Sales Development Representative

Company Description

Key Space is an AI-driven platform designed to help small businesses manage inventory efficiently and scale confidently. We offer real-time tracking, demand forecasting, and intelligent automation to simplify supply chain decisions while reducing waste. Built for retail, logistics, and e-commerce, our highly customizable solution ensures optimal inventory visibility, smart alerts, and seamless replenishment. Key Space empowers small teams with enterprise-level operational capabilities — all without unnecessary complexity.

Role Description

This is a part-time contract role (10–15 hrs/week) for a Sales Development Representative based in San Diego. You'll be the first sales hire at an early-stage startup, working directly with the founder.

Your primary job is to book qualified demo meetings with local business owners. That means walking into retail stores across San Diego neighborhoods — North Park, Hillcrest, Little Italy, the beach communities — introducing Key Space, and scheduling the owner for a product demo. You'll also handle LinkedIn follow-ups with prospects you've met and log all activity in our CRM.

You won't be closing deals or running demos — the founder handles that. Your job is to fill the calendar with business owners who've agreed to see the product.

This role is ideal for someone who wants real startup sales experience, direct mentorship from a founder, and a track record they can point to when applying for full-time tech sales roles.

What You'll Do

• Visit 6–8 local retail stores per shift and pitch a free product trial to owners

• Send LinkedIn connection requests and follow-up messages to prospects after visits

• Research target stores and owners before each outing using Google Maps and LinkedIn

• Log all visits, conversations, and meetings booked in the CRM

• Collaborate with the founder weekly to refine messaging and prioritize target areas

Compensation

• Hourly stipend + commission per qualified meeting booked

• Bonus on closed deals that originate from your meetings

• Flexible schedule — you choose your days and routes

Qualifications

• Based in San Diego — this role requires in-person store visits

• Comfortable starting conversations with strangers and handling rejection gracefully

• Reliable, self-directed, and organized — you'll manage your own schedule and routes

• Strong communication skills, both in person and over LinkedIn/email

• Familiarity with CRM tools or willingness to learn quickly

• No sales experience required — curiosity, coachability, and consistency matter more

• Business, marketing, or communications students/recent grads are a great fit

• Previous experience in B2B sales, tech, or SaaS is a plus but not expected