Of course, it depends on budget but it also depends on how close fit do you need with your industry / business. If budget is not an issue, I’d recommend going with headhunter. In the US, it is easy to get screwed up with well-spoken sales guys.
Look at headhunters who are specialising in sales space in the US –
- Gogohire.com – small team / niche in tech sales in Bay area
- A Sales Guy – solid brand presence amongst sales guys because of founder – Jim Keenan
- Bettsrecruiting.com – larger sales recruitment agency
However, if you’re going with outreach – I’d recommend looking for behaviours / characteristics that are applicable in most industries rather than a tight fit with your industry (hence competitors & partners).
I highly recommend two readings on startup sales hiring:
Finally, if you interview sales guys, I’d recommend 2 ways to structure your interview process. First, get them to do a DISC profile test. It will help you get a strength – weakness map for sales hires. (free DISC test version available courtesy Tony Robbins on this page link). Second, follow a STAR methodology in sales interview process It is discussed in details in my interview with the behavioral expert – Val Gray, on sales hiring with 100% confidence. (STAR technique explained after 11min point).