I worked as a salesperson for a decade and a half. I've worked at various levels of management with two of Ghana's largest multinationals in the FMCG beverage market, The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana Limited (TCCBCGL) and Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC (GGBPLC). I've had the pleasure to operate in some of Ghana's most established marketplaces, including Kumasi, Cape Coast, Sunyani, and Tamale, throughout this time.
I've also worked in some of the country's most impoverished marketplaces, including Kwame Danso, Seikwa, Hwidiem in Bimbila, Salaga, Tongo, Hamile, Tumu, and others. My path to my current position as Head of Northern Division (with GGBPLC) has been meandering, but it has also been peppered with consistently exceptional commercial results.
In this piece, I'll share some firsthand experiences from emerging markets. My goal is to give a handbook to sales professionals, whether rookies or veterans, on how to survive and prosper in situations where everyone told me "don't go."
Wins
Personal development: When I first had the opportunity to work in the north (with TCCBCGL) in 2013 to 2014, I was to be stationed in Tamale but responsible for the three traditional northern regions, namely the Upper East, Upper West, and Northern Region; not a single friend or family member encouraged me to accept the position. But, for some reason, I saw it as a stepping stone to bigger and better things in the future, and boy, was I correct.
I received my first opportunity to oversee a larger team of 34 people (direct and indirect) in order to further develop my leadership skills.
I also had the ability to handle a larger responsibility that included a functional view on finance, supply, and HR, in addition to my main work as a sales leader.
During my first month in command of Northern Business operations, I recall my contract workers going on strike.
It taught me how to deal with labour concerns and complete tasks. This has always been one of the finest periods of my career for me.
Another way to advance is to have the possibility to oversee a whole territory, or perhaps entire administrative regions.
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