Heather V never seriously considered pursuing a job in sales. However, after joining our team as a Local Account Manager in 2014, she discovered her love for the industry and saw her potential for a successful, lifelong career. Now eight years later, Heather is a Midmarket Client Partner on our Midmarket Sales team.
How did you know you wanted to pursue a job in sales?
When I started as a Local Account Manager at Yelp in November 2014, at the time I never thought I would pursue a career in sales. However, helping clients grow their business via Yelp is something I was passionate about, and once I learned more about the Midmarket Client Partner role, it was a no-brainer to pursue it!
What is your advice to someone interested in sales?
Always find out your prospect’s end goal before trying to sell anything! If you hear them out and understand what they’re working towards, then you can create a customized solution based on that knowledge. From there, it should be an easy yes!
Why did you want to work at Yelp?
I really wanted to leave the banking world once I graduated college. Back in one of my college writing courses, I had written a cover letter for “Yelp – Local Account Manager”. So when the recruiting team at Yelp sent me an email to apply, it felt like destiny, and here I am eight years later!
What does a typical day look like in your role?
Wake up, have coffee, and get the kids to school. Then, I clear my inbox, look at my meetings for the day, and make a smoothie. I’ll typically have some outreach to complete for some accounts that are due for quarterly meetings and then have 1-3 meetings per day with current clients on reporting and proposals. I usually squeeze in a Peloton workout and a dog walk between things. Once my girls are home from school, I’ll work on reporting decks until I sign off to cook dinner and enjoy a glass of wine.
What is your #1 tip for staying productive while working from home?
Be overly communicative to clients, team members, and everyone! If people know what you have going on and that you will always get to their requests, then they’re less likely to get frustrated. For example, if a client has a request you can’t get to the same day, respond and let them know. Manage those expectations of working from home so that no one is in the dark!
How do you stay motivated to hit your goals when you’re having a tough day?
I always remind myself that I get to sit in my own home, take and pick up my kids from school, and talk to clients who I’ve built solid relationships with! Things are always changing, but I always know that my well-being is a priority at Yelp!
How does Yelp support your work-life balance?
Working from home has been the best move for my family. We live about 45 min (no traffic) from the office, so that time back has made my life 100% better.
How does your manager remind you that your work is valued?
I’ve always been very fortunate with managers at Yelp and have always been told directly that I am a valued team member and contributor.
Tell us something you learned from the Yelp Sales Development Program that made you a better salesperson
There are so many resources out there. If you are looking for something to share with a client or a good list of questions to ask them, there are always tools and resources to assist!
Tell us about a community that you are proud to be a part of at Yelp
I’ve had both of my kids while working at Yelp, and I’m part of YelpParents. This community has always been a great resource and advocate for parents in the company.
Want to work with Heather?
Heather recently celebrated her 8th year on our team. Get started on your own journey by exploring a new career path at Yelp! Check out some of our job openings to find an opportunity that interests you.
