Meet Gina, a Partner Sales Director on our Channel Sales team celebrating her 8th Yelpiversary. Today, she is sharing what inspired her to work in sales, what a typical day looks like in her role, and more.
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a job in sales?
I graduated college with a Communication Studies degree, but not knowing what field I was specifically interested in. However I naturally gravitated to sales, as I felt it would build upon my existing communication skills and help establish my professional career.
What is your advice to someone interested in sales?
Sales is a challenging but rewarding career, where you’ll see immense growth professionally and personally in just the first few years. Whether your goal is to remain an individual contributor or work your way up to management, sales will set you up for success if you demonstrate resilience.
Why did you want to work at Yelp?
Yelp is well known for its thorough training and focus on community, both of which I had been searching for in a company. I was intrigued by the endless opportunities that Yelp offered.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
My role is to onboard new clients and maintain existing clients and grow their revenue, much like a hunter/farmer. My mornings are focused on organizing my schedule and making sure I’m prepared for upcoming meetings. Being able to check items off my to-do list every morning fuels me and keeps me focused. Throughout the day, I respond to client emails, dive into administrative work, handle any issues that come up, recommend new campaigns and budget upgrades, run meetings, and call prospective clients. To finish the day, I confirm my to do list is finished and prepare for the next day.
What is your #1 tip for staying productive while working from home?
I always make sure to plan out my day in my calendar and stick to it. This allows me to focus on one task at a time without getting distracted and be more productive.
How do you stay motivated to hit your goals?
I like to see it as a marathon, not a sprint. Sales can be a roller coaster, there are good days and tough ones, but you can’t let the tough days keep you down. Learn from them and stay resilient. I also take a few minutes to enjoy the company of my mini double doodle to take my mind off the job for a bit!
Tell us something you learned from the Yelp Sales Development Program that made you a better salesperson
I learned to ask open-ended questions. You’d be surprised at how much you can learn by asking smart questions. If you know your client’s needs are from the get-go, a “hard-sell” won’t be necessary!
How does Yelp support your work-life balance?
Moving to a remote work environment has allowed me to get rid of my commute and have a good work-life balance. Yelp understands the need for a personal life and promotes that healthy balance. For example, we schedule meeting times that allow for flexible lunch breaks, and give employees the freedom to work from anywhere!
How does your manager or Yelp’s leadership let you know that your work is valued?
Our leadership team does a great job at making each employee feel valued, and spotlight sales reps of all different tenure and departments in our weekly and monthly meetings. In addition to celebrating revenue wins, our leadership team always makes a point to highlight promotions, small meeting wins, instances of collaboration, etc.
Want to work with Gina?
Get started on your own Five Star Career journey by exploring a new career path at Yelp! Check out some of our job openings to find an opportunity that interests you.
