The Importance of Selling Yourself

Written by Ana Cristina Ruiz

A graduating senior at the University of Florida and sales development representative at The Selling Factory, she has a passion for learning about different cultures, food, and languages. Having the ability to speak Spanish, English, and Italian, she realizes the importance of effective communication. Although born in 1998, some of her all-time favorite musicians include the Beatles and Frank Sinatra.

Having served as the president of my sorority overseeing 250 members, I have learned the value of leadership. Collaborating with nine other executive members has taught me the importance of listening, consensus building, and prioritization.  While I can say that I have gained meaningful skills, now a senior at the University of Florida, I wonder if these experiences are providing me the tools for the modern workforce? While this title, and others, might have seemed important during my college career, are they enough? 

As many generation Z students, like myself, interview with various companies for post-graduate employment, questions abound whether our classroom experiences provide enough soft skills training for the workplace. In fact, most classes that I have taken do not even discuss the components necessary to secure a job post-college. While my education has provided me with amazing experiences and opportunities, I realize now more than ever the importance of b2b sales experience prior to graduation. 

LEARN TECHNIQUES TO BETTER YOURSELF 

In thinking about acquiring the tools essential for the modern workforce, I realize an internship is a must. Yet, how do we know what experience is going to be most valuable for our growth? On a friend’s recommendation, I applied for an internship to become a sales development representative (SDR). I had no idea what to expect out of this experience. While I knew that I needed an internship, I did not realize how much I could gain with this one. 

While most students have the same titles on paper, since becoming a sales development representative, I have gained b2b sales experience, learned the sales process steps, and acquired lead generation strategies. This experience as an SDR in sales has taught me more effective ways to stand out from my peers. One of the most important lessons is how to sell yourself. Selling yourself is a tool I have learned in order to show companies the unique skills that I gained as an SDR in sales, which I can provide to their company in order to grow. Prior to starting my internship, I did not have a clear idea as to how to sell myself to companies. Through my work experience in b2b sales, I can now pinpoint selling points that make me a stronger candidate for companies. 

Beyond providing me valuable experience, learning the sales process steps and lead generation strategies as a sales development representative has made me an overall better president.  These skills have given me the ability to present ideas more effectively to my executive board. I encourage every student to acquire an internship, yet more importantly, one that teaches the value of being a sales development representative, sales process steps, and lead generation strategies no matter what their major or career goals.

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