June 1, 2023
In the latest episode of Merchants of Change, JR Butler reconnects with his childhood friend and fellow hockey player, Jameis LaFreniere. The episode offers valuable insights for new sellers, especially those transitioning from sports to sales.
Cherished Sports Memories
Jameis reminisces about his favorite sports memories, which include playing hockey without pressure and enjoying the camaraderie with his friends. He fondly recalls playing pickup hockey, mini hockey tournaments, and sleepovers at local rinks. These experiences, he believes, laid the foundation for his competitive spirit and teamwork.
Transition to Sales
Jameis’s path to sales was unconventional. With no clear career plan, he considered a financial advisor role at John Hancock and a sales position at EMC. Despite a rocky interview where he forgot his resume, he impressed EMC’s Jimmy Mac with his authenticity and determination. Jameis highlights the importance of perseverance, even when the transition feels overwhelming.
Key Lessons from Early Career
Starting at EMC, Jameis faced the challenge of learning complex technology and making a high volume of cold calls. Despite finding the BDR role tough, he saw it as a necessary step to his future success. His story underscores the value of grit and the critical skills learned in early sales roles that benefit long-term careers.
Choosing the Right Company
Jameis advises new sellers to focus on leadership quality, growth opportunities, and long-term viability when choosing their first company. He emphasizes the importance of asking questions about career progression and evaluating the company’s leadership to ensure a supportive and growth-oriented environment.
Long Tenure at EMC/Dell EMC
Jameis has spent 16 years at EMC, now Dell EMC, navigating through the significant merger with Dell. He attributes his long tenure to the company’s evolving opportunities and his personal satisfaction with his role. Jameis believes that loyalty and the ability to adapt to change are key to a successful career in one company.
Leadership and Mentorship
Throughout his career, Jameis has been influenced by several mentors, including Jimmy Mac and Tom Heiser. He values leaders who trust their teams, offer constructive feedback, and provide growth opportunities. These qualities have shaped his own approach to leadership and mentorship.
Sobey’s Hope Foundation
Inspired by his daughter Sophie’s diagnosis with a rare disease, Jameis founded Sobey’s Hope Foundation to drive research and support for glycogen storage disease type 1b. The foundation has raised significant funds and is making strides towards finding a cure. Jameis credits his sales skills for helping him pitch the cause and secure support.
Defining Professionalism in Sales
For Jameis, being a pro in sales means accountability. He believes that professionals should be reliable, responsible, and committed to their goals. This mindset has been a cornerstone of his career and something he encourages in new sellers.
Jameis LaFreniere’s journey from hockey to sales offers valuable lessons in perseverance, adaptability, and the power of a supportive network. His story is a testament to how skills learned in sports can translate into successful sales careers.
Pellentesque et tempor ante, sit amet consectetur ipsum. Mauris ex turpis, fringilla ac lectus a, luctus accumsan tellus. Curabitur consequat felis porttitor ornare dapibus. Mauris pulvinar, justo at blandit lobortis, purus justo fringilla dui, non laoreet lectus dui sed tellus. In sit amet nunc mauris.
Post Tags :
Share :
