Tell us a bit about yourself and what you're up to now
I've worked for digital agencies for the majority of my career, and I'm currently working for Timberyard Commerce to help build out their GTM activity in the UK&I markets, talking to brands, retailers and manufacturers about how digital technologies and services can help them execute transformation projects.
I live down in Farnborough, Hampshire, and if you’ve ever been to the airshow you’ve probably driven past my house. If I’m not working, I'm probably playing (badly) football or watching (I'm better at this) football and split my time between Liverpool and my local team Aldershot.
What was your journey into a career in Tech Sales
I ended up in sales more by luck than judgement. I had completed my work experience whilst at school with Marks & Spencer and really enjoyed this, so when I left college I went straight in to full time work as a Management Trainee in retail.
After a relatively short time, I decided I needed to change direction and took on a temporary job in a local call centre working for a fulfilment business who also built IT solutions for retailers looking to sell online. 13 years later I was running the IT team, signing new clients and taking a lead role in growing the business before it was acquired.
The rest as they say is history.....
What would you say are the best things about working in Tech Sales
I've learnt over the years how quickly the technology landscape changes and evolves, and there is always something new or iterations of existing tech that keep things fresh and mean you need to keep up to date with the wider market and not just your own products.
People used to talk a lot about 3/5 year plans, and while you need a vision and direction to work towards, the market moves quickly and often it's difficult to predict what might be the key topics and tools in just 12 months time.
What advice would you give to someone who is just about to start their career in sales
Make sure you enjoy and celebrate the high's of winning new clients, and the commission that comes with it.... as there will also be low's when you can't get people to engage, or you've done a brilliant job only to be told the prospect has chosen a different provider for reasons totally out of your control.
Why did you decide to join Tangent as a Mentor and why should others join as Mentors too
I've always looked to take on voluntary roles in my spare time, and Tangent appealed to me as I really enjoy coaching and developing people, and seeing them progress, so this gave me an opportunity to share my knowledge and experience in a space I know well, and help those wanting to be successful with tips and ideas to grow in to 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 👇
