You're the rep and the number is crazy
A rep has less leverage on quota than a manager does. That's just true. But the reps who bring a clean case to their manager get more than the ones who complain in the team channel.
What can actually change
- The territory: accounts that moved in or out after the number was set
- Ramp: if you're new, a ramp schedule is normal, so ask what yours is
- One-time deals: a giant deal from last year baked into this year's number
- Crediting: deals you work that don't count toward your number
- The start date, if you inherited the territory mid-year
The total usually won't move much. These often do.
How to raise it
Ask your manager for fifteen minutes, not a meeting about fairness. Bring your number next to last year's actuals for the territory, your pipeline at your real win rate, and the one change you're asking for.
Then ask: "What has to be true for me to hit this?" If your manager can answer it, you have a plan. If they can't, they now have something to take upstairs, in their words instead of yours.
What not to do
Don't threaten to leave unless you mean it. Don't compare your number to a teammate's in public. And don't sandbag the first quarter to prove a point. It proves the other point.
