As the ISMM announced that sales professionals were the key personnel to help drive the UK out of recession, leading sales professionals across the country were recognised and rewarded for their achievements at the prestigious British Excellence in Sales & Marketing Awards (BESMA), run by the Institute of Sales & Marketing Managers (ISMM).
The title ‘Best new Sales Professional’ was awarded to Victoria Jameson, Sales Manager at Pareto Law, for her extraordinary achievements over the last year.
This was not only a great achievement for Victoria, but an important award for the sales profession recognising the fresh new talent emerging through a tough economic climate. As the sales environment changes, we were interested to talk to Victoria about her thoughts on working in sales, how she has approached her role and what it feels like to be the best new sales professional in the country!
A new role, a new challenge
Like many sales professionals, Victoria Jameson didn’t want just any job after finishing at university, “I was looking for a role that would be challenging, varied and of course offer the financial rewards to support the lifestyle I aspire to. I also wanted an employer who would take an active interest in my development [value my future] and enable me to grow through their business”
Naturally, for someone with drive, ambition and a desire for financial reward, a career in sales would always be appealing.
“During my search, I came across an advert on Pareto Law’s website for a Graduate Sales Scheme; the position sounded perfect, offering recognition and the progression opportunities I was looking for. After a tough interview process I got the job and haven’t looked back!
As a new recruit, especially in a sales environment, there is of course the need to make a good impression, to make your mark and to try and deliver quickly. Jameson puts her early successes down to three key areas; a good work ethic, passion and support from her employer.
Attitude, Passion and Knowledge Driven
Attitude seems to be a key aspect of Jameson’s success “Since the day I joined Pareto I have thrown myself into the role and I’ve loved every moment of it”. She continues, “I wouldn’t say I’ve done anything different or unusual, I’ve just done everything with as much enthusiasm and passion as I can”.
Whilst many sales professionals enter the world of sales with passion and a fantastic attitude, perhaps what has helped to make Jameson stand out is her ability to learn quickly, to be knowledge driven and to look at her contemporaries and understand what makes them good at their job. “I take every opportunity to learn from the successful people within Pareto – whilst there is a natural gift to sales, really looking at those who are already doing it well and working out why has been an important part of my development”.
Jameson also talks about the importance of adding value for her clients, a focus that any sales professional should always have in their mind, “I have worked with many organisations to create a sales culture for them and change their sales processes. It is really rewarding to witness the results; especially when I see the graduates I’ve placed become top performers, knowing that I have supported and been a part of their success.”
Moving Forward
Jameson has started her career well, so what does she feel can help keep her at the top in sales? “I want to continue to sell with passion and enthusiasm. I am also keen to develop my selling style by learning new skills and selling techniques. I have recently been promoted and now have a team to look after so I plan to work hard and focus on becoming a successful manager, developing future sales superstars …..and maybe winning Sales Manager of the Year at next year’s BESMAS!”
So what advice does Victoria have for anyone looking at a career in sales? “Sales is a great industry to work in; one day is never the same as the next! I have made some great business contacts, undertaken a variety of training courses to improve my knowledge, build my skills and ultimately enable me to succeed. I love that the more work and passion you put in, the quicker you progress and ultimately the more you can earn.”
The SalesPro would like to congratulate Victoria Jameson and Pareto Law for this award, and all the other winners at BESMA.