Carollize Laing
Sales Specialist
Cape Town
Summary
Dynamic and seasoned sales specialist with a proven track record at FirstRand Bank, excelling in client relations and closing deals. Recognized for boosting customer satisfaction through tailored finance solutions and exceptional service. Skilled in complex problem-solving and relationship management, fostering loyalty and driving revenue growth for the employer and building wealth for the client. Fluent in Afrikaans and English, enhancing communication across diverse clientele. Enthusiastic, big picture thinker and quick to adapt to change.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Sales Specialist
FirstRand Bank
04.2018 - Current
- Built strong client relationships through consistent communication and effective problemsolving.
- Boosted customer satisfaction by providing exceptional product knowledge and tailored recommendations.
- Managed sales pipeline effectively, prioritizing tasks to maximize revenue potential.
- Provided first-rate service to all customers and potential customers.
- Developed custom proposals for high-value prospects, successfully closing major deals.
- Provided ongoing support to existing clients, maintaining a high level of satisfaction and encouraging repeat business.
- Adapted selling approach based on each customer''s unique needs/preferences; tailoring product offerings accordingly.
- Coached junior sales team members on best practices, contributing to their professional development and overall success.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive solutions for clients'' needs.
- Demonstrated product features, answered questions and persuasively overcame objections.
- Drafted, finalized and submitted paperwork to complete sales.
- Selected correct products based on customer needs, product specifications and applicable regulations.
- Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
- Fielded customer complaints and facilitated negotiations, resolving issues and reaching mutual conclusions.
- Presented professional image consistent with company's brand values.
Product Optimisation Head
FirstRand Bank Ltd
01.2016 - 03.2018
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
Provincial Head: Business Lending
FirstRand Bank Ltd
05.2014 - 12.2015
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
Head: Residential & Affordable Housing
FirstRand Bank Ltd
11.2009 - 04.2014
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
Head: Residential Development Finance
Absa Bank Ltd
01.2008 - 10.2009
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
Dealmaker
Absa Bank Ltd
Johannesburg, Gauteng
12.2002 - 12.2005
Dealmaker
Absa Bank Ltd
Cape Town, Western Cape
01.1996 - 11.2002
Education
B.Comm - Management And Cost Accounting
University
Stellenbosch 04.2001 -
Skills
Client relations
Relationship selling
Needs assessment
FLUENT IN Afrikaans and English
Relationship building
Complaint resolution
Team collaboration
Upselling and cross selling
Customer service and care
Influencing skills
Performance tracking
Closing techniques
Pipeline management
Deal structuring
Interpersonal communication skills
Relationship management
Customer relationship building
Time management
Negotiation tactics
Complex Problem-solving
Customer retention
Regulatory compliance
Systems and software expertise
Lead generation
Customer needs assessment
Commercial property industry expertise
Art
I am a very creative person, and love to dabble in various forms of art myself, from art journaling to junk journaling and even painting a canvas. My home is a reflection of my creativity and my love for antiques and upcycling pre-loved furniture obvious.
Timeline
Sales Specialist
FirstRand Bank
04.2018 - Current
Product Optimisation Head
FirstRand Bank Ltd
01.2016 - 03.2018
Provincial Head: Business Lending
FirstRand Bank Ltd
05.2014 - 12.2015
Head: Residential & Affordable Housing
FirstRand Bank Ltd
11.2009 - 04.2014
Head: Residential Development Finance
Absa Bank Ltd
01.2008 - 10.2009
Dealmaker
Absa Bank Ltd
12.2002 - 12.2005
B.Comm - Management And Cost Accounting
University
04.2001 -
Dealmaker
Absa Bank Ltd
01.1996 - 11.2002