A while ago I was reflecting on the various stages of my career:
- Started in sales and became a top rep at multiple companies
- Moved into leadership and became a VP and EVP
- Started a business and have grown exponentially
When I thought about the factor(s) that enabled me to be successful in each of these, it came down to a single thing:
I learned from people who had done what I wanted to do.
It's that simple!
When I started in sales, I knew nothing! To illustrate just how little I knew, here's a little story:
I sent a potential client some samples of our product to try. When I followed up, they told me they LOVED the product. And I had no clue what to do next.
I went over and asked my colleague what she would do. She thought for a minute and replied, “See if they want a quote?“
That's how green we were!
And yet, I went on to become the top rep at that company within a year, and many others to follow. Here's how:
I got curious about what worked for others
At this first company many of us were new to sales. However, our boss (the VP Sales) was very experienced. I watched what he did and borrowed every skill I saw that worked.
We were also fortunate enough to work with a sales coach. I prepped for every one of her sessions and followed her advice to a T.
I knew that these people had knowledge that I didn't have, and instead of focusing on my ego, I focused on using their knowledge to level up.
After that, whenever I started working at a new company, I would identify who the top sales rep was and reach out to them. In those days, we were doing in-person sales, so I would ask if I could spend the day with them and learn how they did things.
They always said yes, so I saw first-hand why they were so much more successful than their peers. I would implement the strategies I thought would work well for me, too.
This is almost the exact same playbook I've run for leadership and entrepreneurship.
Initially, as a new leader, I forgot all about my proven sales strategy and acted like I needed to do everything on my own. After all, I was the only sales leader. Who was I supposed to spend the day with or learn from?
Pretty quickly, I hit a wall and knew I needed help. So I thought outside the box:
- What other sales leaders did I know that I could start meeting with?
- What books, newsletters, or content could I consume to get better?
- What opportunities for coaching and mentorship could I find?
I implemented the advice that felt authentic and relevant to the business and left the rest.
I share this because I see so many of you making this same mistake!
You think that just because you're a leader, you need to do it on your own.
You don't!
In fact, being a hero here is doing a disservice to you, your team, and your company. Because many smart people have already figured out how to solve the problems you're trying to solve. Use that shortcut! And iterate where necessary.
Many of you know that I created my group program to become a mentor for women who want to break through to executive leadership and need the support of someone who has done it.
When I was in your shoes, I tried everything, but I struggled to find a woman who had done what I wanted to do and who had faced the challenges I was facing.
Any time I met someone who had made it to the VP or C-suite, I would ask them if I could take them for a coffee and pick their brain. I would see what I could learn and apply.
But I discovered that sometimes they didn't even know how they had gotten there… I couldn't find anyone with the blueprint I was looking for. BUT, I continued to get curious, meet with people, read books, iterate, and reflect on what worked and what didn't.
And after becoming a VP and EVP I knew I had figured it out.
And I decided to help as many women as possible transition from middle management to senior leadership.
But regardless of what you're trying to achieve, there are people you can learn from who have gone before you.
And if your goal is a VP role in the next 1-3 years, I'm your girl. Early bird pricing ends TOMORROW, so now is the time to take action. You'll get my proven frameworks and tips, along with coaching and mentorship for an entire year to ensure you're set up for success.
Don't try to reinvent the wheel. Lean on my 20 years of experience instead.
Until next time friends… ✌️💜
Katy
P.S. Last chance to save $1,000 when you join Own Your Seat at the Table! Learn more here.
