Life-Changing Connections with Growth Specialist, Anna Zheng | Enterprise SaaS sales
Something that is very important to us at Hunt & Co. is sharing the career stories and journeys of the life-changing connections our team make every day. After all, no two career paths are ever the same. Welcome to another Hunt & Co.’s #LifeChangingConnections feature with Growth Specialist, Anna Zheng.
As many digital specialists do, Anna Zheng started her digital career in the Marketing and Communications space before she found her passion in Business Development and B2B Sales. It was after a stint doing door-to-door commission-only sales for a mobile phone company, she quickly discovered she had a gift for sales. The rest is history!
As a really growth-driven human, Anna was actively looking for a new role and already speaking to people about the job market when she reached out and engaged with Hunt & Co. This is when she made a connection with Hunt & Co.! Anna was looking for a high-level corporate sales role that would enable her to step up and own her role. She was even willing to move city to make it happen. But living in Melbourne, everything had to align before pulling the trigger.
Fortunately, we found the right fit for Anna as a Growth Specialist at COMtrac – a cloud-based investigation and evidence management solution that streamlines end-to-end investigation processes. This was just the type of challenge Anna was looking to tackle that happened to be located in Brisbane. The entire process of interviews, negotiations and contracts was finalised in two weeks and soon Anna was in the door and making large, complex enterprise deals, helping the company to achieve a record-breaking year in 2021.
It was Anna’s clear tenacity, determination and drive to succeed ultimately landed her this position and have seen her thrive in her role.
We were thrilled to chat with Anna about her experience with Hunt & Co., her career in Growth and professional development advice for others in the industry.
Tell us, how did you end up working in this industry (SaaS/Sales)?
I originally hit the floor (literally) with door-to-door commission-only sales for a mobile phone company while I was studying at Monash in Melbourne. Then I went over to a lead generation company and dialled off printed papers with a ruler and a pencil for you to mark off, selling appointments for timeshare properties. Then I upgraded to cold-calling for an electricity company and I made more money in four days than the average graduate so I spent all my years at uni chasing these jobs. Sales for me is a vehicle to help you achieve your goals and you really need to embrace it. A career in sales has given me the opportunity to move from Melbourne to Brisbane at the right time.
How did you end up in your current role?
I was working for a digital marketing agency in Melbourne and was getting burnt out from Melbourne lockdowns and I needed to take a break. I also wanted to develop my skills in outbound sales and not rely on inbound leads. I figured, if I could take this opportunity to master both sides, I’d be happy.
What is it about your current role that made you transition?
I had journaled and put in my goals to move up to Queensland. So it was just a matter of time. I had flown up to Brisbane/Gold Coast at least three times back and forth from Melbourne trying to understand the different terrains of where to live and where to work. Then my current job opportunity came up and it fit right in. Everything went smoothly which is always a great sign for me. More importantly, I love Queenslanders and you get that same vibe at work as well.
How did you enjoy your experience overall working with Hunt & Co.?
I’ve had a fantastic experience and Hunt & Co. really live up to their Google reviews from the very beginning. I had a great experience with both Matthew and Benjamin and both of them understand salespeople. They are not your usual recruiters and they actually deliver results, for both the candidate and the client. I would highly recommend them.
What is the best career advice you have ever received?
Work harder than anyone in the room, and study like mad to become the smartest in the team.
What is one tip or word of advice you would give to someone looking for a new role?
Absolutely take everything into your own hands – prospecting and follow-up like crazy!
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about your role?
My role is the best role I have had so far. And largely because we are a scale-up and that means our team is hungry to achieve, succeed, and support each other to do well. I am also able to implement many techniques and strategies which I wouldn’t be able to at a mature company.
What’s the most exciting element about sales to you and what keeps you so motivated to show up and ‘close’ every day?
The most exciting element about sales is who you can become along the way. I use sales as a vehicle to achieve both my personal and professional goals and I have strategies to keep myself accountable. The thing which keeps me motivated every day and showing up is understanding what my targets are. I have daily metrics I must hit and that keeps all the emotions and negative self-talk at bay. It really helps. Take the time to chart your metrics and understand what your numbers are and what it all means.
Thanks so much to Anna Zheng for chatting with us and sharing your advice. Want to see what Anna gets up to in her role? Connect with Anna Zheng on LinkedIn.
If you’re looking for your next role or team member in the Sales / Growth space, get in touch with us here.