How Top Performing Account Executives Start Their New Sales Year (2025)

Sharing My Best Practices: How Top Account Executives Start the Sales Year Strong

A Fresh Start for a New Sales Year

Every new sales year is a reset. The previous year’s results are locked in, and now the scoreboard goes back to zero. No matter how well or poorly last year went, the best Account Executives don’t dwell on the past. They take control, set a clear strategy, and get to work.

I’ve been in the trenches, carrying a seven-figure quota and closing more than 100 enterprise deals. I’ve worked alongside some of the best in the industry, and I know what separates top performers from the rest. It’s not luck or talent—it’s a structured approach to starting the year right.

Recharge and Reset Before Jumping In

Sales is intense. Long sales cycles, high-pressure deals, and non-stop execution can drain even the best AEs. That’s why top performers don’t just start fast—they start fresh.

Before setting new goals, they take time to step back, reflect, and recharge. Some take a few days offline to travel, spend time with family, or go on a personal retreat. Others use this time to analyze the past year—what worked, what didn’t, and where they can improve.

They also celebrate their wins. Whether they crushed quota or barely scraped by, they acknowledge the effort and lessons learned. Success in sales is a long game, and a positive mindset fuels momentum.

Set Goals That Go Beyond Quota

Your company assigns your quota and compensation plan, but that’s just the baseline. The best AEs don’t just aim to hit 100%—they plan for 150% to 200% attainment.

They break this down into specific, measurable targets:

• Quarterly pipeline goals to ensure they’re always ahead.

• Weekly revenue-generating activities like outreach, meetings, and proposals.

• Daily habits that keep them sharp, from deep work to follow-ups.

They also reconnect with their why—the deeper motivation beyond just closing deals. Whether it’s financial freedom, career growth, or building something bigger, this purpose drives their consistency throughout the year.

Surround Yourself with A-Players

Sales is a high-performance profession, and the best AEs know they can’t do it alone. They actively seek out top-performing colleagues to exchange strategies, learn from mentors and coaches, and engage with elite sales networks to stay ahead of the game.

They also train with winners. Just like elite athletes, they surround themselves with people who push them to be better. Sales is competitive, and being in the right environment makes all the difference.

Sell Business Outcomes, Not Products

Top AEs don’t sell software, hardware, or services. They sell business outcomes. Executives don’t care about product features—they care about revenue growth, cost savings, and operational efficiency.

Winning big deals starts with mastering the executive Point-of-View (POV). The best AEs do their homework before meeting with decision-makers. They analyze:

• Industry trends and the biggest challenges their prospects face.

• Competitive insights and the opportunity cost of inaction.

• How their solution impacts revenue, productivity, and costs.

Instead of pitching a product, they lead with insights and help executives see the impact of their decisions. This is how they win multi-year, high-value contracts instead of chasing transactional deals.

Build Systems, Not Just Motivation

Top AEs don’t rely on motivation to stay consistent—they build high-performance systems that keep them sharp every day.

They prioritize:

• Physical strength through exercise and movement.

• Mental clarity with proper sleep and stress management.

• Healthy habits like nutrition and active recovery to sustain performance.

They also work smarter with CRM and AI, cutting distractions and focusing only on what moves the needle. Sales is a professional sport, and they treat it like one.

Let’s Connect and Level Up Together

Starting the year strong isn’t about luck—it’s about having the right mindset, strategy, and habits. If you want to level up in sales, it helps to be part of a network of people who push you forward.

I’ve worked with the best, and I’m here to help. Let’s talk. official@mikapyhamaki.com