Carolyn Yap is relatively new to IT e-commerce, but you would never know that. The recent graduate hit the ground running at full speed since joining the SMB team earlier this year. Since then she has become a favorite for customers and members of her team alike. “During training when Carolyn was making role playing calls, I said to Reggie Valin, Director of Sales, ‘this one is going to be great,'” James Yoo, Sales Development Manager, tells us. “She is definitely a tremendous asset, team player, friend, and one heck of an account executive with a bright future.” We caught up with Carolyn and talked about her approach to helping SMB customers.
Smart Buyer: Tell us about your role, and how you came on board at NeweggBusiness?
Carloyn Yap: I work mainly with small businesses to help streamline their IT procurement process. I find the best pricing and deals for customers, and try to make the buying process as efficient as possible. I came onboard right after graduation with a strong interest to enter the IT e-commerce space. IT and e-commerce are the two things that are driving us to the future. With modern technology evolving quicker than ever, it is important that I stay current since technology is driving the world forward.
What did you study in school, and how does that influence your approach to your work?
I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance at California State University – Fullerton. Go Titans! I really enjoyed my time as an undergraduate, mainly I was able to meet many amazing and influential people in my peers and professors. I was very active. I was part of a Marketing and Sales Management Business Fraternity, Pi Sigma Epsilon. I was able to meet and work with like-minded individuals passionate about sales and marketing. I would participate in sales and marketing competitions that keep the fire in me to be the best I can be in my profession.
What would you say is the best part about your role at NeweggBusiness so far?
I work with many start-up companies, and it is always rewarding to see them grow as business because I grow with them. Regardless of business seat size, it is all about building relationships with my customers and letting them know that I will always be there as their single point of contact for anything and everything Newegg-related.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life?
My parents. Always pushing me to strive to go beyond the limits. Their hard work in life has inspired me to always be hard working and dedicated in anything I put myself into. I have meet many wonderful people at previous jobs. Each and every one taught me something new — valuable lessons and tips to improve and grow as a person.
What are you reading right now?
E-mails [laughs]. After graduation, I took a break from reading books and textbooks and have mainly transitioned to reading the daily world and local news and my beloved cookbooks.
How might you characterize the value that you deliver to customers?
The value I provide my customers is my eight-plus years in customer service roles, and 4-plus years in account management. What I hope to achieve with every customer I encounter is making sure that I am as helpful and resourceful as possible. Providing customers a world-class customer service experience while being efficient in the IT procurement process is the competitive edge I strive to provide every day.
What is the most difficult or challenging part of your profession? What did you do to deal with these challenges?
Probably navigating through the competition. But I am a strong believer that every challenge that you overcome makes you that much stronger in the game, and strengthens you to work harder to be successful.
What are you looking forward to?
I am really excited for the holiday seasons, especially November, the month of Black Friday. It will be my first time experiencing the higher volumes of IT sales and just being in a high volume sales floor will be exciting to witness. Work aside, I am looking forward to the holidays to eat as much good food and spend quality time with friends and family! Hopefully I can find time to travel. I am still on my mission to travel the world!
Part of the series: Meet Your Account Executives
