Kailey Cranston

I honestly attribute my success to truly getting to know my customers and understanding what their needs and wants really are, instead of just selling them something. I really break it down and get to know them on a personal level, focusing on why the product actually matters to them as opposed to just trying to sell them the kitchen sink. My background in hospitality really helped this translate nicely into what I'm doing now. I think being genuine and truthful is why people want to buy from me. At the end of the day, I'm just being human, and that authenticity has made all the difference in building lasting relationships and achieving success in tech sales.

The best advice I ever received came from my dad when I was about to move to Germany. He told me to just take the chance and be confident in myself. For so long, I was unsure of things and second-guessed myself, but he encouraged me to be confident in my decisions and think positively. I'm a big manifestation person, so I believe that so many of our thoughts translate into reality. Talking it out to the universe and saying 'I'm gonna do this' and going after what I want has really helped me tenfold, both in being successful in life and professionally. Speaking things into existence has been transformative for me.

I would say that moving abroad or traveling internationally can be incredibly transformative. My experience getting my tech sales career started in another country was one of the most beneficial things I could have ever done, and it really shaped who I am as a person. Secondly, having some type of mentor throughout your journey is crucial. I have an old manager who is now my mentor for life, and she even recommended me for Big Sisters of Central Texas. That kind of guidance is invaluable. Finally, make sure to enjoy the process along the way. Tech sales is so stressful, and it's really important to set boundaries because you could be working so many hours a day. At the end of the day, your mental health comes first, so put that at the forefront. Don't lose yourself in the work.

The biggest challenge in my industry right now, specifically at my current company, is that we are the new kids on the block. There are so many companies that are very well established and publicly traded, while we are still private, so that definitely creates a gap for us in terms of company recognition. However, this challenge is also our biggest opportunity. There are so many untouched opportunities we can go after precisely because people don't know us yet. The education aspect of introducing our company to potential customers and educating them about what we offer is actually a blessing in disguise. Once people learn about us, they realize we're actually the best on the market. So while being unknown presents challenges, it also gives us incredible room for growth and market penetration.

The most important value to me is having balance in both my work and personal life. For so long, I used to work after hours and wasn't able to just enjoy my life outside of work. I believe you want to be able to support yourself financially, but you also want to be able to enjoy your life at the same time. You know the saying - you don't want to live to work, you want to work to live. I'm very much a 'work hard, play harder' kind of person. While financial stability is important, it shouldn't come at the cost of your happiness and well-being. Setting boundaries and making time for the things that bring you joy is essential, and that balance is what I strive for every day.