This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 114th installment visiting with Jacklyn Steele, a sales representative with Unifirst, which provides workwear and facility service solutions.
Tell me more about Unifirst. Unifirst has been in business since 1936, We actually started out of a horse barn with only a handfull of employees. We now have grown to over 250 facilities in North America and Europe. At UniFirst we offer a very diverse range of products, but we are best known for our superior uniform program.
How did you get started? I have always held a sales position, but with this particular business I was very persistent, I did my homework, and knew who I would potentially be working for.
What is your background? Sales experience was a huge factor, along with product knowledge, Prospecting skills, Being good at rapport building, being able to be an active listener and have excellent communication skills.
Describe your customers. We have a very diverse range of customers from small businesses to large corporation. Basically if you have a business we can service you.
Name three things you wish you knew when you started. You must be prepared to give (a lot) before you get… Its all about helping the customer not selling the customer. You are going to have to play a marketing role as well as a sales role… You will not get anywhere if you are not marketing. You have to be comfortable with asking uncomfortable questions… Prospects do not buy on logic, they buy on emotions and use logic to justify the decisions.
What do you enjoy about your position? I enjoy making other people happy, and when you give them quality products at a good price, it makes them happy!