Tell us about your role at Bunzl ANZ.
First and foremost, my role is about relationship building. This involves creating and nurturing strong relationships into long-term partnerships. Long-term partnerships open doors to many new opportunities. Understandably, I serve as the bridge between customers and my company, engaging with them to understand their requirements so I can present solutions that meet their needs.
How did you get started in the industry?
Being a salesperson is not just a job for me, it’s a central aspect of my identity and daily existence. From a young age, selling was an inbuilt quality I happily embraced. Every job I’ve done over my career spanning 40 years has incorporated my passion for helping people understand their needs and offering solutions.
What do you appreciate the most about your position?
Collaboration definitely! Collaboration with Bunzl specialists and with supplier specialists has ensured that my horizons have expanded to many innovative opportunities that I may have overlooked without differing perspectives. Technology advances and training are core functions at Bunzl, which have improved my capabilities to successfully service my customers, enhance my skills, and ensure a life-long learning culture, which makes Bunzl an exciting and interesting place to work.
What are you excited to see more of in the future when it comes to your industry?
With the ever-increasing advances of AI into the modern world, how will our role as salespeople be impacted? AI can assist with tasks, but falls short in its current abilities to be able to read nuanced human interactions like reading emotions, adapting in real time, and above all, building trust. Future salespeople, including me, will need to be tech-savvy, adaptable, and adept at building relationships. Bring it on.
Brian Sheriff is a Business Development Manager at Bunzl Australia, Healthcare.
