How to Build a Virtual Sales Office

Written by Savannah Howard

Originally from Wellington, Florida, Savannah is a member of an outsourced sales team at The Selling Factory. Beyond her work as a sales development representative, she is a fourth-year at the University of Florida pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations with a concentration in the French language.

In a digital age that seemingly never stops evolving, technology has become an integral part of many people’s everyday lives. This is true not only in leisure but also in the very necessary functions of school and work.

The shift to a remote work environment has affected many sales development representatives (SDRs) that require face-to-face interactions in order to thrive. It is essential that leadership does their best to recreate the hustle and bustle of the sales process steps through means of a completely reimagined platform. This transition requires patience, adaptability, and team collaboration above all.  

Replicating an In-Person Office Online

One element that my own SDR team is taking advantage of is the concept of a virtual sales office, which was created with Hubs by Mozilla. Virtual offices, however, are only meaningful when both parties involved – company leadership and employees – utilize them to their full capabilities. A valuable virtual sales office comes firstly with SDR participation and cooperation. 

A virtual sales office can be an extremely useful tool for SDRs involved in a remote work environment when it is used in the same way as a true in-person office setting. Attendance and team collaboration are among the first things that come to mind when describing a traditional office. Replicating these skills in a virtual setting allows for constructive criticism and feedback from SDR team leaders, as well as opening up the possibility to ask questions in real-time. 

Not much of the traditional office setting is lost when operating in a serviceable virtual office. Not only is it beneficial for SDRs, but it also gives SDR team leaders an opportunity to gauge the progress of those working on their designated projects. From observation and feedback, SDRs can carry out the sales process steps more effectively.

How to Have Fun and Collaborate as a Team Virtually

An interactive virtual office space that stretches beyond just work matters can help create a sense of enjoyment in a remote work environment as well. For example, the inclusion of unique avatars gives our SDR team the ability to express themselves in creative, and sometimes even amusing, ways. Including multiple rooms in a virtual office is yet another aspect of a well-built interactive office that helps the SDR team thrive. 

Designated rooms for specific sales campaigns or training are also valuable additions. These rooms provide the leadership the opportunity to take their time on a particular topic, such as training SDRs on the sales process steps, and to further advance team collaboration. 

For many, not much could compare to a traditional office setting. Nonetheless, with the proper tools and a reciprocated excitement and utilization in regard to an in-person placeholder, a mutually beneficial virtual office space can be a very close second.

Victoria Zamitalo

Campaign Manager

Victoria received a BA in History and Economics from the University of Florida in May 2023. She is a driven sales professional with over 5 years combined experience in customer service, consumer relations and outbound sales, and is deeply passionate about fostering close relationships between consumers and sellers. She aims to train the next generation of sales professionals in not only the tricks of the trade, but also interpersonal skills that make sales the exciting and ever-changing industry that it is.

victoria@thesellingfactory.com

Mia Semel

Campaign Manager

Before graduating with a B.A. in Sustainability Studies, Mia took on multiple roles while interning at The Selling Factory, including sales development, recruiting, and leading campaigns. She is an active listener and effective communicator, specializing in fostering genuine connections and finding common ground among differing perspectives. She aims to find practical, creative solutions regarding sustainable development, biodiversity and the climate crisis.

mia.semel@thesellingfactory.com

Kira Grieve

Senior Campaign Manager

Kira graduated from the University of Florida and received her Master of Science in Entrepreneurship. She is passionate about helping businesses grow and connecting with new people. Some of her hobbies include traveling and hiking. She hopes to visit all of the National Parks one day!

kira@thesellingfactory.com

Jared Glosser

Vice President

After graduating from UF in 2014 with a B.A. in history, Jared started his professional career Fundraising for a non-partisan political lobby in South Florida. In 2016, Jared moved back to Gainesville to work for a non-profit, recruit students for international travel opportunities, and pursue his MBA at UF. Jared has been with The Selling Factory since 2019 focusing on operations, client onboarding, and client success.

jared@thesellingfactory.com

Ian Massenburg

Chief Operating Officer

A graduate of University of Florida (B.A. 2001), Ian Massenburg brings over 18 years of sales executive and sales management experience to The Selling Factory. Before coming on-board, Ian worked alongside Brad at Infinite Energy, and then spent his next 3 years as VP of Partnerships selling SaaS products B2B. Ian brings his vast knowledge and experience to the team and to our partner companies served.

ian@thesellingfactory.com

Damien Paulk

Campaign Manager

Damien is a University of Florida graduate that recently joined the team full time after working as a Sales Development Intern for one year. As a Campaign Manager, Damien looks forward to contributing to the growth and success of The Selling Factory. When Damien is not at work he enjoys exploring Gainesville with his girlfriend and dog or watching the Gators dominate college football.

damien@thesellingfactory.com

Brendan Viehman

Campaign Manager

Brendan graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Project Management. For the past 5 years, he has enjoyed working with blockchain technology and cryptocurrency development. In his free time, he surfs and makes personal finance videos for his YouTube channel.

brendan@thesellingfactory.com

Savannah Howard

Campaign Manager

A graduate from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, Savannah obtained her Bachelor of Science in public relations with a concentration in French. After almost two years as a sales development intern for The Selling Factory, she joined the leadership team in 2021 taking on the role of Campaign Manager. In her free time, Savannah enjoys going to concerts and festivals and cooking for her friends and family.

savannah@thesellingfactory.com

Zack Kampf

Campaign Manager

Zack is a creative technologist with experience in advertising, event planning, and game design. He started as an SDR in 2018 and has been with TSF ever since. Upon graduating UF in 2019 he became a campaign manager and is currently seeking a master's degree from NYU. In his spare time, you can find him at the intersection of Art & Technology!

zack@thesellingfactory.com

Josiah Blakemore

Growth Manager

Josiah has over 10 years of sales experience, worked with Brad and Ian at Infinite Energy, and also spent time selling SaaS as Director of Partnerships at SharpSpring. He’s always been very competitive and has a love for sports and games. He enjoys solving problems and coaching team members to do the same!

josiah@thesellingfactory.com

Sue-Ming Frauenhofer

Marketing Manager

Sue-Ming received both her B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Management from The University of Florida. As a student, she took on multiple roles while interning at The Selling Factory, including sales development, marketing, and recruiting, eventually leading to her current role as Marketing Manager. She enjoys refining her taste in music and visual art, engaging in mindfulness and meditative practices, and frolicking outside with her sidekick pup.

sueming@thesellingfactory.com

Adam Grossman

Chief Development Officer

Adam is an ordained rabbi, who has founded multiple ventures focused on workforce development. Hired as CEO by a failing non-profit, in over 5 years, his ingenuity saved the organization, which led Slingshotfund.org to recognize it as one of North America’s most innovative Jewish non-profits. His expertise to identify, cultivate, and on-board talent ensures our student teams meet our partners’ needs.

adam@thesellingfactory.com

Brad Gamble

Chief Executive Officer

After graduating from UF in 1999 with a B.S.B.A, Brad Gamble has dedicated himself to sales management, branding, coaching, and building companies. He served as the VP of Sales & Marketing for Infinite Energy until 2014, when he founded The Selling Factory. He has dedicated himself to teaching critical skills to tomorrow’s leaders, and helping companies achieve sales success and revenue growth.

brad@thesellingfactory.com