Career Lesson From A Director Of Sales For Strategic Accounts At Ouster Lidar Inc.
Max, Director of Sales at Ouster Lidar Inc., emphasizes the importance of detail and strong internal relationships, stating that "building internal relationships is almost more important than building external relationships." Success hinges on fostering these connections to gain buy-in and achieve goals, treating internal colleagues "like your customers" to earn respect and facilitate collaboration.
Sales, Interpersonal Relationships, Internal Communications, Strategic Partnerships, Leadership
Advizer Information
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Job Title
Company
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Max Coates
Director of Sales - Strategic Accounts
Ouster Lidar Inc.
University of Colorado, Boulder
N/A
Economics
Electronics & Semiconductors, Technology
Sales and Client Management
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Detail-oriented approach is crucial for success, impacting everything from presentations to emails.
2. Building strong internal relationships is as important as external ones; internal buy-in is essential for achieving goals.
3. Treating internal colleagues with respect and valuing relationships is key to getting things done and gaining respect; it's like having internal customers
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that's proven significant in your career?
I think it's perhaps obvious or you've heard it along the way, but details are really important. Everyone says you want to be clean and have pride in what you present and share.
This includes even small things like emails; you want to take that extra effort to make sure they are clean and not sloppy. People can tell.
I think this also applies to relationships. Building internal relationships is almost more important than external ones. To get buy-in for certain initiatives, you must have fostered relationships with a variety of people.
You have to sell your ideas internally even more than you sell them externally. The customer side is easier because you don't necessarily see them every day. However, the people and relationships you rely on internally are paramount.
If you burn those bridges or create division and don't treat people well, it will make your life harder. You won't be able to accomplish things, get the attention you need, and you'll be stalled.
When people get into sales, they focus only on customers. I would say focus on what you can do internally as well and treat those colleagues like customers. That's how you get things done and earn their respect, as you will need to ask them for favors and help. If nobody likes you and you treat them poorly, you won't be able to accomplish anything.
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