"Sales is not just about the numbers" - Inside Cadana with Fred

In this episode of Inside Cadana, we had the privilege of speaking to Fred, our sales manager at Cadana. Fred expressed talks about how Let's dive into it;

A brief introduction about yourself and what you do here at Cadana.

Hey there! My name is Fred, and I work as a Sales Manager at Cadana. As a top-tier and dynamic payroll SAAS provider, I sprinkle sales magic everywhere and make sure our business grows faster than a caffeinated cheetah. Picture a conductor leading a symphony of sales, but instead of music, we're jamming to the sweet sound of sales success, and that's pretty much what I do.

I orchestrate our team's efforts, harmonize with clients to meet their needs and compose a masterpiece of business growth. My days are filled with thrilling negotiations, captivating presentations, and victories that make my heart do a little victory dance. 😅

It's an exhilarating journey filled with exciting challenges and rewarding accomplishments.

Did you always want to work as a sales manager and what initially attracted you to a career in business growth and sales?

Okay, picture this: Little me, dreaming of becoming the captain of a huge ship and navigating the oceans. I used to daydream about epic adventures and grand quests on the high seas. But little did I know that the world of business growth and sales holds its own kind of adventure.

It's like embarking on a captivating quest where every customer interaction is a new chapter waiting to unfold. What hooked me? The opportunity to interact with all kinds of people, the thrill of sealing the deal, watching our business soar to new heights, and the never-ending opportunities for personal and professional growth. It's an adrenaline-fueled ride that keeps me on my toes!

Plus, the potential to earn some good money doesn't hurt either, am I right?

In your opinion, what are the key qualities or skills that make a great salesman?

Ah, the qualities of a great salesman! Great salespeople possess the superpowers of communication, building trust, and making connections that can rival Spider-Man's web-slinging skills.

First, you need to have excellent communication skills. Being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and engage with prospects is key. You also need to be a good listener; understanding the pain points and needs of prospects is crucial to offering them the right solution.

Persistence and resilience are important too. Sales can be tough, with lots of ups and downs. Rejection can sting worse than a swarm of angry bees, but bouncing back from rejection with a grin and an "I'll show you" attitude will keep you going.

Lastly, empathy and the ability to build relationships are critical. You have to genuinely care about your customers, understand their problems, and solve them like a hero. Customers want to work with someone they trust and feel comfortable with, so being genuine and building connections is a must. And let's not forget the sprinkle of charisma that can light up a room, it does magic a lot of the time! In short, it takes a special blend of skills to unlock the door to sales success.

How do you handle stress, tight deadlines, and sometimes seemingly overwhelming sales targets in your role?

Ha! Stress and tight deadlines, the frenemies😎 of salespeople everywhere; the spice of life in sales! It's true, the pressure can be overwhelming at times. But I've found that the key is to stay organized and keep a cool head.

I break down big goals into smaller, manageable tasks and prioritize them. And when things get tough, I remember to take a deep breath and step away for a moment to recharge, whether it's blasting my favorite tunes or having a good chat outside work.

I also keep reminding myself that stress is temporary and that meeting those sales targets will bring a great sense of accomplishment. So, I try to stay positive and motivated even when things get tough.

And you know what's even better? A fantastic team. Having an awesome team by my side helps too. We tackle challenges together, share the load, and boost each other up when the going gets tough. It's like a superhero support group in Cadana! We're all in this together, after all!

How important are collaboration and teamwork in your role, and what is your approach to a fruitful collaboration with team members?

I'm all about fostering a "we're in this together" vibe. First, that’s a personal belief, which is even more loudly echoed by Cadana’s company values of mutual respect and transparency. I encourage my team and others to speak their minds, share their ideas, and get creative. After all, we're not just a bunch of lone wolves howling at the moon; we're a pack that sticks together🤝. Respect and camaraderie are key ingredients, and a sprinkle of humor doesn't hurt either.

We work hard, but we also know how to play hard and to have a good laugh, sometimes at the occasional sales mishap along the way. It's all about building those relationships and lifting each other up. We're like a band, with each member playing a different instrument but working towards the same goal of creating harmony.

By leveraging each team member's strengths, we can create a symphony of success.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends, processes, developments, and business growth and sales strategies?

Staying updated in the ever-evolving world of business growth and sales can be a challenge, but it's essential to stay ahead of the game. I devour industry blogs, follow thought leaders on social media, and attend workshops and webinars. I also make sure to read books and articles on sales strategies and tap into the vast resources available online. Networking with other professionals in the field is also crucial, as is keeping a mentor, i.e., one who knows the path and has walked it. And of course, I encourage my team to share their insights and discoveries, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

What aspects of your job do you find most fulfilling or enjoyable? Well, apart from closing sales? 😅

Now, what aspects of my job bring me sheer bliss, you wonder? Closing sales is undeniably exhilarating; the feeling of sealing the deal and adding another line to my revenue tracker sheet is pure euphoria.

But there's more to my job that brings me joy. When I hear success stories from our clients or their employees about how the Cadana Payroll solution has made their lives easier, saved them time and money, or improved their overall operations, it feels like a standing ovation that reverberates in my soul. Knowing that we're making a difference and helping businesses thrive keeps me motivated and passionate about what I do.

What's equally fulfilling? Watching my team members grow and flourish. Seeing them go from rookies to rockstars basically feels like watching magic unfold. They know what I’m talking about. 😀

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a career in business growth and sales?

If you're itching to dive into the world of business growth and sales, listen up, my friend. Buckle up, because it's going to be a wild ride! My advice? Embrace the journey with an open mind and a positive attitude. Be ready to learn, adapt, and grow. Dive into the unknown with unbridled curiosity, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

Again, sales is not just about the numbers—it's about building genuine relationships, solving problems, and providing value, one sale at a time. So, develop strong communication and listening skills, always prioritize understanding your customers' needs, and remember to be persistent, as rejection is part of the game. Treat it like a battle scar and let it fuel your determination to succeed.

You've got this!