Succeeding as a female in a male-dominated industry isn’t easy. But with the support of a forward-thinking employer and the drive and personality to match, our talented Regional Sales Manager, Mina, says it can be done – and done well.
Watch now: From her passion for building dream homes to nurturing and developing a strong team that can fulfil their full potential, our Interior Design Intern, Sara, sits down to have a candid chat with Mina.
Discovering a love for luxury
Mina has now been in key sales leadership roles for Boutique Homes for over seven years, but she first discovered her gift for talking to people and building relationships in hospitality, before springboarding into a sales career with Ford and Subaru.
“I’m pretty competitive, so found success quickly in this area. When I was ready for my next challenge, I looked to the more prestigious brands,” says Mina, who took up sales positions with Porche, Audi and, later, BMW.
Working ten hour days, six days a week, and dealing with constant negotiations and objection handling taught her resilience and fast-tracked her career development.
“I advanced my skills selling luxury products, and realised my appreciation for working with premium goods and high-end brands,” says Mina.
“Eventually, I got involved in training new sales consultants and found my passion for teaching and developing others.”
Finding ‘The One’ at Boutique Homes
Mina found Boutique in 2014, when she was approached by a former BMW-colleague who now worked for ABN Group. She came on board as a New Homes Consultant shortly after.
“My friend was so passionate about his job and, more importantly, the company he worked for, that I had to make the jump,” explains Mina.
“All of the luxury sales skills and processes I had developed over my career with BMW were easily transferable to the Boutique Homes brand. And it was fantastic to find a company that shared my own values, was fun to work for and was always striving to be the best at what they do.”
Under the mentorship of her seniors, Mina moved quickly through the ranks of Boutique Homes, climbing to Training Manager then Regional Sales Manager within just three years. Today, some of the best-performing New Homes Consultants were onboarded and trained by Mina.
“I was first responsible for and training new sales consultants – it was really rewarding work with tonnes of success stories. And successful New Homes Consultants make for a successful business,” she says.
“As a Regional Sales Manager, I get to share my passion, knowledge and skills with the wider team.”
“It’s Boutique Homes offer to market, and the quality and care that goes into every home, that keeps me working for them all these years later. I can sell a product I 100 per cent believe in, for a company and people I 100 per cent believe in.”
A day in the life
Mina spends her work hours doing what she does best: talking to people, be it supporting her team through one-on-one training, or speaking with clients at display homes or in private meetings. Problem solving, uncovering opportunities for improvement in the business and individuals, and reviewing sales performance are other key components of her work.
“There is no bigger purchase in someone’s life than their home – whether it be their first or last; family abode or investment. It’s an honour to be part of it,” says Mina.
“I love my role because I get to work with a team of like-minded people, who I can help to realise their potential and create a career they are passionate about.”
This passion for her work pays dividends both in and out of the sales room, with Mina winning the prestigious Employee of the Quarter in 2017. In one of her most telling nods to the company, Mina let her personal meet professional two years into her Boutique Homes career by building her own home with the brand she loves. Since then, she has built two more investment properties with Boutique Homes.
Mina’s advice for budding sales consultants?
“It was a huge risk for me, leaving an industry I knew back-to-front for one I knew next to nothing about. But I’ve never looked back,” says Mina.
“Be open to learning and get comfortable with being uncomfortable – that’s where all the growth and success happen. And find a business that allows you to be yourself and you’re proud to represent.”
Mina on finding your dream home design
- Use your current home as a starting point: What do you like and dislike about your living situation now? What rooms, storage spaces and design elements work and which don’t? Write these aspects down and bring them to the display homes you visit, so you know exactly what you’re looking for.
- Prioritise: We’ve all got a budget to stick to, so ensure you seperate your must-haves from your wishlist.
- Orientation is key: Does the plan you’ve selected maximise sunlight or views for your block? A comfortable, light filled home that is energy efficient could make a huge difference in terms of livability and market value in the long-term.
- Think about functionality: How you will use and furnish each space in the home to ensure elements of your design aren’t wasted? Do desktop research, visit display homes and talk to people to get an idea of what is possible.
- Consult a professional: Companies like Boutique Homes build homes on the daily. Use that knowledge and experience to your advantage!
Ready to start your journey to find ‘The One’? View our home designs or talk to one of our friendly sales consultants today.
Have you found ‘The One’?
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