Telling about my company first, iSticker is a collaboration platform which provides a new way to collaborate in Architecture, Engineering and Construction Industry. To start, first I was told about the business model of iSticker & how it works, how the various departments are working and coordinating, what are the advertising strategies it is following and what are the future growth plans.
iSticker being launched in January 2017 has already made its presence in the architectural industry and is now looking for business development. My role was to get onboard various architects and sellers on the iSticker’s platform. For this purpose, I prepared a sales pitch and customized for every stakeholder (Architect, Client, Seller) which could help each of them understand iSticker in a better way.
I was given a list containing the information of architects and sellers mostly based out of Gurgaon and New Delhi who could become the potential clients. I made calls to the targeted people and fixed meetings with them. The point of my meeting with them was to explain to them how iSticker will be beneficial to them and how it will help them grow their business. After explaining them about iSticker I also gave them a demonstration of how to use the online platform so that they don’t have problems while using it for the first time. They were helped to get themselves registered & come onboard on the platform.
I was also given a list that included the names, phone numbers and other info of clients who signed up for our online website. The people on the list signed up for the site but have not had any activity on their account or holdings. I had to call them, the point of my phone call being either to convince them to use the site if they decided not to or help them if they stopped using the site because of any problems they ran into. I also sent them reminder messages and emails specifying the new developments that have been made in iSticker.
Apart from this, I did two kinds of market research as well. The first research targets the various trade fairs and trade associations related to the AEC industry that take place throughout the year across the globe. The motive of this research is to connect with various exhibitors so that they can come onboard on iSticker’s platform. The second research targets the bloggers and influencers of the industry across different countries. The motive of this research is to establish a strategic partnership with them & convince them to post about iSticker on their blog as it will give great exposure to iSticker.
My key learnings during those two months were:
1. To forget bad instances. In a sales job, you will always not succeed or convert a client. You might have to hear bad things as well but you shall not affect those bad instances to you. I shall always let all the rejections you receive go in one ear and out the other.
2. Pay attention to what your mentor or boss tells you. Our bosses have reached that position after working hard a lot & gaining experience along with it. So whatever they tell us that will only help us in the future.
3. Don't get disheartened by the mistakes. They are a part of the job, they help us to learn more.
My mentor during the internship was Mr. Chetan Singh who is the Founder & CEO of iSticker. He is an Architect by profession who started iSticker considering the problems that his firm faced. He was very helpful, never hesitated from clearing my doubts, however small or big they were. Even when I didn't know something he used to explain it to me in details. I got to learn a lot from him.