INSIGHT
Comp win for VMB woman
Chloe triumphs in sales awards
Virgin Media Business account manager, Chloe Holloway, last week beat stiff competition to win Best Woman in Travel and Leisure Sales at the prestigious European Woman in Sales Awards.
Chloe was presented with her trophy at a glittering ceremony in the Lancaster Hotel, West London, where judges recognised her teamwork and impressive sales record, which included delivering £700,000 of in-year revenue through upselling Business Network Services to an existing VMB client.
The 32-year-old also gets tickets to the National Sales Conference and a year’s mentoring from inspirational business coach, Christina Jackson.
Chloe says: “It was a huge honour to be recognised in this way. I started my career at VMB as an administrator for a large sales team, but realised I would prefer a sales role instead. I’ve pushed for every promotion and was made Account Manager in 2014. Now I sell telecoms to large enterprise organisations, some of which sit within the Travel and Leisure category.”
Male-dominated industry
The best saleswomen from around Europe were in London for the high profile event, which recognises excellence in categories including insurance, technology and software sales.
Chloe agrees it is important to celebrate high achieving women in a typically male-dominated industry.
She says:
“When I started out there were just two female account managers in my sector. Along the way I have faced challenges as a woman that most men wouldn’t face.”
For example, I often feel I have to be more on top of the technical side to prove myself to customers. One gentleman made a smart comment about how perhaps I would rather be handbag shopping. It was in jest of course, but unnecessary. Within Virgin Media Business everyone has been hugely supportive and in return I work hard to help male and female colleagues reach their potential.”
Exciting challenge ahead
Although she remains modest about her success, Chloe is proud of her track record and believes working with customers to assess their needs achieves the best results.
She says: “In my sector I have got free rein with different products and solutions. You need to find out what the customer’s challenges are. It is less about forcing technology down their throats and more about showing them how we can enable their organisation to improve.”
Enhanced voice portfolio
Chloe’s future in Virgin Media Business is bright – and with 2017 just around the corner she is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that the New Year will bring.
Chloe says: “VMB has an enhanced portfolio of voice products coming out next year. I am looking forward to working with customers who want to use them. Digital disruption has made the marketplace extremely competitive, so everyone needs to have the best tech available to achieve the best results.”
Three other Virgin Media Business staff members were shortlisted for a European Woman in Sales Award: Nikki Lewis for Professional Services Sales, Samantha Atkinson for Field Sales and Caroline Evans for Technology Sales. Meanwhile VMB Talent and Development Leader, Astrid Ennis, became a mentor for the winner of Woman in Insurance Sales category.
Congratulations to Chloe and the rest of the Virgin Media Business participants.