Hiring Position Recommendation: AdMind Technology

Transcription

1 Alex Farrell Delaney Nye Sadie Swenson Professional Writing 12/10/14 Hiring Position Recommendation: AdMind Technology

2 2 Table of Contents Introduction... 3 Web Developer... 4 Salesperson... 9 Assistant Manager Conclusion References... 21

3 3 Introduction The following is a proposal report written to AdMind Technology giving recommendations on which position the organization should hire first. We believe that after reading this report you will have a better understanding of the three positions we are recommending that you hire: a web developer, a salesperson, and lastly, an assistant manager. This report will benefit AdMind because not only will we recommend whom to hire first, we will also give insight into each of the three positions.

4 4 Web Developer For this section of the report we are going to state the case why we believe it is important for AdMind to hire a web developer. Since AdMind is a web- based company, we strongly believe hiring a computer wiz would be the wisest decision. A computer/web developer would be critical to maintaining current computer systems, and also finding programs to make AdMind operate more efficiently. What Is a Web Developer? As technology is becoming more and more essential in our daily lives, there is an increasing need for a professional who can offer quality technical support. Since AdMind is a computer- based company, we believe this need is increased even more. The job of a web developer would include: Ø Installing hardware and software systems Ø Troubleshooting any problem AdMind would encounter Ø Maintaining equipment Ø Setting up security for AdMind systems Ø Configuring computer networks Ø Offering computer support

5 5 Before Hiring a Web Developer There are so many web developers and companies that offer the same product. However, it is vitally important you make the right decision regarding whom you hire. There are companies or individuals that offer hourly pricing, while others guarantee a project- based price (Himmel). You will definitely want to be sure of who you hire before they are already working inside the company. That s why it is so important to do your research. You want somebody that has the same vision as AdMind, and can get along with everybody in your company. Since web developers usually operate alone, often times they have a hard time

6 6 keeping the company s vision in mind. This is why it is important to find somebody who will fit your company perfectly. Benefits for AdMind for Hiring a Web Developer New Programs For AdMind to be competitive with other similar businesses, it needs to have the best software available. A developer would be essential to constantly having the latest software systems that would help AdMind work more efficiently. Fixing Problems It s almost a guarantee that you will encounter problems running a business that relies heavily on computers. Even though technology is fairly reliable, there are definitely times when you will run into issues. If you encounter a problem and don t have a developer already on hand, it will shut down your business until you can get it fixed. Having someone on hand prevents this from happening; you can find a solution immediately. Updating Equipment Someone with knowledge of the latest equipment would be highly valuable. A computer technician would be expected to learn the latest trends in computer systems and work with AdMind to integrate those systems. Having the newest technology makes all the difference, and having someone that could teach you the newest systems is highly valuable. Answering Questions It is hard for the head of the company to answer technical questions that potential clients might face. A developer is essential to help the clients understand what the technology is doing, and how it would be beneficial to their business. Besides answering to

7 7 clients, after AdMind grows they will need to help employees inside the office as well. Once AdMind expands to the point where there are multiple people operating on computers, you will need someone that your employees can turn to if they have questions. Setting Up Security Systems As mentioned before, AdMind relies heavily on operating online, using the computer. This means all their client information is accessible online, which can create problems if you don t protect it correctly. A computer technician would be responsible for creating online security that would protect their clients. Benefits for Clients Another huge reason to hire a web developer is for the impact it would have on clients. Most companies have to hire outside web developers, and that takes time to communicate with each party. However, having an inside web developer that works solely with AdMind would be very valuable for the clients. The clients see this as an extra bonus, doing work with AdMind. Instead of the clients reaching out to outside sources, all the work could be completed using only one company. For AdMind to grow, potential clients need to be confident that there is an in- house web developer. They will want to know that there is a full- time working computer developer working on their project before deciding to continue with AdMind. Cost Analysis Benefit Another benefit of hiring a developer is that the position is task oriented. This essentially means that you can give them a task and they can complete it on their own; all you provide is a deadline. Consequently, a developer wouldn t have to be in office every

8 8 single day, which would cut labor costs. As you can see, this would put more money into the pockets of AdMind. A/B Multivariate Testing Besides setting up new computer software and offering technical support, developers are skilled in other areas as well. Since they spend the majority of their time working on the Internet, they can give unique feedback on clients websites. Their critiques are valuable to AdMind clients because they can offer a professional prospective. Developers would offer suggestions on how clients can improve their online presence, and then see if those changes impacted the conversion rate.

9 9 Salesperson Most of the time, a big focus for any business is the sales that they make. After all, sales greatly influence how much profit a business makes, and profit is the key for many a business. Therefore, a business seeking to make profits should definitely hire a salesperson or sales team to help them achieve such a goal. Salespeople are vitally important to a business because they not only create methods for profit for the business, but they also spread word about the business through their sales. Sales and Salespeople In order to understand just how important salespeople are to a business, you have to understand the basic definition and function of a salesperson. However, first and foremost it s necessary to define sales in general. In his article The Importance of Sales in an Organization, Neil Kokemuller defines sales as a common promotional approach used by companies that market goods and services to consumers or organizational buyers. Selling commonly includes face- to- face meetings between sales representatives and prospective buyers. In a consultative approach, the salesperson asks questions to discover prospect needs and then makes recommendations for purchase. Sales have a huge impact on a business success or failure, because how much of a product or service you sell influences how much profit you make as well as how much attention you get from customers (or potential customers).

10 10 While the above definition of sales provides a summary of the overall process, there are several different categories covered by this blanket term. The categories form a hierarchy of sorts, as explained in this chart (Barrett 2014), with the more basic jobs at the bottom of the pyramid and the most complicated and significant jobs to the business toward the top. The categories of sales that the pyramid displays are organized into 4 main levels (Barrett 2014): Level 1: Reactive/Indirect Sales This category includes call centers, telesales, door- to- door domestic selling, agents, retail, counter and showroom selling. Level 2: Transactional/Proactive Field Force This category refers to average product and services sales via the field sales force. Level 3: Major Account/Business Development This category refers to the sales of products, services, and/or solutions sold on value or differentiation. Level 4: Strategic/Key Accounts/Rainmaking This final category is specifically reserved for preferred supplier relationships. It includes the highest and second highest categories on the pyramid.

11 11 A salesperson is the key player in the marketing of goods and services. Without salespeople, your business sales department may be lacking, which could spell bad news for you. Therefore, it is important to hire a salesperson that you can rely on. However, not every person can be a salesperson. In order for a potential salesperson to be successful in this field, they need to have specific traits. A good salesperson is driven, relentless, and persistent; they never give up and put everything they ve got into their work. They are also observant, attentive, empathetic, and a good listener they can tell when something s wrong and are able to empathize with others and listen to their problems. Because good salespeople are also problem solvers and good communicators, they can work to fix any problem that comes their way. Finally, a good salesperson is trustworthy, so you can trust them with any task and know that they won t let you down.

12 12 How to Hire a Salesperson While there are good salespeople out there, it can be relatively difficult to find them. The success of your business sales completely depends on the competency of its salesperson or salespeople. Therefore, it is crucial that an adequate salesperson with the right qualities is hired. The infographic 10 Tips for Sales Hiring lists several key suggestions for hiring a salesperson, such as what specific characteristics to look for in people who apply for the position and what to do during the overall hiring process. The Importance of Salespeople As previously mentioned, salespeople are vitally important to a business because of the profit and popularity they can bring to a company. Many businesses have debated on whether to hire salespeople or simply replace them with electronic devices or applications. While this is a possible option, it is not recommended for most businesses. Salespeople bring so much more to the table than some emotionless computer program. A

13 13 blog post from Hays Sales explains some of the major benefits of hiring an actual salesperson rather than implementing an electronic method of sales: A good salesperson will bring to a company a range of values that cannot be replaced by alternative marketing methods. They will be experts in their field, and well- connected within their customer base. They will be naturally likeable and excellent at relationship- building. They will be able to quickly identify leads worth pursuing and know how to communicate with these people. They will be passionate about their product and be able to explain how it will benefit their client. This ability to create an emotional impact is still extremely important in the marketplace. (Hays Sales UK 2012) This passage from Hays perfectly summarizes the major differences between salespeople and electronic marketing methods. Salespeople are dedicated individuals who can emotionally connect with their clients. It is this emotional connection that differentiates person from computer. An electronic app or device can surely do the job of a salesperson, but it most likely would not make as much profit against a real person who is emotionally driven to seal the deal with his or her clients. The Importance of Sales Managers Having at least one salesperson is important for a business success. However, when your business expands over time it will eventually need to hire more salespeople to keep up with its customers demands. When that happens, rather than simply continue on with a group of salespeople, it is important to hire a sales manager to lead the sales department. A sales manager basically means what it looks like: he or she manages the sales department and leads the business salespeople. In the article Importance of Sales Management, Sam

14 14 Ashe- Edmunds provides a basic summary of what sales management means as well as why it is important to a business: Sales management includes more than tracking the business you book and providing support for your sales team. It starts with helping develop the right products, setting the right prices and distributing in the right places, and continues with marketing messaging, customer service and other selling efforts. All of these efforts must be coordinated so one doesn t interfere any of the others. Setting plans, monitoring them and tracking results lets you continue to adapt, eliminate weaknesses and take advantage of opportunities. (Ashe- Edmunds) As Ashe- Edmunds explains in the above paragraph, sales management is more than it seems to be, and it can help your business stay organized and embrace opportunities. Once AdMind expands into a bigger business and develops a sales team, it could definitely use a sales manager to keep things organized and on track. Why You Should Hire a Salesperson AdMind Technology s main focus is advertising, and a sales department could definitely fit into that. One very good reason to hire a salesperson first and foremost is that they will get the word out about your business while simultaneously selling products and services for AdMind, thus making profit on top of everything else. While hiring a different position in the start of your business would still be beneficial to your company, doing so may not have as many benefits as a sales manager would bring to you. Last but not least, a salesperson could even work with other positions once you hire them to incorporate other ideas into their sales strategies.

15 15 Assistant Manager This report is going to provide evidence to support why the assistant manager position should be chosen to use first for the AdMind company. Included in this report are a few historical and analytical thoughts, definitions and explanations of what an assistant manager will do for the company, and specific important duties that the assistant manager will take care of to benefit the company. AdMind digital advertising helps build campaigns to help companies with their advertising success. Company awareness and outreach at its finest with AdMind and their proven campaign development programs. With their very high- skilled measurements and charts, AdMind can inform you how many people are viewing your site, engaging in your brand, and how they feel about your advertisements. AdMind has a guarantee of the brand being managed by highly qualified and certified marketing professionals. This company knows that the importance of advertising is all about location, and they also know which skills will be valuable to their clients. What Is an Assistant Manager? An assistant manager wears multiple hats and assists wherever they are needed. They have a lot of responsibility, and require a great variety of skills. Assistant managers need to know how to keep a level head, be able to do multiple things at a time, and have extraordinary people skills. Leadership skills are one of the most important skills for any sort of manager to have. A good manager will be able to direct people in a way that shows authority, but also with respect to their employees. An assistant manager should be able to handle high stress

16 16 situations and general complaints, and should act as a role model to all of his or her employees and coworkers. Organizational skills and the ability to be very attentive are requirements for a good assistant manager. They must be able to stay organized and always be ahead of the game. They also have to know what is coming next and what is going to be expected of them within reasonable time. A successful assistant manager is always motivating and knows what other people are and should be doing at all times. The ability to wear so many hats, and to hold so much responsibility, is a privilege. Long- term Effects of Having an Assistant Manager An assistant manager does just that. They assist the head manager in anything that they request help in. Having an assistant manager who has been well trained and has been with the company for a long period of time will be beneficial to the company because of the experience they have gained. The experiences that a manager can acquire while being at a job for a long period of time will also help them that much more with their success and development of their own occupation and future goals. A Look at the Competition Other highly successful ad agencies have very exciting websites. At times they can be a bit overwhelming, but overall they are a good experience and worth looking at. Ogilvy and Mather is a company that has an approach of engaging the client through the design of their website. They seem to be quite a bit bigger company in comparison to AdMind, which is fine considering that AdMind is in its early years. Ogilvy and Mather have a lot of clients

17 17 and agencies that they are already connected with. Once AdMind can find itself with as many connections and clients, the development of the company will skyrocket. Two other companies that would be interesting to look at for layout and content advice for advertising on their website are BBDO and Saatchi & Saatchi. Both of these companies have flashy, attractive websites that will draw clients to them. Importance of an Assistant Manager Assistant managers are highly valuable and important to any manager who knows how to let them help them correctly. The assistant manager generally takes care of

18 18 whatever the head manager can t handle. Sometimes those projects are tedious and seem to be useless at the time, but a little help and assistance goes a very long way. An assistant manager is needed to be on the ball at all times. They are always looked to for advice by coworkers and managers. Assistants are the biggest supporters of the crew in the entire group. They must know how to be independent and be able to take over when the head manager has to step away for any reason or amount of time. How Is This Specific for AdMind? Tyler Whittingham, the managing partner of AdMind, said that there are many moving parts to the business; many of the tasks described above are essentially busy work. My time as a business owner and salesman is not best utilized by performing tedious tasks and checking up on projects already set in motion, said Whittingham. I need to be prospecting new clients and signing new deals to keep the revenue coming in. Having an assistant manager would free up my time to sell while ensuring we don't drop the ball on any current deals. Assistant managers are usually going to be faced with these types of jobs and duties. Most managers have too many tasks to complete in a short amount of time. That s why they have assistant managers hired to help speed up the process of task completion and keep everything going on with the company organized and in check. What Functions Can an Assistant Manager Provide for AdMind? A majority of an assistant manager s work involves playing the middleman in various types of deals. An assistant manager would keep track of projects, deadlines, progress reports, client relations reporting, and internal tasks, such as making sure all our

19 19 clients advertising budgets are on pace and performing as expected. The assistant manager will check the progress to make sure all programs are running as smoothly as possible. The assistant manager is the next step down from the manager. Therefore, they must know all of the different clients and team members that AdMind is going to be working with in case they may have to step in and take over for their head manager. The assistant should be able to do that with ease. The connections and communication with clients and other people important to the company must be the same relation with the manager and the assistant. How to Implement the Assistant Manager Position Newly hired assistant managers will need to be able to train fast and quickly learn their expectations. Assistant managing is a key job in the company, so these new employees will be holding the high responsibilities of the company. Any new employee should have about a week to get the feel for all that goes on in the company. The best thing to do is trial and error with your job. Not the easiest, but one of the most effective ways to learn is through mistakes. After about a month of being on the job, it should be back to normal with new employees. If there are too many problems with the functionality of the company and things running smoothly, it s time to change it up. If you feel uneasy about the situation and/or a new employee, change it. If things seem to be going as planned, keep it up. Assistant managers should be great assets to any company.

20 20 Conclusion In conclusion, when looking over the benefits of all three of the positions mentioned in this report, we agree that the assistant manager position would be the most valuable position for AdMind to hire first. We understand that a web developer would provide valuable skills and a salesperson would help AdMind gain new clients. However, when it comes to which position to hire first and foremost, an assistant manager would be able to perform many of these tasks until other positions are hired in the future. Moreover, they would be able to provide a new perspective for the company and have good leadership and organizational skills as well.

21 21 References Ashe- Edmunds, S. (n.d.). Importance of Sales Management. Chron.com. Retrieved November 28, 2014, from sales- management html Assistant Manager Job Description. (n.d.). Retrieved December 8, 2014, from descriptions/assistant- manager- 2/ Barrett, S. (2014). One size does not fit all when it comes to Selling. Retrieved November 28, 2014, from one- size- does- not- fit- all- when- it- comes- to- selling BBDO. (n.d.). Retrieved December 8, 2014, from work Glebas, E. (2014, March 5). Web Developer Overview. Hays Sales Uk (2012, April). The Importance of a Salesperson [Web log post]. Retrieved from of- salesperson.html Kokemuller, N. (n.d.). The Importance of Sales in an Organization. Retrieved November 28, 2014, from sales- organization html Ogilvy & Mather. (n.d.). Retrieved December 8, 2014, from Our Purpose : Saatchi & Saatchi. (n.d.). Retrieved December 8, 2014, from us/purpose/purpose- page/ Pedrick, C. (2013, May 10). Web Devloper.

22 22 Top50 AD AGENCIES. (n.d.). Retrieved December 8, 2014, from Image Sources: Anatomy of a Sales Person, 7/Anatomy%20of%20a%20Sales%20Person.png 10 Tips for Sales Hiring, tips- for- sales- hiring.html