Julia Batchelder is an outside facility services sales representative based out of New Orleans, Louisiana. Having initially begun her career as a nurse, Julia eventually found her calling in the business landscape.
As a hard working and goal oriented individual, Julia has surpassed each milestone she has set for herself, allowing her to be a top sales performer in her region. With a talent for cultivating genuine relationships with her customers, Julia is always searching for new and exciting business opportunities.
What do you currently do at your company?
I am an outside facility services sales representative. We supply things like cleaning chemicals, towels, bathroom products, etc to businesses. I’ve been here several months now and have really gotten into the swing of things very easily. I’ve been the top performer for my region the last couple of months. It’s been a really great experience, learning new things and meeting new people. It’s a lot of fun.
What defines your way of doing business?
Working with and meeting new people has always been fun for me. I just enjoy having interactions with a variety of people. You learn so much about them and about yourself, really. That face-to-face interaction you have when you’re in sales was what drew me in. I like the idea of providing great products at a great price, especially for small businesses. They’ve been through a lot the last couple of years, but the pandemic isn’t over yet. What we supply helps keep them within guidelines while saving money.
What keys to being productive can you share?
Being driven and willing to work hard are the best ways to be productive. A lot of people may not agree, but self-care is also very important to be productive. If you don’t take care of yourself, you risk feeling burnt out or run down. That can affect how you function, so make sure you are taking care of yourself.
Tell us one long-term goal in your career.
I would love to make Diamond Club in the company. That’s for our highest sellers and that is the goal I am reaching for right now. I want financial stability and the ability, down the line, to retire comfortably. To get that, I need to put the work in now. Having that within the company puts a tangible goal in our sights and encourages the salespeople to do their best.
How do you measure success?
Success is consistently ranking at the top for sales. I can be very focused when I decide to be. That goal of making it into the Diamond Club is part of how I will measure my success.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?
Keep your customer’s needs in mind, always. Sales is such a competitive field. There are so many others out there offering the same things. You have to find a way to set yourself apart from anyone else. Whether that be with better prices or a better attitude, you have to learn how to be different. I like to chat with my clients, see how they are doing, ask about their families. None of my clients will feel like they are just a number to me because they aren’t.
What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?
Be willing to work. Never leave any stone unturned. Your next sale may be right around the corner. Even if someone or something doesn’t seem like it will be a good lead, you have to try. The results may surprise you. I have had a few times where I really thought I wasn’t going to seal a deal, but they came through. It is actually those situations that can really bolster your self-esteem. Get out of your comfort zone when you can. It is very rewarding.
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?
I love to travel. Exercise is important to me also so I work out whenever I can. I also enjoy hiking and kayaking. Being near New Orleans, another fun thing I love is to try out new restaurants when I can. The cuisine here is world-renowned for a reason.
How would your colleagues describe you?
Driven. Hard-working. Authentic. I don’t hide who I am or what I am after. I set a goal and I work toward that goal. I work well with others, I am just very goal-oriented. I think my colleagues appreciate my honesty and openness. I think they would say I am approachable and that I am willing to learn new ways of doing things.
How do you maintain a solid work-life balance?
It really helps that I love my job so much. It just doesn’t feel like work to me, so that is helpful in maintaining a balance. Besides work, though, I do recognize the need for self-care and relaxation. I make sure I do something fun every day. Sometimes it will be a nice walk after work. Sometimes I’ll meet up with friends for dinner.
What is one piece of technology that helps you the most in your daily routine?
I use my phone daily. It has everything I need in one place. My calendar is very important, of course. I’ve got all of my contacts stored and it keeps me reachable for my clients. It is an invaluable tool for me.
Who has been a role model to you and why?
My mother, for sure. She has always been a strong role model for me. She has been my best cheerleader throughout my life. She has helped me get through some difficult times, always with strength. I hope that I have inherited that from her.
What is one piece of advice that you have never forgotten?
If you have a goal in mind, never give up. If you really want it, you can reach it. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Honestly, I really enjoy what I am doing right now. I am responsible for myself and I like that. I know a lot of people may not want to admit that, but when I think of myself as a manager or running a team of people, it’s not that appealing. I am excited to be where I am right now and, for now, I am content to just keep doing this.