Show me the money!
Submitted by Aimee, 10News intern.
Here at 10News we have several departments working as a whole to keep the station a smooth running machine. Just like a cell, each department contributes its own individual strength all working towards one common goal — Growth. Being an intern here at 10News, I was eager to see the inner workings of sales. Luckily, I got the opportunity to use my own personal microscope and magnify the sales department.
The typical stereotype of someone in sales might usually include the idea of business deals made over a golf course, power point presentations, and easy money. By taking a deeper look at what really occurs in a sales setting, the stereotype was easily shattered. While sitting down with Carrie Williams one of 10News’ Account Executives, she informed me that sales is truly about customer satisfaction and assuring advertisers that their product is in good hands at our station. Someone in sales must take this idea and multiply it to a higher degree. Carrie revealed that, “You must have a drive to succeed and the ability to take rejection”…the latter a lot more difficult. Life in sales is almost like an archeological dig — You have to sift through all possible advertisers to find the right one that will benefit from our audience.
Just like most things in today’s world, the sales department is constantly undergoing change. With new technology coming out almost every millisecond, there are always new ways to advertise. The sales department has their finger on that pulse seeking any and all new opportunities to expand their outreach. Even the types of advertisers have evolved. Carrie said that aside from the usual home improvement stores and weight loss centers, her most interesting account is from a cremation company. She also filled me in on the fact that the economy plays a major role in sales as well. With money and gas prices being the forefront of many personal woes, you won’t see advertisements for mega gas guzzling trucks and RV’s…it’s just not logical.
Overall, the sales department consists of really hardworking individuals who believe in the success of our station. Dedicating themselves to the happiness of our clients and continuing to find new technology outlets. The sales department at 10News really is the powerhouse of our television station cell.
Before my husband and I arrived at the La Costa Resort & Spa for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Pacific Southwest Chapter Emmy Awards, he asked, “How many Emmys do you have to win tonight to come away happy?”
I say “we”, because I work with the I-Team, a group of 9 dedicated producers, researchers, and reporters who have the privilege of doing “investigative” journalism, under the direction of Managing Editor JW August. He’s a true pro, with 3 decades in the news business.
Our investigative pieces take months to produce, with good reason. We start with a complaint, or an idea, then track the details and look for the “bad guys”, if there are any. When people ask what I do for a living, I often joke and say, “I chase bad guys,” because we shine a light on suspected crooks or swindlers who take advantage of people for financial gain. Several times in the past year those suspected bad guys have run away from us, literally. Exposure is not good for their businesses.
