She has enjoyed working at SalesQ for seven years now. No day is the same, says Femke de Jong (49) enthusiastically. Not even now that she is forced to work from home due to the corona outbreak. The senior sales representative may miss the conviviality of her colleagues, but can still do what she loves to do: hold a good conversation. “If I can do that, my day will be good again.”
Only her working hours are still the same, from half past eight in the morning until half past one in the afternoon. Furthermore, almost everything is different for De Jong, as for so many home workers. The office has been exchanged for her school-age daughter's bedroom. “There is a good desk there and there is sufficient daylight. My husband works in a vital profession and is out the door before I turn on the computer. So I can work in peace."
De Jong's working day starts with a Zoom meeting. The huddle, as they call the virtual meeting at SalesQ, has a business character. That is not always the case. “Every Wednesday morning we start with a SalesQ workout. Our account manager will then give all colleagues a short 10-minute sports lesson. In addition, we also use Zoom for the virtual Friday afternoon drink. It often gets late with nuts, drinks and games.”
Chat with colleagues, converse at a level with customers
During the week, informal contact with colleagues mainly consists of chatting via Slack. There is no time for that this Tuesday. De Jong's call system reports that sales calls are being made on behalf of a large Japanese producer of IT products. SalesQ has many clients in the ICT world, which means that the Haarlem woman can now converse at a high level. Data-driven working, ERP transition, security and third party risk management: De Jong knows what she is talking about.
She first calls a large oil company and then a seed company. The conversations are well prepared and scripted, but De Jong mainly relies on experience. Through previous work and training at SalesQ in conversational techniques, she knows what it takes to convince. As a professional reader, voice actor, news reader and voice-over, she can play with her voice like no other. “I switch effortlessly to a low register, if I think that makes me come across better.”
Ginger tea, water and broth to lubricate the throat
Still, De Jong sometimes has a frog in his throat. She doesn't chase them away with vocal exercises, but with cups of ginger tea, lots of water and now and then some broth.
She takes notes at every conversation the former economist has. That will come in handy when she contacts you again later. “Listening well is just as important as being able to speak well. If you know what the other person is doing, you always have a starting point for a pleasant conversation."
Good conversation more important than targets
Although a telemarketer also has to meet targets, that good conversation is the most important thing for her. No matter how good she is at steering towards the desired outcome, De Jong can't break iron with her hands either. “That is not always necessary. Sometimes it is enough to get acquainted first. Or to pique someone's interest by offering an online demonstration."
This time she has to accept that it is not possible to get the right people on the phone. That can happen, please call back later. The morning was a success, she thinks. “Because I got a laugh on the other end of the line, there was emotion. ‘I have you,’ I think.”
De Jong does not mind that her day is running late. “I'm not a big fan of the clock. As long as I'm ready when our kid gets home from school. I am very grateful to SalesQ for being able to work part time so that I have time for sports and family things. The varied work with many different clients and topics makes me extra happy.”
Does Femke de Jong's story appeal to you? Are you considering a career switch or do you want to grow as a professional in a challenging work environment? Then view our vacancies. Maybe we can welcome you to our team soon!
