Name: Jon Vroman
Title: National Sales Promotion Manager
Company: Vector Marketing Corporation
Work Experience: I stared working with Vector Marketing 1994 as a sales representative, became an Assistant Manager (AM) in 1995 and opened a branch office (BM) in May 1996. In September of 1997, I became a District Manager (DM). I was expertly recruited and trained by Rich Plaskon, the current (Division Manager) DVM of Virginia from 1994-2000. I became the Sales Promotion Manager (SPM) of the Northeast Region in 2000, and since 2003, I have been in the role of National SPM.
What I do: I create, design, promote and often execute various sales contests including Presidents’ Banquet, the Annual Incentive Trip and Strategic Leadership Conference (SLC) for all of our sales representatives and managers, which includes establishing rules and regulations for the competitions and awards. As part of this responsibility, I also write the Annual Awards and Incentives Guide for Vector Marketing. I create an annual SPM budget and ensure that we stay within those guidelines.
I help mentor/coach our Regional SPMs and travel to regional events where I have the opportunity to speak to Vector managers both one on one and in a group setting. Each campaign, I select and coach five managers on our “Life Skills” program
With the help of Loretta DiCiano and Kathy Gedgaudas in Vector Marketing’s Gibbsboro, NJ office, I order annual sales, award bonus checks and more for each year-end banquet.
How I got there: I put in a lot of hard work and persistence to reach my current position. I also worked hard to establish good relationships with other Vector Marketing employees.
Skills needed: To succeed in this position you need a comprehensive understanding of our representative and division manager positions along with a precise understanding of Vector Marketing as a whole. In addition to general computer skills, you’ll also need to have good public speaking, communication, graphic design, and customer services skills to succeed.
Where would I go from here? This position has prepared me for many different paths. I could consider either becoming a director of sales or possibly even a public speaking or personal coaching/consulting role.
Advice: Find a product you believe in, a company that shares your values, and people with whom you are excited to work with. If you have all of these things – you will find success.
Biggest misconception: One big misconception about the sales industry is that you have to be extremely extroverted and aggressive to succeed. On the contrary – all different personalities and working styles can achieve success in sales. Sales is actually much more about the relationships you create, rather than how aggressive you can be. Many times being “aggressive” is the wrong way to go.
To succeed and enjoy this position, you need to: handle many details, love people, and love promoting what’s exciting.