolving buyer behaviours are rewriting the playbook
Our employers have often been good for us, but the numbers show they won’t be with us for the whole of our careers, while every change of role can be a roll of the dice.
There should be a significant future for the profession but this change is long overdue; It’s time to shape our future before it’s shaped for us.
We’re often held accountable for things beyond our control. But what’s within our control- as individuals and as a profession - can be expanded. That’s the point of SAYI.
If we act together, we can shape a structured, respected sales career where performance leads to progress, not instability.
If we don’t, we know what to expect: more volatility, less clarity, and careers that reset every few years.
What Happens Next
SAYI is a movement to professionalise sales and give B2B sellers a voice.
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Help Shape the new professional association
Q2 2025 – Registration
Q4 2025 – Survey & Nominations
Q1 2026 – Voting Packs
April 2026 – Inaugural Meeting
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What is this campaign about?SAYI (Sellers, Are You In?) is a peer-led campaign to build Australia’s first professional association for B2B sellers. No recruiters. No sponsors. Just sellers shaping our own future.
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Who can register?Founding Voters should be: Current or recent B2B sellers or sales managers In a quota-based or commissioned role With at least 2 years of experience Based in Australia Not business owners or execs (These criteria may evolve once the association is formed.)
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Will my employer look poorly on my association?We believe this association will ultimately enhance your credibility much like chartered accountants and other certified professionals, who are actively sought out by employers. That said, we understand concerns around visibility. Please be assured: Your privacy is fully protected during this process and in any future membership You have a legal right in Australia to join a professional association, but no obligation to disclose it to your employer This is not a union but a standards-based, peer-led association focused on professionalism, ethics, and career development, not antagonising employers
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What is the $5 for?$5 is a token commitment to register as a Founding Voter. It’s not a membership fee. Every cent will be transparently documented and transferred to the founding treasury of the member-led body by this campaign.
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Will the fees be expensive?Membership fees will be set by the board and put to a vote by Founding Voters, based on the structure and services the organisation agrees to offer. Before the inaugural meeting, all Founding Voters will be surveyed to share their priorities and views on issues including fair membership costs. For context, professionals in fields like medicine and accounting, who typically earn less than enterprise B2B sellers pay between $500 and $1,000 per year for accreditation and association membership. These fees are fully tax-deductible
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What happens after I register?You’ll be invited to: Join a member survey (late 2025) Nominate yourself or others for the board Vote in the inaugural meeting (April 2026) Help define the structure, mission, and services of the association
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What happens after the board is elected?The structure, governance model and name of the organisation will be confirmed A formal mission and principles statement will be published A membership proposal (including fees, services, and eligibility) will be put to Founding Voters for feedback and approval
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Is my information private?Yes. Your name and data will never be shared publicly. You are legally entitled to join a professional association in Australia, and you’re under no obligation to tell your employer.
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Is this a union?No. SAYI is a standards-based, peer-led professional body. We’re focused on ethics, recognition, skills, and careers, not conflict with employers
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What happens if there isn’t enough interest to move forward?If we determine there’s insufficient support to proceed after the registration campaign, all Founding Voters will be notified. A brief report will be shared outlining the total registrations received and summarising key feedback. This ensures transparency and honours the time and interest of those who participated.
