The Chief Executive Officer of Afribiz Group and founder of Jane’M Salon and Spa, Janet Sunkwa-Mills, initially found the idea of working as a salesperson at Nestlé Ghana unattractive because she aspired to a more prestigious role.
Having recently earned a master’s degree in Marketing, she had hoped for a position like Brand Manager, but was offered a sales role, which she initially considered beneath her.
However, she changed her perspective based on advice from Nestlé’s Managing Director in Ghana, who emphasized the importance of understanding the practical aspects of consumer engagement through sales.
“I’m like, sales? I didn’t feel like it was lofty. You have to go and sell Ideal milk and Maggi? I was like, oof! Alright”, she divulged.
According to her this experience was pivotal in her journey to becoming a successful marketer.
Despite her initial reservations about the sales role, she recognized the significance of learning to connect with consumers through face-to-face interactions, which theory alone could not provide.
“He said, until you learn how to sell a tin of milk, you cannot be in marketing, i.e. you can do the education part of it, but the practicality of the solution brings you face to face with your consumer”, she disclosed.
She faced challenges related to driving, but she was encouraged to learn, as it was a fundamental skill for her sales position.
The experience of driving a large car while engaging in sales taught her resilience and adaptability.
Janet stressed the importance of valuing salespeople, as they are essential in generating revenue for companies. She noted that without salespeople, marketers would have no role, highlighting the critical nature of sales in any organization.
She encouraged individuals with master’s degrees in marketing to consider starting their careers as salespeople, as it provides valuable insights into consumer behavior and practical marketing solutions.
“So when I went to the interview, there was a lady there who asked me, do you know how to drive? And I said no, I don’t know how to drive. And she said, go and learn how to drive. So immediately after school when I started working, they enrolled me in the then McAshley Driving School. So I learned how to drive through a driving school”, she revealed.
“In my first job as a salesperson at Nestlé, I was given a huge car, an American Chevrolet, and when I sat in it, you wouldn’t even see that I was in it. It was that big. But you know, it was challenging yet so exciting, because you’re sitting in the car, nobody is seeing you, yet you’re honking and driving through everything. It taught me how to be tough”, she shared.
Janet’s journey at Nestlé began as a salesperson and later progressed to a sales administrator, offering her an understanding of business aspects such as profit margins and distribution costs.
This experience was foundational for her role as a Brand Manager, which was her ultimate goal.
In conclusion, Janet emphasized the importance of starting as a salesperson when pursuing a career in marketing, as it offers a well-rounded perspective and enhances one’s ability to succeed in loftier positions like Brand Manager.