Turning Strangers into Business Partners.
Winning challenges with ZEISS
Business Development Manager, ZEISS Vision Care Singapore
Leaving the Comfort Zone to Learn and Grow
Prior to joining ZEISS in late 2016, Beverly was working as a Senior Ophthalmic Investigation Technologist in a local eye hospital for 3 years. Having a good impression and familiarity with the ZEISS quality and its equipment, Beverly was pleased to take on her first corporate sales role at ZEISS. In this interview, she shares her journey to a challenging yet rewarding career in the Vision Care business group.
What prompted you to switch from ophthalmic investigation to business development at ZEISS?
My previous job entailed mostly technical work on a regular basis and that’s where I honed my skills with ZEISS medical equipment. With this competence, I wanted to nurture businesses while achieving personal growth. I am glad to say that I’ve found what I wanted here at ZEISS! It was a 360-degree change and I felt that I could bring myself out of my comfort zone and contribute to my customers’ successes.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
My current job scope is dynamic and full of the unexpected, which makes it exciting for me. There’s always something new to learn and explore. Since I am relatively new to the optical industry, I’m grateful to have my direct superiors help, guide and mentor me especially when I am facing difficulties.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face at work? Do you have a personal and unique way of dealing with them?
My greatest challenge is definitely turning my customers from “strangers” to my business partners when I first reach out to them. Luckily for me, it didn’t take me that long to gain a strong rapport with them. To first engage the customers, I have to be confident when presenting the product, without them knowing I’m new to the trade. I’ve always believed in going the extra mile and being genuine about finding the best solutions for my customers.
How does a typical work day look like for you in Singapore?
In the mornings, I am in office for product training or sales meetings, running through my customers’ sales analyses, preparing my call plan and going for store visits thereafter. Ultimately, it’s all about helping my customers grow their business with ZEISS.
For people who are considering to apply into ZEISS in the region, what do you think they will like the most about being part of the team in Southeast Asia?
They will enjoy being part of an inclusive team to be working hard and playing hard!