Moving from classroom to sales an exhilarating leap
Bridget du Toit is head of sales and services at accounting software company EasyBiz Technologies
Tell me about your job and your four most important tasks.
As head of sales and services, I get to experience the whole life cycle of customers’ experience — from the time they sign up with us to getting them up and running, to assisting with any queries they have. I also manage the marketing department, which I find extremely interesting, thanks to the constantly changing market and developing industry trends. My biggest tasks are:
● Ensuring my team knows their key performance indicators and what the daily goal is, collectively and individually;
● Motivating my team through one-on-one discussions and an open-door policy;
● Setting time aside every day for admin so I don’t fall behind. I will never leave the office unless I have answered all my e-mails; and
● Fulfilling the role of being a cheerleader when the team needs encouragement.
You worked as a science teacher before making the move to the corporate world — tell me about that transition.
It was a very scary transition. I went from being ruled by a bell in an extremely structured environment to the freedom of a corporate environment where I was responsible for my own success. I was given tasks and was trusted to go out there and achieve the best. I had to adapt quickly and the learning curve was steep.
I found it liberating working at my own pace and not being restricted to the time allocated to each class. I fell in love with the highs and lows of the sales world, realising it should be seen as a respectable career. What teaching skills do you still use in your work today?
It taught me to pay attention to individuals, and I try to take note of the energy levels of each team member — just as I did in the classroom. I can appreciate that everyone has different strengths and will bring different skills to the team.
What do you find most meaningful about the work you do?
I love watching my team members grow and evolve, and knowing that I have somehow played a part in that journey is incredibly satisfying. Being able to watch as individuals succeed at work, get promoted, be able to afford a car and other equally wonderful achievements is very exciting.
I am an individual who can balance fairness and firmness. I like to think I am a great people manager — and if my team is happy, I know their customers will be happy too. Positive people are infectious and we all like to be around them, so why not become one?
What is the best career advice you have ever received, and who gave it to you?
My mentor Steve Cohen taught me to make a decision — if it isn’t the right one, then be agile and change it until you are on the right path. The worst thing you can do is not to make a decision at all. I try follow Steve’s advice as often as possible.