How to Be a Print Sales Representative
Today’s “I Want to Be” Series features
Jen Foley who works from home full time for the print sales company
Foley Business Forms & Print Solutions.
She has learned several strategies to working full time while also
caring for her 17 month old son. She
also writes for her blog After the
Alter which is a blog about her married
life and all her adventures in motherhood. Find out how to connect with
Jen at the end of this article.
How long have you had your business?
Foley Business Forms & Print Solutions is my father's company. He
started it back in 1984 in Pennsylvania, and I started a branch of his company
in New York in 2003.
What led you to pursue it?
I never thought I would want to follow in his footsteps, but then I realized all the wonderful things working for him could offer. I would be able to work from home, have a lot of professional autonomy, and the opportunity to grow his business. It was a win-win all around.
Are you full time or part time? If part-time, do you anticipate switching to full time?
I work full time although I also consider myself a full time mom also. Luckily I am able to do most of my job via the phone, e mail and fax. Thus far I have been able to get my work done and take care of my son all at the same time.
How do you market your business?
I got all my business the old fashioned way...by going door to door cold calling. At this point I no longer cold call and build my business mainly on referrals. I haven't put too much effort into outside marketing other than selling myself as an expert in the print business.
What is your favorite part of the business?
My favorite part of the business is the autonomy it gives me. Even though it's my father's company, he has always given me free range which has allowed me to feel like the business is mine. I also love that it allows me to be home with my son.
What one question do you get most from people about your business?
You sell paper? No, I don't just sell paper. We sell all types of printed products including forms, labels, checks, marketing materials, stationary, promotional products and more. There is a lot more to it than meets the eye.
What one myth or misconception do you want to dispel about the work you do?
Even though I work from home I do actually "work"! Friends always think I am available to do anything they need during the day, when in fact it's not easy to get everything I need to do done, especially with my son.
What advice do you have for others who want to get into a similar opportunity?
Working from home isn't always easy. It takes a lot of determination and motivation. It's very easy to get side tracked.
To learn more about Jen, stop by her professional website, Foley Business Forms Print Solutions, her personal blog, After the Alter, her Facebook page, or on Twitter.
What led you to pursue it?
I never thought I would want to follow in his footsteps, but then I realized all the wonderful things working for him could offer. I would be able to work from home, have a lot of professional autonomy, and the opportunity to grow his business. It was a win-win all around.
Are you full time or part time? If part-time, do you anticipate switching to full time?
I work full time although I also consider myself a full time mom also. Luckily I am able to do most of my job via the phone, e mail and fax. Thus far I have been able to get my work done and take care of my son all at the same time.
How do you market your business?
I got all my business the old fashioned way...by going door to door cold calling. At this point I no longer cold call and build my business mainly on referrals. I haven't put too much effort into outside marketing other than selling myself as an expert in the print business.
What is your favorite part of the business?
My favorite part of the business is the autonomy it gives me. Even though it's my father's company, he has always given me free range which has allowed me to feel like the business is mine. I also love that it allows me to be home with my son.
What one question do you get most from people about your business?
You sell paper? No, I don't just sell paper. We sell all types of printed products including forms, labels, checks, marketing materials, stationary, promotional products and more. There is a lot more to it than meets the eye.
What one myth or misconception do you want to dispel about the work you do?
Even though I work from home I do actually "work"! Friends always think I am available to do anything they need during the day, when in fact it's not easy to get everything I need to do done, especially with my son.
What advice do you have for others who want to get into a similar opportunity?
Working from home isn't always easy. It takes a lot of determination and motivation. It's very easy to get side tracked.
To learn more about Jen, stop by her professional website, Foley Business Forms Print Solutions, her personal blog, After the Alter, her Facebook page, or on Twitter.
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