SaraSales Development
In which departments have you worked at BDA and how long have you been at the company?
During my 10-plus years at BDA I've been provided some great opportunities to work with amazing teams in finance, consumer products, retail programs, IT, implementation and transitions and the Sales Development Resource Center.
Describe your current position.
It's a little difficult to explain as I don't really have a job description. There are few boundaries and a lot of opportunities. Each day is different. I work with New Business Development to help with RFP responses, and occasionally they ask me to participate in client presentations. Once we win an account, I help the team onboard these new clients, from transitioning inventory to building websites. Along with new clients, we also need to train and transition the new account management team members who join the BDA family during these acquisitions. With a lot hard work from my teammate, Erica Trethewy, our leadership group, HR and our executive team, we train new directors, account managers and inside sales associates through our weeklong Sales University program.
Who makes up our transition and implementation team?
Erica and I are dedicated to the implementation team, but it's really a collaborative effort among several departments. Everyone at BDA plays a huge role in the success of every transition—sales, e-commerce, product development, creative services, finance, warehouse, purchasing, you name it.
In general, how long is the transition and implementation period for a new BDA client?
Typical transitions take between 90 and 120 days. We've done as quick as two weeks and we've seen others take more than six months. It all depends on the size and complexity of the implementation.
Can transition and implementation be viewed as a creative exercise? Perhaps, in the manner you solve unique problems for new clients.
It's like putting a puzzle together each time. Even though we follow pretty much the same steps with each implementation and transition, each one is slightly different based on client landscape and requirements. The team has to be very solution-oriented as there's always something that is new or different.
What are the key drivers behind a seamless transition?
The true success of every implementation depends on how engaged and supportive the client is from the beginning of the process. Another key to the success of transitions is excellent communication both internally and externally with a clear understanding and agreement of the requirements and expectations right from the beginning. Having enough time and the right resources working on the project is always a plus.
So, is data analysis as exciting as it sounds?
The adventure never stops! Data analysis is a necessary evil for every project. It's the only way we can anticipate and truly measure success.
What's your favorite part of your job?
I have had people ask what keeps me going. That's easy—being a part of an amazing team of people. I also like the variety of projects and opportunities that keep me busy. Meeting and working with new clients is great. I feel like I'm always making new friends.
What are your weekend pursuits?
Spending quality time with my husband and my two adorable boys is all I pretty much want to do on the weekends. I love to travel and want my boys to know there is more to the world than Washington state. Plus, we always manage to find time to enjoy a good bottle of wine with friends and family.