We were lucky to catch up with Sam Emami recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sam, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for Salezie was born during a transformative period in my career, when I was working in software sales in Manhattan, New York. For almost three years, I was deeply immersed in the world of business development, specifically within the healthcare vertical. My journey within the corporate world was a rollercoaster of learning experiences, successes, and challenges, and it ultimately led to the birth of my own venture.
During my time in sales, I had the opportunity to work on various projects, managing a substantial pipeline of over $6 million as an account executive. This role allowed me to collaborate with a diverse range of mid-market brands. As I delved deeper into my responsibilities and expanded my horizons, I began to realize the potential for a unique and innovative approach in the sales industry.
After nearly three years at my corporate job, I decided it was time for a break. I yearned for adventure and wanted to explore what the future held. My journey took me into the world of remote work and digital nomadism, a lifestyle that opened my eyes to new possibilities. It was during this time that I stumbled upon an intriguing concept – the idea of closing deals remotely on behalf of businesses and individuals, all for a commission fee.
The landscape was teeming with platforms and agencies that connected individuals willing to work on a commission-only basis with companies in need of effective salespeople. I began to engage with numerous businesses, learning about their struggles in the sales process. These conversations uncovered common bottlenecks and challenges that were impeding their growth.
In speaking with these companies, I recognized that three significant pain points persisted: staffing issues, lead generation techniques and strategies, and the ability to close deals effectively. It became clear that there was a gap in the market, an opportunity to offer a comprehensive solution to these businesses from a sales agency perspective. This was the “Aha!” moment that gave birth to Salezie.
The logic behind my belief in Salezie’s potential was multifaceted. First, the need for sales assistance on a commission basis was evident, as businesses sought to reduce overhead costs and improve sales efficiency. Second, the common challenges faced by businesses in staffing, generating leads, and closing deals represented a significant market opportunity. Lastly, my background in sales provided me with the insights and expertise needed to address these issues effectively.
What excited me most about this idea was the potential to bridge the gap between businesses in need of sales support and individuals looking for opportunities in sales. Salezie could provide a win-win solution, helping businesses grow while offering talented sales professionals the chance to earn commissions and work remotely.
This journey, from my corporate role in Manhattan to the birth of Salezie, was a combination of professional growth, personal exploration, and a deep understanding of the needs of businesses in the sales world. The circumstances, emotions, and logic all came together to make Salezie a worthwhile endeavor, and I was eager to embark on this entrepreneurial journey to bring this vision to life.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hello, I’m Sam Emami, and I’d like to take you on a journey through my life and the birth of Salezie, a company that’s changing the way businesses approach sales. My journey into entrepreneurship and the creation of Salezie is deeply rooted in my life experiences and a passion for sales that runs in my blood.
I come from an immigrant background, and my father’s story of immigrating to the United States from Iran in the 70s has always been a source of inspiration. He started his career in chemical engineering but transitioned into chemical sales, climbing the corporate ladder. My childhood in sunny Southern California was full of opportunities, but I knew the life my parents had created for my sister and me was unique.
My journey into entrepreneurship began early. In high school, I teamed up with a friend who was an artist and T-shirt designer. We created a sales order process and started a T-shirt printing business, all without the benefits of today’s digital marketing. This early venture taught me the excitement and challenges of entrepreneurship.
In my last year of high school, my best friend and I started a mobile game application, and I realized the costs and challenges of operating a business in the mobile app space. As I entered college at San Diego State University, I found my true calling in entrepreneurship. I got involved in various campus activities, including Greek life, student government, and club sports.
My experiences on campus led me to the realization that leadership was a common thread among successful individuals. SDSU’s status as a top 50 entrepreneurship school in the country further fueled my passion for entrepreneurship. During my college years, I completed three internships in various industries, gaining valuable insights from SDSU graduates.
As I approached my senior year, I knew that sales was in my blood, and I decided to pursue a career in the field. I applied to over 130 sales jobs across the country and secured a role selling marketing software in Manhattan. The move to New York City was a significant leap for me, but it set the tone for my adventurous early 20s.
Living in Manhattan was a dream come true, but then the COVID-19 pandemic struck. With the world operating remotely, I started to question the idea of being tied to one location. I moved to Northern England for a new perspective, embracing the digital age and its possibilities.
In 2021, I returned to the United States, lived in central Pennsylvania, and later made my way to Austin, Texas. In early 2022, my life took a new turn when I was let go from my sales job. This pivotal moment allowed me to reflect and ask myself what I truly wanted.
During my time of exploration, I realized that sales was a common pain point for businesses. They either needed a more effective sales strategy or attempted to outsource their sales processes, leading to decreased conversions. Recognizing this gap in the market, I founded Salezie.
Salezie was born out of a passion for sales, a deep understanding of the challenges businesses face, and the desire to bridge the gap between businesses and talented sales professionals. Our company offers innovative solutions to help businesses streamline their sales processes, boost lead generation, and improve closing abilities.
What sets Salezie apart is its commitment to understanding the unique needs of each client and providing tailored sales solutions. We take pride in our ability to adapt to changing market conditions and our dedication to helping businesses achieve their sales goals.
I hope my story serves as an inspiration to those who are embarking on their own entrepreneurial journeys. Salezie is not just a business; it’s a reflection of my passion, experiences, and the belief that we can make sales easier and more effective for businesses. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing a team, especially in a performance-driven sales organization like Salezie, comes with its unique challenges and responsibilities. Here are some pieces of advice on managing a team and maintaining high morale:
Set Clear Expectations: Ensure that every member of your team understands their role, responsibilities, and the performance metrics by which they’ll be evaluated. Clarity in expectations helps align everyone with the mission and reduces confusion.
Regular Check-Ins: It’s crucial to check in on your team’s morale regularly. Sales can be a rollercoaster ride, and it’s easy for team members to get discouraged by setbacks or rejections. Regular check-ins show that you care about their well-being and provide an opportunity for them to express concerns or share their wins.
Promote Collaboration: Emphasize the importance of collaboration within your team. Encourage team members to share strategies, best practices, and success stories. When everyone feels like they’re part of a supportive team, it can boost morale and motivation.
Stay Process-Driven: In the sales world, emotional ups and downs are common. It’s crucial to remain process-driven and not let emotions cloud your judgment. Stick to the strategies and processes that have been proven to work, even in the face of challenges. This consistency can help maintain morale and keep everyone on track.
Celebrate Wins: Recognize and celebrate the achievements of your team members. Whether it’s a big sale, a successful campaign, or simply hitting their targets, acknowledgment and rewards can go a long way in boosting morale.
Provide Training and Development: Invest in the professional growth of your team. Offer training and development opportunities to enhance their skills and boost their confidence. A well-trained team is likely to be more motivated and perform better.
Lead by Example: As a leader, your attitude and behavior set the tone for the team. Lead by example by demonstrating a positive attitude, resilience in the face of challenges, and a commitment to the mission of providing excellent service.
Flexible Work Environment: Given the nature of the remote work environment and changing macroeconomic situations, consider offering flexibility to your team members. This could include flexible working hours or remote work options. Providing a work environment that accommodates individual needs can have a positive impact on morale.
Team-Building Activities: Organize team-building activities or events that help foster a sense of camaraderie and build stronger connections among team members. These activities can create a positive and collaborative work environment.
Feedback and Improvement: Encourage open and constructive feedback from your team. Regularly review what’s working and what’s not, and be open to making improvements based on their input.
Maintaining high morale in a sales organization is an ongoing effort that requires a combination of clear expectations, regular communication, support, and recognition. By creating a positive and collaborative work environment, you can help your team stay motivated and aligned with the mission of providing excellent service.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building an audience on social media, especially on platforms like TikTok, can be a dynamic and exciting journey. Here’s the story of how I leveraged TikTok to grow my audience and some advice for those looking to build a social media presence:
Story of Building an Audience on TikTok:
My journey on TikTok began with the recognition of a unique opportunity. I identified trending topics and areas of interest that would resonate with my target audience. These included AI, sales, remote work, digital marketing, and user-generated content (UGC). My strategy was to provide valuable information and content that catered to people seeking knowledge in these areas.
Leveraging Trending Topics: To capture the attention of a broader audience, I focused on trending topics in my niche. This ensured that my content would align with what people were actively searching for and engaging with on the platform.
Delivering Value: One of the most effective ways to grow an audience is by providing valuable insights and tips. I created content that offered practical advice and information that could be immediately applied by my viewers. By giving away “free value,” I was able to establish myself as a credible source of information.
Community Building: TikTok is a social platform, and it’s essential to engage with your audience. I responded to comments, answered questions, and actively participated in discussions related to my content. This sense of community building encouraged more people to follow and interact with my content.
Consistency: Regular posting is key to keeping your audience engaged and growing your following. I maintained a consistent posting schedule, which helped keep my content in front of my followers.
Viral Video: One of the highlights of my journey was a video that unexpectedly went viral, reaching over 3,000,000 views. This video focused on AI and provided valuable tips, making it clear that valuable content has the potential to gain widespread attention.
Advice for Building a Social Media Presence:
For those looking to build a social media presence, here are some tips:
Know Your Niche: Identify your target niche and audience. Understand what they are interested in and what problems they are looking to solve.
Leverage Trends: Keep an eye on trending topics within your niche and create content that aligns with these trends. This can help your content reach a broader audience.
Provide Value: Focus on delivering valuable information, tips, and insights. Be a resource for your audience, and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, engage in discussions, and build a sense of community with your followers. Interacting with your audience can foster loyalty and trust.
Consistency is Key: Maintain a consistent posting schedule. Regular content updates keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
Experiment and Learn: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content and formats. Learn from what works and adapt your strategy accordingly.
Stay Authentic: Be yourself. Authenticity is valued on social media, and it helps you connect with your audience on a more personal level.
Patience and Persistence: Building a social media presence takes time. Don’t get discouraged by slow growth, and keep at it. Persistence is often the key to success.
Analyze and Adapt: Monitor the performance of your content. Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t. Adapt your strategy based on the data and feedback you receive.
Building a social media audience, whether on TikTok or any other platform, is a journey that requires dedication and a willingness to learn and adapt. By consistently providing value and engaging with your audience, you can gradually grow your presence and make a meaningful impact in your chosen niche.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.salezie.com
- Instagram: @notsamemami
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-emami/
- Twitter: @notsamemami
Image Credits
Sam Emami