PROFILE OF A SALES PERSON
Michelle Head
Michelle’s career with FDM is a great example of city style achievement done the Brighton way. Michelle started with FDM eleven years ago (March ‘97) as a Receptionist after working in various jobs around Brighton during her studies and then graduating from Brighton University with a Psychology/Sociology degree. It was a classic case of starting out in an entry level position and fast becoming one of the best salesperson the company has seen!
After three months on reception Michelle moved into sales at the entry level position of Resourcer, after cajoling the CEO that she could easily do what the other Resourcers were doing only better. Rod recognised her potential and admired her drive and determination and within 12 months Michelle was promoted to Account Manager where she brought many new contacts onto the FDM client list.
In just 18 months Michelle progressed from being the FDM Receptionist driving her orange Allegro into work to become a successful Account Manager driving a brand new BMW Z3 convertible and managing over 80 contract staff for FTSE100 clients.
Michelle continued to grow her accounts and client list smashing all targets thrown her way. In 2004 she generated £1.8 million profit for the company, had 126 consultants on billing and was awarded both ‘Sales Person Of The Year’ and ‘Manager Of The Year’.
Michelle definitely feels good about working at FDM. "This company has helped me to achieve the most amazing things and the support that I get from the management team is second to none.” She says, “…it’s like running your own business but with built-in expert support on hand. It’s exciting, dynamic, challenging and the company has a great family feel about it. Many people have been with the company a long time and have become good friends – it’s become a way of life.”
However the very best thing about working for FDM, in Michelle’s opinion, is that the opportunities are endless and the rewards generous. Throughout her career Michelle has enjoyed twice yearly team trips skiing in the Alps, golfing in Portugal’s sunny Algarve and exploring some of Europe’s more cosmopolitan cities – all paid for by the company as a reward for consistently hitting tough targets.
A typical day for Michelle would start at 8.30am either in the Brighton or London office, checking her e-mails and making sure all administration, including signing off new contracts, is up to date. She then catches up with the team, setting daily targets before attending meetings with her Account Management team to develop new clients to bring business into the company. Take it from someone who has ‘been there, done that’…as Michelle says, it’s a very hands on role and you have to be prepared to work long hours, be highly motivated and be 100% committed. As you can imagine, Michelle’s very much looking forward to the next 10 years with FDM!
Andy Barnes
Andy Barnes is an interesting character; he is just 26, a life vegan, married, has two dogs, and is FDM’s top salesman for 2006 and all this after only 4 years with FDM!
He joined FDM in 2002 after exactly 51 weeks with a leading business information company, where he’d been selling conferences into the finance sector. Andy is emphatic about the 51 weeks as he hated the job after 4 months, but knew that he had to get experience and length of service to build up his CV. With a good grounding in telesales, sales development and relationship building, Andy moved onto FDM.
All sales staff join as Sales Trainees where they experience the routine of working to targets, under pressure and to tight deadlines. To really succeed you must be enthusiastic, optimistic, and persistent and be prepared to put in the hours! Andy’s capability was quickly spotted and within 9 months was promoted to Account Manager.
Now after 5 years, he has 70 contractors working on customer assignments, including 18 Mounties – FDM’s permanently employed technical consultants. Andy has also opened up some fantastic new accounts including JPMorgan Chase, HBOS Treasury Services, ABN AMRO Futures, Jane’s, De La Rue, Swiss Re, BNP Paribas and most recently Barclays Wealth. It’s a fantastic achievement after such a short time and Andy is now earning over £80k, drives a BMW and is about to take his 2nd ski-trip this year!
Andy says: “FDM has given me the chance to succeed within an extremely rewarding environment – an opportunity that I would never have had at my previous job. I’ve travelled on sales conferences to Ireland, Portugal and Spain, and won places on FDM sales events to Val d’Isere, Ischgl and St.Moritz. I’m having a great time!”
Three years ago he raised over £2500 for The Downs Syndrome Association ably assisted by FDM and the generosity of his clients and colleagues!
Andy loves working for FDM, but is cautious about recommending recruitment to everyone. “You get what you put into FDM – the people are great, the products are interesting to sell and the rewards are good, but it takes hard work, patience, determination and a thick skin.”
He is now looking forward to relocating and making use of the new London office, after seeing colleagues being transferred to the Washington and Frankfurt offices he is keen to make his mark on the Square Mile.
