Partner Article

Sales is second nature to our interviewee Michael McMeekin, MD of Arrow Sales

Michael McMeekin strikes me as the type of person who could sell just about anything, but he is quick to state that he wasn’t always quite so good at it.

“When I first started in IT sales I was terrible, but my manager at the time decided to keep me on because I had the determination and drive to succeed. I was the same as anyone else with the same fears and concerns, but I just had to overcome it.”

From his humble beginnings, Michael went on to develop his sales skills in a number of high-profile businesses in the IT sector. Three years ago he eventually decided to set up Arrow Sales to share the skills he learnt in business.

“If people are working with the public, then they are a sales facing role. This is why its so important for businesses to focus on skills to help people and employers to deal with people,” he said. “I see my role as something of a trusted advisor, like a doctor accountant or lawyer, someone who is on the same side as the business, and helps them on the same level.”

Through Arrow Sales, Michael offers a range of techniques to help businesses improve their sales skills, including one on one coaching, mentoring and bespoke sales training: “I would never educate people on something I haven’t tried myself.

“Later this week I’m doing a session with a client on cold calling, and it’ll be a bit like a coach and player taking penalties, with each one of us taking turns and having a go.”

Michael’s passion for sales resonates throughout our conversation, but he also seems frustrated by the lack of support sales people receive: “ There is no official qualification for sales people, which reflects the fact that salespeople in the UK are not held in high regard.

“I’d love to get a national accreditation for sales training out there. Universities are opening up to the idea, and while sales academies might well be out there doing it, they are simply not shouting loud enough about it.”

As well as helping other people’s business, Michael is now keen to start expanding his “one man band”. “I’d like to employ ten new staff over the next three years, and open a couple of offices. My big aim really is to be known as an organisation which helps businesses to grow.”

“While I enjoy working with the bigger businesses, my greatest thrill is help one man business prosper and grow, and I hope to continue this in the future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .