Q&A With Eric Smart - 2022 SAMY Winner

Last month we announced that Eric Smart, Key Accounts Executive at OptConnect, was recognized as Sales Professional of the Year by Utah Business Magazine. The SAMY (Sales & Marketer of the Year) awards recognize Utah’s top sales and marketing professionals who have had a significant and measurable impact on their company’s bottom line.

Eric joined OptConnect in September of 2017 and quickly moved up from Inside Sales Associate to Key Account Manager. In his current role, Eric is responsible for maintaining relationships with OptConnect’s top customers. I sat down with Eric to get his insights on everything from sales to accomplishments and success. Here is our Q&A.

Q: Why were you initially attracted to sales?

A: I was attracted to sales because it was something I had never done before. My first sales job was selling tires and I liked being able to talk to prospective buyers and discussing the customer’s needs and coming up with a solution. I have remained in sales because I enjoy interacting with my customers and I like that everyday has new challenges and situations. I also really like that I have the freedom to think outside of the box and the power to tailor solutions for my customers.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who doesn’t think they have the skills needed to be a sales person?

A: My advice would be if it's something you want to do, you just have to get in there and try. You can’t overthink it, you just have to know what your end goal is and help your clients get to their end goals as well.

Q: What are you looking forward to accomplishing most in 2022?

A: I am looking forward to ending the year ahead of my projected totals. I’d also like to lay the foundation for a successful 2023.

Q: What does success look like to you?

A: Success to me is also directly linked to happiness. I feel like being successful looks different for everyone and for me it's not only achieving work goals but it's also helping my family and my kids to achieve their goals. I enjoy being a sales professional and a dad, so helping my team as well as my kids means a lot to me.

Q: What does sales/marketing look like to you in a post-COVID world?

A; It looks like more of a hybrid approach. There are going to be more in person meetings, trade shows, and industry events. There also may still be customers that prefer virtual meetings and being a sales professional it's important to accommodate what the client feels is best.