Career Lesson From an Account Executive at a Cloud Cost Startup
Nick's significant career lesson centers on the importance of being "nice, easy to work with, and showing up," even more so than top performance; this approach built a strong network and ensured job security during layoffs, proving that interpersonal skills are as valuable as technical expertise.
Communication, Teamwork, Professionalism, Resilience, Networking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Nick Martinazzi
Enterprise Account Executive
Cloud Cost Management Start Up
University of California Santa Barbara
None
Classics, Spanish Literature
Technology
Sales and Client Management
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Be nice and easy to work with: Cultivating strong relationships is crucial for career success. Even if you are not the top performer, being a team player and someone others can rely on can safeguard your position during layoffs.
2. Show up and put in the effort: Consistent effort and a willingness to contribute are valued more than exceptional talent alone. Employers look for employees who are committed and reliable.
3. Networking: Building a strong network of colleagues and mentors is key. By being a supportive and helpful team member, you create opportunities for future collaborations and career advancement. A positive reputation and network can act as a safety net during times of uncertainty or change
Transcript
What is one lesson you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
This breaks down into a couple of points, but the overview is that it doesn't matter how smart or successful you are. For the most part, if you are not generally nice or easy to work with, you are someone who can always be let go.
I've been through quite a number of situations with layoffs. During those times, I was never the top seller, but I was someone who was always counted on. If someone needed help, they could come to me; I was easy to work with and would go above and beyond.
From there, you can take something I've tried to model. When I first started, someone shared this with me: if you can do these three things, you can work anywhere. People you've worked with will then hire you if you go somewhere else.
Those three things are: be nice, be easy to work with, and show up. Showing up means you show up and put in the effort. You don't have to be the best, but as long as people see you're trying and you're working on those other two aspects, you're going to be successful.
You will set yourself up with a great network. If you ever want to go somewhere else, you'll have a lot of people who know they can rely on you, that you can learn, and that you're there to put in the effort. You'll contribute positively to the team, setting yourself up with a safety net.
It sounds simple and obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people disregard "be nice" and "be easy to work with." They think, "Well, I'm really smart or I'm really good at this role, so nothing's going to happen to me." I've seen more times than I would have thought those people get let go during layoffs because someone else can fill their role.
It's a lot easier to teach someone how to be successful in selling than it is to teach them to be nice or work well with others.
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