Filip Kaczmarek

From Technician to Sales: Filip’s Inspiring Journey

Meet Filip, who has remarkably transitioned from a technician (in the capacity of team leader and coach) to a sales professional. In this exclusive interview, Filip shares insights into his career shift, the transferability of his technical skills, challenges, and how his leadership experience benefits his new role.

Read the full interview to learn more about Filip’s journey and his tips for career success.👇

–  Tell us about your professional journey at Eryk. From being a technician to moving into the sales department? What motivated this shift?

I actually started my adventure with Eryk as a junior technician. My first project was in Weesp, near Amsterdam. While working as a technician, I went through successive levels and positions. First, I became a technician, then a senior technician, and later a coach and Team Leader. I wanted to learn new things and move forward in my personal and professional development. Eryk made it possible for me by working with experienced specialists from whom I learned a lot, gaining experience on many projects and the opportunity to participate in various courses and training.

The birth of my son a year ago was probably the most important factor that motivated me to change my position and move to Sales. Working here allows me to be at home with my family much more often. In addition, I like challenges, and moving to a new environment and finding my place here was certainly one of them.

–  How do your technical skills and experience benefit your current role in sales and your approach to customer interactions?

Thanks to the experience I have gained as a technician, coach and Team Leader, I know our services very well. I know what it looks like from the other side, how professional our technicians are, and the quality of service we deliver. This gives me confidence when discussing offers with customers in my new role.

–  How are you managing to build and maintain strong relationships with customers?

I build relationships with customers on the foundation of honesty and sincerity. I know exactly what we can offer and what we cannot. Good understanding between us and our customers is crucial. I believe that this is one of the most important issues in customer relations.

–  What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in transitioning to sales, and what are the most rewarding aspects of your new role?

The biggest challenge was probably parting with the toolbox that I had been adjusting to my needs for several years which I had become very attached.

The most rewarding aspect of working in sales is the satisfaction of meeting a new person at a trade fair who did not know about Eryk’s existence, who after a series of conversations, meetings and negotiations finally becomes our customer.

–  How did you prepare yourself for the transition into sales? Did you undertake any additional training or seek mentorship to help with the shift?

When I found out about the possibility of applying for a position in the sales department, I started preparing for the job interview. Among other things, I completed the Sales and Customer Relationship Management course and read a very interesting book “The Psychology of Selling” by Brian Tracy. I already had some experience in sales a few years ago. For a few seasons, I had run a point selling Photo-Mugs and souvenirs by the Polish seaside.

–  What new skills have you developed that you didn’t anticipate before moving into sales?

It may not be a new skill for me, but I developed soft skills a lot while working in sales. The ability to establish relationships with new people is very important in this position.

–   What are your expectations for this new role?

My expectations in the new role are further development, mastering aspects related to sales and good sales results.

–   What advice would you give to those looking to take on leadership positions or achieve professional growth?

My advice is to start changing yourself, eliminate bad habits, set the right priorities and take advantage of opportunities that arise.