WOMEN WHO SELL WITH IMOGEN STREET
‘Women Who Sell’ is all about showcasing women who sell and are thriving and challenging stereotypes. We feature real perspectives of what it’s like being someone that identifies as a woman in Sales, the barriers and the breakthroughs.
Here, Imogen Street, Product & Sales Manager at VWV shares her take.
What is your job title?
Product and Sales Manager at VWV.
How did you get into sales and what makes it the career of your choice?
Like many people, I sort of 'fell' into sales. I studied psychology at university, but after graduating there were so many options... do I get a job, do a master’s degree, go travelling?!
Whilst I was deliberating my options, I was offered an opportunity to join an Ed Tech start-up as a Sales Executive in its very early stages. I had never considered a career in sales before and naively I thought "why would I go through all the effort of university to 'end up' in sales?". But, I decided to give it a go.
As it was a small start-up, I was able to get involved with all areas of the business including marketing, software development, CRM, and content production. But it was the sales part that I really enjoyed. There is nothing like the thrill of making a new sale, especially when each sale has such a measurable impact on the business and those around you.
It turned out that having a psychology degree was also a great starting point and having worked in hospitality for many years alongside studying at school and university, I was already at an advantage with my well-developed people skills.
I think what sealed the deal for me staying in sales was the earning potential. I was weighing up whether to go back to university and study for a master’s degree or continue my career in sales. Considering the cost of tuition fees and subsequent earning potential vs continuing my career in sales, it was a no-brainer!
I have been working as Sales Manager at VWV for the last four years, leading on the sales of our tech-based products through our subsidiary brand VWV Plus. This was a perfect next step for me as it still had the buzz and challenges of being a start-up, but with the backing of a well-established and reputable law firm. Like my last role, I started here as the first sales person and following the significant growth of our sales pipeline and product offering I have recently recruited into my team for the first time, so I am also enjoying this next stage of my career as a people manager.
So, after 'falling' into sales seven years ago, I can safely say it is now my career of choice and not just a convenient option!
Are there any barriers you have faced as a woman working in sales, and how have you overcome them?
Aside from the usual barriers you face in sales, I am lucky that for the most part, I haven't felt being a woman has created barriers. Sales is generally viewed as a male-dominated industry and in the past, I have worked in an all-male sales team. It didn't put me off and I had a good relationship with my colleagues, but I think this would be off-putting for other women wanting to get into sales as it can be quite intimidating.
How did I overcome it? I learnt a lot about football and cricket and was determined to fly the flag for women in the team! I hope that by encouraging more women to get into a career in sales this will become a thing of the past one day.
What do you like the most about being a woman in sales?
I love building relationships with people and that is at the heart of being a good salesperson. Not only with new and existing clients but also with my colleagues.
I also love breaking down the stereotype that everyone in sales resembles Del Boy! This is so far from reality but I still feel like sales is regarded as a dirty word by many people and I want to keep proving this wrong, sales is an art and there is a lot more skill involved than people give us credit for!
What advice do you have for a woman wanting to get into sales and those wanting to advance?
Sales is a great career choice, and I would encourage any woman contemplating a career in sales to give it a go. Don't let the archaic stereotypes put you off.
All the women I know who work in sales are amazing and excelling in their careers.
My advice would be:
Say yes to opportunities
If you try new things and step out of your comfort zone you will learn and develop your skills and ultimately become a better saleswoman. There are so many transferrable skills so these don't have to be opportunities you would typically associate with sales.
Know your skillset and play that to your advantage
There are lots of different personas in sales so don't assume that if you don't fit a typical sales persona, you can’t be successful.
Find a role that aligns with your career goals
Want training and clear progression? Find a company with a tried and tested model. Want to learn other areas of business and be a part of something really exciting? Consider a start-up.
Know your worth
I was nervous to go for promotion in the past but with a nudge in the right direction (thanks enable!) I went for it, got the job and more than doubled my salary as a result.
- Written by Tim Macmillan
