Tell us a bit about yourself and what you're up to now
Having graduated Law school in The Netherlands I moved to the UK in 2012. New country, new career! Currently I spend most of my free time as quality family time - which includes being the 'cheapest Uber driver' for my son to all his various sports trainings. I try to read one book a week and enjoy going for nice meals out and traveling to exotic locations.
What was your journey into a career in Tech Sales
Not keen to go back to law school when I moved to the UK, I took a chance and got a job as an SDR selling wifi technology. I did have the benefit of speaking multiple languages which made my journey into the role easier. So I then started all my sales training from absolute zero and fell in love with sales! Moving through various sales roles over the years (AE, channel etc) I always came back to coaching/mentoring/supporting the teams I was in - so sales management and sales development management is what I've been doing the longest now, growing teams from 1 to over 120+ globally.
What would you say are the best things about working in Tech Sales
I'd say it's three main things:
1. Being surrounded by driven people at the top of their potential, working with cutting-edge technologies and top brands; forcing to you become the best version of yourself.
2. The career opportunities; working in sales will give you both many transferable skills as well as the much-needed resilience that will serve anyone well in any next step in their professional (and personal) life. And there's steps possible in all sorts of directions.
3. The need to always keep innovating; tech sales doesn't sit still, what worked a year ago won't work today. You'll need to keep learning and improving your approach and technique and not get complacent.
And of course, the great earning potential (which is often linked to your actual results) is a bonus too!
What advice would you give to someone who is just about to start their career in sales
Be driven, visible and clear on what you want. 'Sell' yourself into the sales role you want and show them what you're made of. Once in a role: don't stay confined within this one role; make sure to excel at what you do and then take on more responsibilities where possible, in line with your own interests and strongest skills.
Why did you decide to join Tangent as a Mentor and why should others join as Mentors too
Having hired a LOT of people into their first (or second) sales role, I love to use this experience to give more people their chance at success in tech sales.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role has always been to see new sales people take their next professional steps and help them grow into an amazing career.
And as sales is still very much helped by having a great network, I gladly make mine available and support people where I can; whether that's on how to break into it (with CV or interview help) or with ongoing career advice on how to keep growing professionally and keep advancing (eg into leadership roles).
Ready to make a difference?
A few hours a month, a lifetime of impact. Tangent connects you with aspiring Business Development Reps from socially diverse backgrounds for short-term mentoring and an employee referral.
Sign up to be a Tangent Mentor today 👇
