A new addition to our "Day in the Life of a Yelp Employee" series is Jenn H. from the Yelp sales team. Based in Yelp's new Scottsdale office,
Jenn discusses the many opportunities she's had with the company (uh,
jet setter anyone?), what it's like to be a part of Yelp's fastest
growing office and working side by side with Chewbacca
and of course, how she helps business owners across the nation to learn
about Yelp and how they can leverage it to connect with customers.
Jenn discusses the many opportunities she's had with the company (uh,
jet setter anyone?), what it's like to be a part of Yelp's fastest
growing office and working side by side with Chewbacca
and of course, how she helps business owners across the nation to learn
about Yelp and how they can leverage it to connect with customers.
What did you do before coming to Yelp?
Before
Yelp I worked for an Equipment Leasing firm in Southern California. My
company provided competitive lease financing products to businesses
(snooze). Although I gained some important sales experience, I knew
ultimately I wanted a career that I was passionate about and one with
which I could see a real future… that's where Yelp came into play!
Before
Yelp I worked for an Equipment Leasing firm in Southern California. My
company provided competitive lease financing products to businesses
(snooze). Although I gained some important sales experience, I knew
ultimately I wanted a career that I was passionate about and one with
which I could see a real future… that's where Yelp came into play!
How did you first hear about Yelp and the job opening?
I found out about the job through a friend that worked in the New York office.
Once I read about the description and saw that I would be working with
local businesses, I knew the position would be a great fit for me. I
wanted to utilize my prior sales experience but also be involved in a
company that was a disruptive technology. After some grueling
interviews, I was extended an offer. I left my home state of California
and flew to New York to start my Yelp career. Little did I know where
Yelp would take me! I lived in New York for about 9 months and was then
given the opportunity to help open Yelp's newest (and largest) satellite office
in Scottsdale, AZ. It's been an incredible experience taking an office
from 0 to 120 employees in a 6 month period. I've been exposed to
different parts of the business and have grown my own career immensely!
What's your title at Yelp and how long have you been with the company?
I found out about the job through a friend that worked in the New York office.
Once I read about the description and saw that I would be working with
local businesses, I knew the position would be a great fit for me. I
wanted to utilize my prior sales experience but also be involved in a
company that was a disruptive technology. After some grueling
interviews, I was extended an offer. I left my home state of California
and flew to New York to start my Yelp career. Little did I know where
Yelp would take me! I lived in New York for about 9 months and was then
given the opportunity to help open Yelp's newest (and largest) satellite office
in Scottsdale, AZ. It's been an incredible experience taking an office
from 0 to 120 employees in a 6 month period. I've been exposed to
different parts of the business and have grown my own career immensely!
What's your title at Yelp and how long have you been with the company?
I
started as an Account Executive about 15 months ago. I sold sponsored
search results to local businesses to help them gain more exposure to
consumers in their area. After 9 months, I was offered the opportunity
to relocate to Scottsdale and play an integral role in opening the new
office. And now, just recently, I
was promoted to Training Manager — that means in addition to selling,
I help train and on-board our new hires here in Arizona!
started as an Account Executive about 15 months ago. I sold sponsored
search results to local businesses to help them gain more exposure to
consumers in their area. After 9 months, I was offered the opportunity
to relocate to Scottsdale and play an integral role in opening the new
office. And now, just recently, I
was promoted to Training Manager — that means in addition to selling,
I help train and on-board our new hires here in Arizona!
What comprises a typical day for you?
A lot of my job is educating business owners about the power of Yelp
— because most of them are so busy running their business, it's
helpful to have someone like me ensure their business is getting the
most out of Yelp. I walk business owners through Yelp's Targeted Advertising Program
and demonstrate to them how Yelp will get them more exposure to their
current and new customers. Additionally, now that I'm a Training
Manager, I work with new Account Executives to walk them through the
process of sales at Yelp and help them learn the ropes. One of my
favorite parts about my work day is that each day is unpredictable. I
never know who I am going to talk to and as a result, I get to learn
about so many unique and interesting businesses, people and meet a lot
of entrepreneurs that educate me, too.
— because most of them are so busy running their business, it's
helpful to have someone like me ensure their business is getting the
most out of Yelp. I walk business owners through Yelp's Targeted Advertising Program
and demonstrate to them how Yelp will get them more exposure to their
current and new customers. Additionally, now that I'm a Training
Manager, I work with new Account Executives to walk them through the
process of sales at Yelp and help them learn the ropes. One of my
favorite parts about my work day is that each day is unpredictable. I
never know who I am going to talk to and as a result, I get to learn
about so many unique and interesting businesses, people and meet a lot
of entrepreneurs that educate me, too.
What's the BEST part of working for Yelp?
I
love that there's endless opportunity to grow my career at Yelp. We
have a structured Yelp Sales Development Program that provides Account
Executives a clear path to gaining more responsibilities, more perks
and the ability to make more money. The Development Program is
fantastic because it shows you where you stand, lays out your goals,
and really trains you as you move into your next position in the
company. Getting to be part of an innovative Web 2.0 company that's
transforming the local business landscape is pretty darn cool too.
love that there's endless opportunity to grow my career at Yelp. We
have a structured Yelp Sales Development Program that provides Account
Executives a clear path to gaining more responsibilities, more perks
and the ability to make more money. The Development Program is
fantastic because it shows you where you stand, lays out your goals,
and really trains you as you move into your next position in the
company. Getting to be part of an innovative Web 2.0 company that's
transforming the local business landscape is pretty darn cool too.
What is your favorite perk at Yelp?
The best perk is definitely the people and culture… and I suppose our brand new office with shuffleboard, ping pong and Rock Band. But truly, I get to work side by side with amazing, talented people every day.
What has been your favorite memory at Yelp?
My
favorite memory… how do I choose? I think I'd have to say going to
Puerta Vallarta for Yelp's President's Club trip. A few times a year
Yelp takes the top sales performers on an all expenses paid trip. It's
tough to earn, you have to really work your tail off, but it was well
worth it! At Yelp you are
rewarded for your hard work and accomplishments, and the President's
Club trip is one of the best rewards you can earn. Needless to say I'm
working even harder this time around to qualify for the next trip!
favorite memory… how do I choose? I think I'd have to say going to
Puerta Vallarta for Yelp's President's Club trip. A few times a year
Yelp takes the top sales performers on an all expenses paid trip. It's
tough to earn, you have to really work your tail off, but it was well
worth it! At Yelp you are
rewarded for your hard work and accomplishments, and the President's
Club trip is one of the best rewards you can earn. Needless to say I'm
working even harder this time around to qualify for the next trip!
What separates Yelp from other places you've worked?
Yelp
is forward thinking in how it values their employees and company
culture. The company is invested in my professional development and I
get both formal and informal training on a daily basis. I was promised
three things when I started at Yelp: I would make money, have fun, and
grow my career. 15 months later all of those things hold true.
is forward thinking in how it values their employees and company
culture. The company is invested in my professional development and I
get both formal and informal training on a daily basis. I was promised
three things when I started at Yelp: I would make money, have fun, and
grow my career. 15 months later all of those things hold true.
Finally, what would be your one piece of advice for someone interested in your role?
To
be successful as an Account Executive you need to be motivated, a good
communicator and passionate. It's key that you be open to developing
and growing yourself. Working at Yelp is not a J-O-B where you clock
your card and sit around all day – it's a career. I come to the office
excited about my day and my opportunities to learn and grow. If you are
willing to put in the time to work hard and develop yourself, then Yelp
is a great fit for you!
be successful as an Account Executive you need to be motivated, a good
communicator and passionate. It's key that you be open to developing
and growing yourself. Working at Yelp is not a J-O-B where you clock
your card and sit around all day – it's a career. I come to the office
excited about my day and my opportunities to learn and grow. If you are
willing to put in the time to work hard and develop yourself, then Yelp
is a great fit for you!
