​Usually I get up between 6 and 6.30, make breakfast and lunch box for my family and myself and quickly check my e-mail to see if there  is anything I need to respond to before going on the road. 
The visits that I do are almost always pre planned one or more weeks in advance, so I don’t have to stress or push for visits on a short notice. I always try to combine my visits in the same area, so I don’t waste too much time in travelling. 

When I have a gap in my planning or a visit gets cancelled, I go to our branch in Tilburg to catch up with our team members and work from there until it's time to go to the next (potential) customer. There are some existing customers who I can call to catch up when I’m in the neighborhood and this helps filling my day as well. In this way, I can keep in close contact with our customers to see if they are happy or if I need to help them with something.  

I always try to have a mixed day in terms of visits meaning I visit at least 1 new potential customer I have never met before, 1 or more potential customers were we already have a proposal in place to close and last but not least 1 or more existing customers to catch up and discuss were we can improve our cooperation. Of course, this does not always play out this way, but I like my days to be as diverse as possible. 

Visiting new potential customers means preparation; basically try to get as much information about the company as possible so you are well prepared when going in there. I make a short summary for myself to read before I arrive at the company and go in. During those visits I try to gather as much information as I can so we can create a tailor made proposal. Knowing the needs of the customer is crucial in preparing a proposal and makes the chance of winning this business much higher.

During my journey between visits I call customers to check in or make new appointments and also check with our team members in the office if there is anything urgent were I can help with. When I arrive back at the office or home I check my email, make my visit reports and create the proposals for the prospects I have visited. 

One of the most exciting things about sales for me is meeting new people and having the chance to see a lot of different companies from the inside but the most important drive for me is the kick of winning new business. 
Every time when I gain a new customer I celebrate with our team, because this brings us closer to our mutual target.

Sales at Mainfreight is interesting and fun because we are able to make our own decisions on the spot and build our own customer portfolio based on trust, long term relationships and tailormade solutions.