Her Story
About Michelle
I've been in sales throughout my career, but what really drew me to my current role with Best Version Media is the opportunity to be more involved in my community and make genuine connections. I wanted to get off the phone and out into the field where I could meet with potential customers face-to-face, get to know small business owners, and be part of something bigger than myself. In my role as an account executive, I take care of both the residents in my territory and the small businesses I work with, making sure they have no concerns about their magazine and that everything is good with their accounts, from billing to services to making sure all their material gets in for digital and photographs are okay. A big part of my work is also prospecting through cold calling and networking. What really inspires me is helping my customers see the benefit in the products and services we provide and helping them realize how that's going to help their business overall. I'm at a point in my life where I'm looking for something I can do into my retirement, and I'm open to change. I honestly believe that this point in my life is going to be the most exciting part of my life. I'm also working on my real estate license through Kaplan University and getting certified as a travel agent, because all of these allow me the freedom and flexibility to work on my own time while helping others, whether it's finding their dream home, their dream vacation, or helping their small business thrive and exceed within my community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being open to change. A lot of people, especially when they reach later in their career, they don't want to change. They just want the status quo, let me retire. But I honestly believe, at this point in my life, that this is going to be the most exciting part of my life. I'm always looking for something better, and I'm not just talking about me or money. I'm open to new opportunities and willing to embrace them rather than staying stuck in one place.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't give up. Plain and simple. Don't give up, especially in my field. One door closes, another one opens. My mentor Lissa McCoy has been instrumental in this. Over the 10 years that we've been together, there's been many times where I wanted to give up. And I look at her success and what she has done, and that keeps me going. If I need a kick, she's the one to give it to me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You need to be genuine. Don't try to present yourself other than how you really are, because people see through that. And just remember, it's not about you. I mean, sure, we all need a paycheck and we all want to succeed. But you're not going to succeed unless you put your clients and customers first. That's the bottom line.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is getting past the gatekeeper to talk to the decision maker. Gatekeepers, or receptionists, secretaries, front desk, whatever we call them, are very protective. Getting the chance to talk with the prospective customer or client and getting them to realize how Best Version Media can help them grow is the real challenge. My approach is to use tools like ChatGPT to research who I should be talking to, then call casually and ask for that person by name. If they ask what it's about, I try to be as vague as I can because I don't want to tell my whole spiel on the phone. Most importantly, you need to be friendly and win over their trust in that short amount of time. You address them by name with respect and strike a conversation. You have to win them over.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
First off is integrity. Your word is your bond, and especially when you are in the sales field, if you say you're gonna do something, you need to be on time, you need to do that to the best of your ability. Communication is absolutely important. And I would also say good listening skills. It's not all about me, it's all about them. Especially in sales and customer service, you need to learn that and live by that. And empathy. Having the ability to put myself in their shoes and see things from their perspective.
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