Empowering IT Sales Success: Building a Bright Future
Bob van de Boel | Manager, Inside Sales Management | Netherlands
Originally Published: December 17, 2024
I currently lead the NextGen Sales Academy (NGSA) for the BeNeLux region. I started at Dell Technologies a little over 10 years ago as a graduate trainee. For the majority of my career, I’ve been an individual sales contributor (business development and account executive) and now for almost two years, I’ve been a sales and people leader.
Dell Technologies and My Success
It’s the Dell Culture and the people who have contributed mostly to my success and allowed me to thrive. I’ve always felt complete trust and support to focus on my growth and development. The graduate traineeship program has, of course, been the ideal kick-start allowing me to meet and learn from many different individuals and senior leaders. Also, subsequent learning and development programs such as the future ready external program, future leader program and accelerated leadership program have provided me with new skills and insights needed to be successful.
Being named a “Dell Rockstar” manager in our latest Tell Dell results was one of my proudest accomplishments and a testament that we’re building something great with the NGSA.
Bob van de Boel
Manager, Inside Sales Management
What Success Means to Me
I love winning, and there is no greater feeling than closing a quarter strong and/or getting a complex strategic deal across the line. I’ve also learned that a healthy work-life balance is essential to stay focused. As a father of two young children (8 months old and 3 years old), I deeply value quality time with my wife and kids. Cycling is another passion of mine. Combining both allows me to recharge my battery and give it my all at work. Being happy and achieving goals both in your job and at home is success to me!
My Proudest Accomplishment
Being new to people leadership – it is of course daunting, and you want to do good by your team. I’ve learned over these first two years that I deeply care about my team members’ well-being and their professional development, while at the same time coaching them to achieve commercial success. One of my main strategic priorities was creating a team culture where everyone would feel appreciated and comfortable while being able to thrive and grow, much like the feeding ground that had been offered to me throughout my career. Being named a “Dell Rockstar” manager in our latest Tell Dell results was one of my proudest accomplishments and a testament that we’re building something great with the NGSA.
Time Management and Work-Life Balance
Ultimately, you just have to bootstrap it! To maintain a healthy work-life balance, I prioritize scheduling dedicated family time, such as taking the kids to daycare in the morning and enjoying dinner together in the evening. By doing so, I ensure I have the energy and focus to tackle my work responsibilities during other time slots. Clear communication and setting expectations are key. My team, partners and customers understand and respect my personal responsibilities, trusting that I will deliver high-quality results and get the job done.
Career Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way
Stay curious, invest in learning and know your brief. Having the best and broadest portfolio in the world surely helps, but ultimately, it’s you that does the selling; make sure you are well equipped and invest time in staying up to date. Be vocal about your career goals – doing a great job is only part of the game – make sure your future stakeholders know about your ambitions and figure out areas for growth! Lastly, seek continuous feedback from your peers, manager, coach and/or mentor to level up yourself.
There is simply no better time to get started into IT sales and there is simply no better training and enablement programs out there than the NextGen Sales Academy! There is immense opportunity ahead for Dell Technologies, and at NGSA, we are building the next generation of sales talents!
Next, read Ruaa's experience to learn more about the NGSA.
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