Name: Rachael
Area of expertise:
Sales and business development
When & why did you join Get Ahead:
I joined Get Ahead in March to grow the number of clients I provide business development support to. I have worked as a freelance VA for two years offering a mix of services, however, as I come from a sales and business development background it is where my heart lies. It is very satisfying to contribute to a company’s growth and success.
It will be great to be part of the team. I love the energy, professionalism and friendliness of Get Ahead – it is a combination that really appeals to me. Plus, I am sure I will improve my business development skills through watching what Get Ahead do themselves!
What did you do before you joined Get Ahead:
I have worked in sales and business development for 15+ years. My career has predominantly been built in small independent companies for busy business owners. Rather than plateau, they were determined to keep pushing forward and scale up with help to generate sales and revenue.
I undertook lead generation, prospecting and cold calling, account management, identifying and approaching new opportunities and markets, market and competitor research, finding effective ways to grow an existing customer base, regaining lapsed accounts, field sales, exporting, making pitches, building pipelines, brand launches, planning and delivering events.
I have worked with a real mixed bag of sectors including FMCG, hospitality, leisure and tourism, agriculture, not-for-profit, healthcare, the educational sector and recruitment. From dairy parlour equipment to children’s books – I have enjoyed selling it!
Career highlight to date:
It maybe sounds trite but rather than a one-off event, knowing I have been part of a company’s growth is something I am incredibly proud of. You can’t beat seeing a hardworking business owner with a great product/service get the success they deserve.
Plans for the future:
Short-term it is to secure more business development clients, deliver results for them that in turn develop opportunities for us working together. Long-term, it is to use the fruits of my labour to buy my first house!