How A Service Role Laid the Foundation for a Career in Sales

From Investment Counselor to Vice President, Nas has grown into various roles over the course of nine years at Fisher Investments. Nas’s most recent career change occurred last year, when she transitioned from service to sales. 

In a recent interview, Nas covers how she felt supported throughout her career, what challenges she has overcome in her first year of sales, and how she measures success in the Vice President role. 

What drew you to the Vice President role originally, and how has it evolved over time?                        

The excitement around making a difference in people’s financial futures is what initially captivated me about the Vice President role. I enjoyed learning about clients and their goals in my previous service roles, and it was rewarding to have an impact on a client’s first impression and ongoing experience with Fisher Investments. The Vice President role has evolved in a positive way with the added resources and support the firm provides. I love the consistent challenge it brings, and how every day I learn something new and continue to improve my process to be the best I can be.

What does success look like in your role, and how do you and your team support each other in achieving it?                         

Staying consistent and proactive with reaching out to potential clients and managing my time on all aspects of the role: holding meetings, focusing on my presentation skills, and leveraging my resources to help as many people as possible. 

My team supports each other in achieving success by learning from one another, offering encouragement, and consistently providing positive and constructive feedback. Success has so many ways to manifest itself, and I love how my team and I can always help each other improve. 

What is one challenge you have had to navigate in sales?

One challenge that I stay mindful of as a Vice President is making sure I stay consistent and true to my process. Some days are more challenging than others, so it’s important to try and stay positive, motivated, and confident. Reminding myself of these values helps me persevere during those challenging days, thus allowing me to continue helping as many people as possible. 

What have you learned about yourself since starting your current role?                                                

I have discovered that I enjoy speaking with potential clients! Before joining sales, I was intimidated by making new connections with prospective clients and the challenges that come with it. However, I’ve come to truly appreciate informing prospective clients about our firm and how we might help, and the rewards that come with knowing I have created real value for the firm and our future clients. It’s something I’ve come to be proud of, and I’m happy I have been able to transform this into a strength. 

How have you felt supported in your current role as a Vice President? How does your team leader help support your development?

The open and transparent environment of feedback has helped me be introspective and become the best version of myself. The rewarding culture and celebrations of individual and team wins keep me motivated and eager to continue growing.

From providing me with the tools needed to improve my craft, to having someone I can bounce ideas off, I have felt supported by my Team Leader in many ways! I know my Team Leader is fully vested in my success, and that makes for a great intrinsic motivator.

What types of education and training does Fisher offer in sales?

I recently wrapped up my first annual sales training with all US-based salespeople and came out feeling energized. Fisher provides me with access to dozens of tools surrounding communication strategies, market reports, and of course, mentoring from successful and tenured Vice Presidents. There is so much talent in this organization, and I’m honored to be able to learn from the best!

What advice do you have for women who are currently in or thinking about joining the sales field?

Fairygodboss is proud to partner with Fisher Investments. Find a job there today!