Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Murray.
Hi Sara, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I come from a family of native Angelenos, but my parents raised my brother and I in Park City, UT. Getting back to LA was always a goal of mine, so after college, I packed my bags, leased a rent-controlled apartment in Silver Lake, and started building my life and career in LA.
For the past 13 years, I’ve held Director of Sales/National Sales Manager roles for three global organizations, representing manufacturers in the construction and design industries.
I’ve always focused heavily on business development, hunting for new clients, opportunities, and untapped sales channels. My strengths are building relationships, asking the right questions, and actually listening to what the client needs to provide solutions that support their business goals, as opposed to just pushing products.
Relationship sales is a lost art form. I didn’t see many leaders sharing this type of approach to sales and business development, so I figured, “why not me?” I bet on myself.
In late 2022, starting my consulting firm with the knowledge, experience, and relationships that I’ve cultivated in LA and beyond.
Now, my clients are a mix of multi-line rep agencies and manufacturers in construction, real estate, design, and technology. I’ll work with corporations to align their messaging, sales assets and go-to-market strategies from a product-focused approach to a business model approach. I also support international companies that are trying to understand how to break into the US construction market (it’s not easy.)
Additionally, I train sales teams with two programs: Prospecting on Purpose, which focuses on mindset and relationship-building, and ACE Your Sales, which teaches professionals how to stay in the driver’s seat throughout the entire sales process using the ACE Framework: Action, Communication and Execution.
My podcast, Prospecting on Purpose, is a free short-form resource to discuss all things prospecting, sales, business and mindset. Every Monday, a brand new episode unpacks contemporary business strategies with world-class thought leaders, and I share my own insights on how to connect with clients, communicate with confidence and close the deal.
There are a lot of unflattering stereotypes and assumptions about the type of person that’s successful in sales. I’ve broken that mold throughout my career. You can be bold and assertive while still interacting with others with humility, kindness, creativity and authenticity. That’s what I’ve built my reputation on and I am striving to build a business that does the same.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I like to think of self-employment (and life) as an amusement park. Each goal or milestone we’re trying to accomplish is a rollercoaster. Literal ups and downs. Once we hit the goal, the ride ends. But then we just push ourselves to the next bigger or faster ride. If we’re brave enough to enjoy the ride’s ups and downs – have that growth mindset – we get all the thrills, growth and expansion that life has to offer.
The biggest struggle for me has been leaving an industry/business/product that I know backwards and forwards and building something new that I’ve never done before. For example, podcasting was entirely new to me. So now I’m learning how to write and produce content marketing, be an engaging interviewer, voice acting, A/V technologies, show promotion, and how to navigate algorithms. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s an example of how I practice what I preach around growth mindset and trying new things. I’m blessed to have support from friends and family as I build this, and I am figuring it out one step at a time. And honestly, the podcast is performing great, it’s serving the audience and it feels like we’re collectively making something truly special. If I can think of each new venture as an enjoyable amusement park ride, it removes the fear and frustration from the task.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I love connecting with people. I joke that being in sales is like being paid to make friends. The true joy of starting my business has been the overwhelming support I’ve felt from my personal and professional connections… people who have had my back for years, and completely new people I’m meeting and collaborating with along the way. Luckily, living in Los Angeles, people are producing really impactful and creative things. It’s totally possible to collide with the right mentor or client when the timing is right if your mind and heart are open to it. In my experience, people show up to root for us if we stay true to our authentic selves, put ourselves out there, ask for help (and be willing to receive it) and help others. It’s a beautiful part of humanity and I feel grateful to have it as my everyday normal.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.saramurray.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saramurraysales/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saramurraysales/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/saramurraysales
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saramurraysales
- Other: Podcast Direct: www.saramurray.com/podcast
Image Credits
Michael DeMarco
