Ansonette Potgieter
Cascais
Summary
Creative Business Owner with exceptional background in sales, marketing and general management. Proven leader with engaging demeanor and success working in most demanding environments. Talented in training and mentoring successful teams. Dedicated and motivated with extensive experience in managing marketing and sales team. . Well-versed in training, educating, motivating and supporting staff members. A results-driven individual with forward-thinking approach centered on company success and competitive growth. Demonstrated record of success in building successful teams and managing profitable operations. Self-motivated professional successful in seizing opportunities. Background in increasing profits, reducing costs and transforming customer service standards. Experienced in leading and supervising operational and sales teams. Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Executive
Volksblad
Bloemfontein, Freestate, South-Africa
1990.Jan - 1993.Mar
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Negotiated and closed profitable sales contracts with new and existing customers to increase loyalty and retention.
- Developed and presented valuable sales presentations to potential customers to highlight features and benefits of products.
- Increased revenue by implementing effective sales strategies in sales cycle process from prospecting leads through close.
- Researched sales opportunities and possible leads to exceed sales goals and increase profits.
- Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences.
- Recommended complementary purchases to customers, increasing revenue.
- Prioritized helping customers over completing other routine tasks in store.
- Developed sales strategy based on research of consumer buying trends and market conditions.
- Handled the group national supplement project team.
- Developed group package deals to sell advertising space across a few newspapers.
- Planning supplements and features with editorial teams and the production teams.
- Did client presentation and marketing plans.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
Special Projects Sales Executive
Natal Witness
Pietermaritzburg, Kwazulu- Natal
11.1993 - 02.1996
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Negotiated and closed profitable sales contracts with new and existing customers to increase loyalty and retention.
- Developed and presented valuable sales presentations to potential customers to highlight features and benefits of products.
- Researched sales opportunities and possible leads to exceed sales goals and increase profits.
- Created and implemented successful sales campaigns to drive leads and increase sales.
- Exceeded sales goals by implementing aggressive sales programs, overhauling processes and facilitating market development.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
- Answered customer questions about products and services,
- Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent service.
- Sales executive of the year award.
Business Owner, Founder and MD
Janette Media Consulting (JMC)
Johannesburg, South Africa
2013.01 - Current
- Cold calling success rate of 3/5 client accounts landed.
- Grew business from R3 million turn over to over R27 million turnover.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Put together realistic budgets based upon costs and fees for successfully operating business.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to generate new customers and increase sales and profit margins.
- Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing, and bi-weekly payroll to handle financial needs.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Handle below and above-the-line marketing strategies for clients.
- Handle various events for clients. Including store openings, team buildings and activations. Small, medium and large activations that often required short turnaround times and limited budgets.
- Developed and implemented a host of muli-platform marketing campaigns for businesses to increase sales and grow brand awareness.
- Negotiated rates and estimated spend with suppliers and publishers.
- Grow JMC revenues year on year base by growing client portfolios and new revenue opportunities.
- Optimize existing campaigns in support of top line revenues, sales strategies business needs and profitability objectives.
- Management of expense budgets and revenue budgets for JMC as well as some clients spend.
- Handle full HR functions of JMC.
- Defined company roles and responsibilities to establish and enhance processes.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Adhered to regulatory and policy changes and made necessary adjustments to maintain overall success.
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Identified business development challenges and customer concerns for proactive resolution.
- Directed market expansions to propel business forward, meet changing customer needs.
- Negotiated terms of business acquisitions to increase business base and solidify market presence.
- Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive and performance-driven company culture to lead industry innovations.
- Formed senior leadership team through rigorous interviews and extensive candidate research.
General Manager
Community Newspapers
08.2010 - 08.2012
- Core Overview:
- Provided common vision, strategy and operating model for Media24 newspapers operating in KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape
- Established and maintained sizable group revenue.
- Key Roles & Accountabilities:
- Managed 16 community newspapers as well as national sales for Natal Witness newspaper.
- Reported directly to Board.
- Planned, coordinated and managed all newspaper business operations to achieve corporate goals.
- Developed and implemented Media 24 business plan for productivity and profitability.
- Launched various new magazines and newspapers after thorough research and business plan approvals.
- Project Manager of new Media24 regional head office building in Durban
- Received direct reports from Managers and newspaper Editors.
- Evaluated marketing program's effectiveness and recommended improvements.
- Scheduled regular team and management meetings to discuss business updates, issues and recommendations.
- Oversaw employee recruitment, training, performance evaluation, promotion and termination activities.
- Addressed customer inquiries promptly and professionally and ensured customer satisfaction.
- Identified business opportunities with new and existing customers.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue and effectively targeting new markets.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to create competitive advantages.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning. (Min growth every year was 50% up on previous year's revenues)
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions
- Provided strategic oversight of marketing and promotional campaigns to keep campaigns aligned with overall goals and objectives.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
Group Managing Director
Drendy Investments
06.2007 - 07.2010
- Core Overview:
- Oversaw 8 newspaper titles in Durban and surrounding areas.
- Key Roles & Accountabilities:
- Strategic Leadership and Business Growth.
- Developed strategic objectives and implemented organizational systems and processes.
- Identified growth potentials and introduced measures for same
- Prepared annual budgets with controls to prevent overages.
- Cultivated sound strategic relationships with business partners and clients.
- Established and maintained industry-related policies and strategic direction to deliver optimal results.
- Identified and evaluated risks to company people, property, finances, goodwill, and image.
- Prepared and delivered presentations to Media 24 Board on expansion plans.
- Identified good business opportunities and built client base.
- Effected turnaround of loss-making newspaper group to profitable newspaper group bought by Media24.
- Operational Planning and Management.
- Oversaw circulation, advertising marketing, HR, Finance and editorial functions.
- Managed Media 24 expansion plans in KwaZulu Natal as well as regional head office staff and building
- Oversaw day-to-day running of operations.
- Ensured they met client, stakeholder and industry expectations.
- Implemented new classified booking and accounting system, including training and roll-out.
- Performed project management of new editorial system within group.
- Set/controlled budgets/expenditures.
- Helped negotiate trading terms, pricing and volume on new products/services.
- Supervised staffing processes: steered/motivated teams and developed good employee relations.
- Implemented high ROA/ROI projects and applied effective sourcing techniques.
- Sales & Marketing Management.
- Project management of regional head office of Media 24 in Durban.
- Spearheaded successful business development initiatives aligned with company's strategy and core competencies.
- Led change and transformation across business areas to deliver benefits and align company resources.
- Negotiated new annual contracts and service agreements with vendors to achieve prime pricing.
- Established personnel performance metrics to encourage efforts toward common goals.
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, stock control and cash flow projections.
General Manager
Natal Witness
08.2005 - 05.2007
- Governed sales and editorial teams in Durban
- Grew revenues with 130% in 18 months of management responsibility.
- Key Roles & Accountabilities:
- Managed Group's special projects and features
- Drove, directed and monitored National sales for group.
- Oversaw continuous training and development of staff.
- Served as Project Manager of Media 24 building, from finding site to development of building infrastructure and lease agreements with tenants.
- Managed Umafrika, oldest Zulu community newspaper in country
- Set budgets and consistently achieved and exceeded targets with 20%.
National Sales and retail sales manager
Gauteng, Independent Newspapers, Ansonette
07.2001 - 05.2005
- Managed Independent Newspapers SA's national sales budgets.
- Held full responsibility for Sunday Independent Newspaper advertising budgets, marketing and sales targets.
- Managed Group special project sales staff as well as editorial staff.
- Controlled budgets and performance
- Performed Group negotiation with advertising agencies and retail clients.
- Conducted weekly reporting to Board of Independent newspapers.
- Delivered budget presentations to Independent Board Managed all expenses for sales division.
- Oversaw staff training and development.
- Exceeded annual sales targets with 30%
- Developed and implemented effective sales strategies and led nationwide sales team members to achieve sales targets.
- Forecasted sales and established processes to achieve sales objectives and related metrics.
- Met with customers to give sales presentations, negotiate contracts and promote services.
- Trained and developed exceptional sales leaders.
- Conferred design and production departments on customer needs and preferences to stay on top of changing demands.
- Negotiated and closed agreements with large customers and monitored and analyzed performance metrics.
- Liaised with marketing and product development departments to maintain brand consistency.
- Attended events, training seminars and manufacturer product showcases.
Advertising Sales Manager Pretoria News
Independent Newspapers
09.1998 - 05.2001
- Increased sales 100% through customer-focused approach. Won Sales manager of year for two consecutive years.
- Designed pitch presentations and marketing techniques to build client retention and growth opportunities.
- Coached account executives in sales and fulfillment strategies.
- Helmed team of 47 advertising, design and sales professionals.
- Set department budgets according to revenue and expense projections.
- Developed new concepts and creative ideas that is still used today, to generate sales.
- Circulation and marketing concepts to grow single copy sales of newspaper to ensure bigger readership numbers.
- Coordinated with clients, internal teams and media leaders to consistently grow and improve client relationships based on revenue potential.
- Developed sales strategies and people skills to entice clients, negotiate contracts and close deals.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
- Implemented systems and procedures to increase sales.
- Held one-on-one meetings with sales team members to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into best remedy.
- Compiled and analyzed data to determine approaches to improve sales and performance.
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
- Demonstrated products to show potential customers benefits and advantages and encourage purchases.
- Directed sales support staff in administrative tasks to help sales reps' close deals.
- Organized promotional events and interacted with community to increase sales volume.
- Achieved established KPI for company, regional team and individual performance through teamwork and focus on customers.
- Coached and promoted high-achieving sales and account management employees to fill leadership positions with qualified staff and boost company growth.
- Enhanced profitability by developing pipelines utilizing marketing and sales strategies.
- Maintained financial controls, planned business operations and control expenses while identifying and pursuing opportunities to grow business operations and boost profits.
- Increased profit margins by effectively controlling budget and overhead and optimizing product turns.
- Managed revenue models, process flows, operations support and customer engagement strategies.
- Boosted marketing, reviewed pricing strategies and expanded distribution channels to increase sales revenue.
- Aligned company goals with customer outcomes and increased satisfaction by automating contact management systems.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with headquarters, regional and other teams nationally to maintain consistent message and experience.
- Liaised with sales, marketing, and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives.
- Developed compelling presentation decks to gain approval for ideas and communicate results.
- Collaborated with advertising group to create uniformity between advertising messages and retail incentives.
Classified Sales Supervisor
Media24 (Pty) Ltd
03.1996 - 08.1998
- Managed: all call centres and the integration of 2 newspaper groups and sales teams
- Worked jointly with team members to assist with closing sales, cross-selling and upselling of products and services.
- Supervised staff successfully, utilizing effective communication and dynamic interpersonal skills.
- Trained team members in successful strategies to meet operational and sales targets.
- Effectively coached team members to reach weekly and monthly sales goals.
- Promoted exceptional customer service by engaging clients on sales floor.
- Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems, and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
- Exceeded sales goals and accomplished business objectives by inspiring staff and promoting target products. Won sales manager of the year in the two years. Become one of the youngest senior executive appointed in Medis 24.
- Mentored team members to enhance professional development and accountability in workplace.
- Mentored sales team in applying effective sales techniques and delivering top-notch customer service.
- Completed employee evaluations to stay on top of lagging knowledge or skills and proactively close gaps to maximize performance.
- Implementer a new classified booking system.
- Managed the front cash counter.
- Recruited and retained top talent, with focus on completing timely performance evaluations, providing positive feedback, and rewarding superior performance.
Education
Financial Training for non-Financial Managers - 6 Months Training Course
GIBS Business School
GIBS Business School2003
Course - Sales Training Course For 6 Months
GIBS Business School
GIBS Business School, Johannesburg2002
B Comm - B Comm
UOFS
UOFS1993
Senior Certificate / Matric -
Willem Pretorius High School
Heilbron1988
Skills
- Business Strategy
- Sales and Marketing strategies
- Change and Growth Management
- Innovative and Visionary
- Key Partnership Cultivation
- Leadership and People Development
Quote
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Walt Disney
Timeline
Business Owner, Founder and MD
Janette Media Consulting (JMC)
2013.01 - Current
General Manager
Community Newspapers
08.2010 - 08.2012
Group Managing Director
Drendy Investments
06.2007 - 07.2010
General Manager
Natal Witness
08.2005 - 05.2007
National Sales and retail sales manager
Gauteng, Independent Newspapers, Ansonette
07.2001 - 05.2005
Advertising Sales Manager Pretoria News
Independent Newspapers
09.1998 - 05.2001
Classified Sales Supervisor
Media24 (Pty) Ltd
03.1996 - 08.1998
Special Projects Sales Executive
Natal Witness
11.1993 - 02.1996
Sales Executive
Volksblad
1990.Jan - 1993.Mar
Financial Training for non-Financial Managers - 6 Months Training Course
GIBS Business School
Course - Sales Training Course For 6 Months
GIBS Business School
B Comm - B Comm
UOFS
Senior Certificate / Matric -
Willem Pretorius High School
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