Thriving in Sales: A 12-Year Journey with Dell's Career Excellence
Yuki. T | Account Executive, Direct Sales | Tokyo, Japan
Originally Published: April 30th, 2024
First Career as Inside Sales Rep: A Journey from Doubt to Delight
I began working as an Inside Sales Representative for Dell Technologies in Japan after spending my college years in the US. I chose Dell due to the meritocratic environment the company offers, and now after 12 years, I still find enjoyment in my sales career journey.
Before joining Dell, I was skeptical about how meaningful sales really is. I questioned whether persuading someone to make a purchase could truly be an enjoyable experience. I quickly came to realize that sales rely on interpersonal relationships and is about proposing and delivering the best solutions to advance the customer’s business. I discovered that sales is indeed a suitable profession for someone like me, who values and finds joy in fostering relationships and interactions.
Transformative Years at OEM Adventures:
Starting in 2011, I thrived in Dell’s Small & Medium Business Division as an inside sales representative for nearly four years. I consistently met sales targets and built success, due in part to Dell’s stellar brand reputation and confidently knowing Dell offers the finest products and services. In 2015, I transitioned to Dell’s OEM business, providing products for customer projects in various fields, including medical, telecom and oil/gas.
Although starting out confidently, I struggled to succeed. I was hesitant to ask for help, erroneously thinking that asking for assistance would signal a lack of value. I attempted to handle everything independently, inadvertently causing chaos and inconveniencing my team. I soon recognized the flaw in this approach and asked for help. When facing new challenges, it is essential to discard past accomplishments sometimes. Once I shifted my mindset, I consistently met my sales targets and was recognized through awards. As my sales skills expanded, so did my fulfillment in the role.
Beyond Sales Rep: Unveiling the Path to Field Sales Excellence
I have gained valuable skills in the complex OEM field through navigating diverse departments with distinct KPIs, such as engineering, marketing, and supply chain. Learning these skills involved time and negotiations as I progressed from understanding technical designs to pricing to system validation. Beyond sales, I worked to further understand customer challenges and discussed how our portfolio drives competitiveness.
As I grew in my career, a senior field sales representative in my extended team began mentoring me. I aspired to grow into a field sales rep but was apprehensive to take this next step as it demanded elevated proficiencies. This role mandates exceptional relationship-building, leadership acumen, and abstract and concrete thinking skills. For two years, I told myself I couldn’t do it, until one day I decided to try. With this step, I discovered being a field sales representative was far more fulfilling than I had imagined. Every customer interaction evoked a sense of joy.
As we grow, we gain new perspectives that separate our preconceived notions from our current state. Hesitation often sets in when faced with new challenges, fueled by self-doubt about our capabilities or qualifications. However, to turn our ideas into reality, I simply say, “Take the first step.” Facing challenges with courage creates a path before us. Take that leap – the journey awaits you. For me, having courage brought newfound confidence in my abilities as a field sales professional, and I am glad I embraced the challenge.
My career is far from over. I genuinely love working with customers and always strive to enhance their experiences. I partner with customers as a trusted ally by delivering value to our end-users and enjoying the process with them. My level of experience allows me to provide a profound and meaningful approach as a sales rep. After 12 years, I continue to find sales engaging as it involves ongoing exploration and discovery.
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