Simply because you’re a social person does not mean you have to directly work in sales. There are many supporting roles which also allow for close contact without having to put yourself out there.
Meet Barbara, one of our Partner Success Managers for the Benelux region at Leadinfo. She joined the Leadinfo team in 2021, and this is what inspires her to do what she does every day.
I was open to new opportunities that would allow me to elevate my skills while also being in close contact with people as I’m quite a social person. However, I wasn’t sure what I was looking for exactly. So I made a LinkedIn post to see if someone knew of a vacancy or company that would fit my personality and goals.
Long story short, Han heard of me via a friend who shared my post and reached out to set up an interview. I went in for a chat and just had a good feeling. This felt right. The position would allow me to learn new skills and contact people while also making a tangible difference at a company. So when I got an offer, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.
I studied International Business Management with a minor in Marketing which prepared me for a large variety of jobs. So I started off as a Trainee Account Manager at a distribution company. I was responsible for developing long-term relationships and after-sales support for clients all over the world. This position is where I first realised that I enjoyed chatting with people. From forming new connections to helping them out when possible, I liked developing the company’s network. Another reason I thought the position at Leadinfo was the right fit for me.
At Leadinfo, we have a partner program of 600+ partners in the Benelux region alone. These agencies need to be onboarded and given support as needed. So I’m the person that takes care of that for our Dutch and Belgian partners. I am readily available throughout the workweek as either their first point of contact or to check in or answer any possible questions for those companies. I also host product demo’s for agencies to initially explain to them how to best use our software. Meaning I’m in constant contact with different stakeholders, and no two phone calls are the same.
Apart from my responsibilities, I really enjoy our company culture. It’s young, vibrant, energetic and open. I work with open-minded and very international colleagues, an aspect which I enjoy having travelled a fair share myself.
I also enjoy the freedom of working here. In that, it’s not a corporate environment at all. There is no hierarchy. Everyone just works towards the same goal: to make Leadinfo THE lead generation software for companies around the world.
I’ve gained a lot of interpersonal skills, a fancy way of saying that I’ve improved my communication skills. From learning to be more assertive and improving my negotiation skills to acquiring and practising sales techniques when in contact with prospects, I’ve further honed my social skills.
I’ve also been exposed and can work with many more tools, platforms and CMS’s given our large integration options. Technical exposure which can come in handy down the line.
I love the great outdoors. So outside of work, you can find me taking a lot of walks or hiking, when possible, in the Alps. I find that these activities, along with working out and playing video games, help me blow off some steam and disconnect from work.
I also love to read. My favourite book is Midnight Library by Matt Haig, which explores how our choices and the items we own shape us and the possibilities which present themselves to us. However, I would also recommend American Dirt, The Silent Patient, and a classic such as Lord of the Rings.
If you want to ask Barbara more questions, feel free to email her at barbara@leadinfo.com. We’re always on the hunt for new talent. So whether you’re a developer, marketing specialist or sales pro, we want to hear from you! Check out our vacancies and come work at one of the fastest-growing scale-ups in Rotterdam.
