{"id":566,"date":"2022-03-07T11:40:16","date_gmt":"2022-03-07T11:40:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/yhs.uyx.mybluehost.me\/en\/?p=566"},"modified":"2024-05-28T11:22:44","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T11:22:44","slug":"job-interview-head-of-sales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zenloop.com\/en\/in-the-loop\/job-interview-head-of-sales\/","title":{"rendered":"Job interview: Sales Manager \u2013 is There More to it Than Just Cold-Calling?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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There\u2019s probably no other job against which we\u2019re so prejudiced than that of sales manager. \u201cYou\u2019re only on the phone all day\u201d or \u201cI just can\u2019t imagine all that cold-calling\u201d are things that one often hears about the job. Our colleague Felix, Head of Sales, talks about what the everyday duties of a sales manager really are, and the parts of his work at our integrated Experience Management Platform zenloop\u00a0that he particularly enjoys.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Felix, Head of Sales, Interviewed about his Work at our integrated Experience Management Platform<\/h2>\n

1. Please briefly introduce yourself.<\/h3>\n

I\u2019m Felix and have been the Head of Sales at the Customer Experience Management Platform zenloop since 2018. After several great years in Hamburg, I was drawn to the Berlin start-up scene where I feel I can freely live out my passion for sales and leadership.<\/p>\n

2. What other jobs did you do on your way to this position?<\/h3>\n

I started out in head-hunting and was able to take on lots of responsibility very early on. It was always thrilling for me to meld myself to new challenges and to continually find new strategies to help me do so.<\/p>\n

After three years in my profession, I built my first sales team for a SaaS firm from the recruiting field, and I began to focus on enterprise customers and management themes before becoming Head of Sales at zenloop.<\/p>\n

When you look back at your career at zenloop so far, is there any particular moment that stands out? Why is this moment so special?<\/h3>\n

On my second day at work, I was immediately pulled into an important conference, deeply involved with the discussion, and that evening, got to know many entrepreneurs and potential clients at an exclusive dinner. Thanks to this kickstart, I was involved from day one and also gained increased self-confidence on the way.<\/p>\n

The trust of my team assists me daily in making good, rapid decisions and helps me develop myself.<\/p>\n

4. Which qualities and strengths did you develop at zenloop that have been meaningful for your own personal development and growth?<\/h3>\n

Definitely my efficiency. I\u2019ve learned how to focus on the result, how to divide up my time, how to be more productive, and how to communicate efficiently.<\/p>\n

In my leading role, I have learned how to give up responsibility and delegate tasks, to give everyone the chance to find their own way in new areas, and to bring their talents to bear.<\/p>\n

5. There are almost certainly prejudices about the job of head of sales or sales manager generally. Tell me, being a sales manager – is it just cold-calling?<\/h3>\n

I got my foot in the door of my biggest sales by cold-calling. For me, it\u2019s not about whether cold-calling is fun or not\u2014it\u2019s about making contact. We want to win over the best companies on the market as our customers and offer our solution as part of their success. This means we have to talk to each other.<\/p>\n

Nowadays, the telephone is just one tool among many, and at the end of the day, it\u2019s less about the tool and more about how it is used. And yes, cold-calling can be lots of fun! However, that is only one aspect of a sales manager\u2019s job. We also attend many conferences, integrate new technologies into our processes, train in many dimensions, and have fun in the office.<\/p>\n

Working in sales means one thing above all others: variety and development. In only a few jobs, you can learn so much about so many people and companies, adapt yourself to ever-changing situations, be creative, and continually learn something new. You also quickly develop a large network that you can call on when needed.<\/p>\n

The skills you learn in sales help you in all aspects of your life\u2014for example, presenting something to a group or setting goals. Additionally, I like waking up every day to something new, to building up our market with our team, to continually improving our processes and organization, to learning from each other, and to celebrating our successes.<\/p>\n

6. How would you describe the dynamic and working style of your team?<\/h3>\n

I regard my team as being completely involved and always ready to sprint the extra mile when needed. My colleagues question the Status Quo, bring their own ideas to the table, and always approach new tasks with a \u201ccan-do\u201d mentality.<\/p>\n

We have different characteristics which complement another well. Through our open and transparent culture, where errors are allowed and accepted, we have quickly grown into an effective team.<\/p>\n

7. What do you especially like about working for zenloop?<\/h3>\n

Even though we are a young organization, we work very professionally and have already built up a strong and competent core team. Through our dynamic working style, we have included individuals and built on pre-existing strengths.<\/p>\n

Here, everyone, from the intern to the CEO, is responsible for their own project. Additionally, we make rapid decisions, try different approaches, and learn quickly.<\/p>\n

An additional point is the investment in workers and the office culture. Twice a year, we spend a week away for workshops and bonding, receive instruction in soft skills and tools, and give everyone the opportunity to grow into a role that previously might have looked like too much.<\/p>\n

8. What is the greatest challenge for the sales team at zenloop?<\/h3>\n

At the moment, we have several exciting projects on the go and have to keep many balls up in the air at once. To allow our team to grow rapidly, we set high standards and optimized our process. We always try to stay in balance and not let daily operations pass us by.<\/p>\n

An additional challenge is our complex sales cycle, which involves different decision-makers who have to be involved at the right stage and agree with our viewpoint.<\/p>\n

9. How would you describe zenloop to a good friend?<\/h3>\n

It is a great place to work successfully, grow personally, and meet a lot of great people.<\/p>\n

10. What should applicants bring with them in order to be successful?<\/h3>\n

Mainly drive and passion. With these attributes, you can make up for a lack of specialist knowledge. For me, there are other qualities, such as resilience, discipline, an open mind, and courage, which are important for success.<\/p>\n

My best tip for success in this job is to have no plan B, put all your eggs in one basket, and always do your best\u2014even when that is sometimes hard.<\/p>\n

11. What do you like to do when you\u2019re not at work?<\/h3>\n

When I\u2019m not working, I burn off energy at Krav Maga training, read a good book, or enjoy long, funny evenings with good friends and time with my family. I am also a big fan of personal development, spirituality, and American Football.<\/p>\n

My small contribution to a better world is through my involvement as a mentor for refugees trying to start a new life in Germany.<\/p>\n

Would you like to be part of our team and mission to revolutionize Customer Experience Management? Then apply now and get on board!<\/p>\n

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Are you still hunting for the right career and aren\u2019t sure which is the right one for you? Here you can find additional interviews with our\u00a0Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Judith, and our\u00a0Head of Customer Success, Cam.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

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