Meet Samantha, Partner Sales Director on our Channel Sales team! Samantha has been with Yelp for over 11 years, and today she is giving us an inside look on what it’s like to work in Partner Sales, her journey at Yelp, and more!
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a job in sales?
Everyone always told me I was persuasive, so I figured I would be a good fit for sales. I was always in trouble in school for talking too much, and now I get paid to talk.
What is your advice to someone interested in sales?
Work hard, be coachable, and be open to failing fast. Being yourself will make you the most successful at sales that you can be.
Why did you want to work at Yelp?
It is hard to remember back to 2011 (dating myself here), but I think it was the winning culture. I had always been at companies that were big on hard work, but Yelp was big on celebrating hard work and showing appreciation. In my first hour on Yelp, I knew I wanted to be here for life!
What does a typical day look like in your role?
My job is to work with existing Yelp Partner Agencies and onboard new ones that do not currently partner with us. I spend the day calling new leads, setting pitches, and running meetings. I’m also completing tasks for the current Yelp Partners which include running reporting, updating Yelp information, and creating proposals for prospects of the agencies. It is also my job to hold new and existing agencies accountable to their Yelp Sales Goals.
What is your #1 tip for staying productive while working from home?
I use my calendar for everything. I try to group tasks together so that I stay on track. I also set time to do administrative work at the start of each day.
How do you stay motivated to hit your goals when you’re having a tough day?
I usually call my best friend (who has the same role as me) and bounce ideas around or even just vent quickly. Even though we are remote, it’s awesome to feel like I have a coworker next to me when needed!
Tell us something you learned from the Yelp Sales Development Program that made you a better salesperson
The objection triangle has helped me in work and my personal life. Always hear someone out, ask a question, and then ask for the close again!
How does Yelp support your work-life balance?
With my manager, as long as you hit your quotas and goals, you are in charge of your day. I stay strict with my start, stop, and lunch break each day, but I can move those around if need be.
How does your manager remind you that your work is valued?
Each day we have team meetings where my teammates and I are given shoutouts for our wins. My manager also gets just as excited about my deals as I do.
Want to work with Samantha?
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.
