Quick interview with John Rees
I graduated with an Honours degree in Economics and Social Psychology from Loughborough University in 1975. I was always interested in business and people so it was a good mix.
During the next 30 years I worked with Hewlett Packard, SAP and Microsoft and fast growth companies in the dot-com era. Commerce One, an eCommerce ‘pioneer’ was a lot of fun and we sold a huge amount of software and services. I learned a lot at C1 about how to maximise opportunity.
What exactly is it you do?
Help companies turn their bright ideas into messages that will attract attention and arouse interest with people they want to do business with.
What do you bring to a client?
Experience and a track record is the most important thing.
I have succeeded as a sales person hitting quota, a marketing executive responsible for generating leads and director responsible for managing and mentoring teams to achieve their goals. I also have international experience in Europe, India, Southern Africa and North America.
Do you specialise in any particular industry sector?
My background is software, information technology and professional services but I am happy to work in other sectors. The principles of business are identical whatever you make and sell.
I have worked in web design, software development, knowledge management, optical services, biotechnology instrumentation, micro and nanotechnology, business process management, supply chain management and data integration.
What motivates you?
Bright people who want to achieve something.
I dabbled with semi-retirement a few years ago but I got bored very quickly. I need to keep busy with interesting things and I love a challenge of helping people improve their performance. Sales and marketing is in my blood and I’m always learning new ideas to add to my repertoire. I am also a bit of a geek and I find new technologies and software fascinating.
How do you see the future?
Oh for a crystal ball! One thing is certain, whatever happens in technology, the principles of success are the same. You must satisfy a need (or create one) develop messages that are compelling, generate a pipeline of prospective buyers and outperform your competitors to capitalise on your opportunities.
Oh, and you need to ruthlessly focus on providing exceptional levels of service to your clients. If you don’t, they will do business with someone else.
What is your mantra?
“Focus on the client”
This should be a core value that means developing products that people genuinely want to buy. It also means keeping your sales promises by doing what you say you will do. It’s treating a client the way you like to be treated.
What do you do when you are not working?
I love most sports and I’m a keen tennis and squash player and generally like to keep in good shape. I also read a lot of fiction and books on design, business and photography that give me new ideas I can use. This is my current reading list on LinkedIn.
If you have any questions for John please download his profile or get in touch.