Proficient in Microsoft applications, Salesforce, Sage CRM
Celest Taljaard
Business Development Manager
Johannesburg,Gauteng
Summary
I'm dedicated hard-working individual who is a natural trend setter. I enjoy working in a high-pressure environment and thrive on achieving targets and deadlines. I am a self-starter and self-motivated individual with an entrepreneurial flair that allows me to think out of the box to find solutions to achieve company goals and expectations. I'm a goal-oriented manager with distinguished experience in various industries and proven leadership abilities. Expert in increasing productivity and customer satisfaction while driving revenue and sales. Committed to streamlining procedures while optimizing talent.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
15
15
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Business Development Manager
SynergERP
06.2020 - Current
- New business development, Cold Calling, Social Media marketing, building relationships with clients, Scoping opportunities and preparing business proposals
- Discovery Sessions and Product Demo’s with clients
- Negotiating contracts, Implementation handover to Project Management Team
- Pipeline Management, Tender Applications and customer relationship management.
- Established relationships with key decision-makers within customer's organization to promote growth and retention.
- Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
- Reached out to potential customers via telephone, email, and in-person inquiries.
- Identified and pursued valuable business opportunities to generate new company revenue and improve bottom line profit.
- Negotiated and closed long-term agreements with new clients in assigned territory.
- Performed client research and identified opportunities for account growth, account penetration and market expansion.
- Kept meticulous client notes and updated account information in company databases.
- Demonstrated products to show potential customers benefits and advantages and encourage purchases.
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
- Liaised with sales, marketing, and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives.
- Compiled and analyzed data to determine approaches to improve sales and performance.
- Prepared sales presentations for clients showing success and credibility of products.
New Business Development Manager
Spirit for Africa Marketing
04.2019 - 07.2019
- Start-up printing company
- Contract position for 2 months as New Business Development Manager
Owner and Entrepreneur
Zohas Art
01.2018 - 04.2019
- Manufacture flower boxes and door stoppers which was then distributed through nurseries and online marketing channels.
- Evaluated suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Used knowledge of market trends to create value-added solutions resulting in significant increase in revenues.
- Oversaw business budget planning and administration, accounting functions, purchasing, and bi-weekly payroll to handle financial needs.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to generate new customers and increase sales and profit margins.
- Prepared bank deposits and handled business sales, returns, and transaction reports.
- Determined business plan, mission statement, and vision.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Mapped income generating strategies to grow revenue.
- Negotiated supplier contracts to secure competitive pricing for materials and services.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
National Channel Manager
Nedbank Payroll
08.2015 - 01.2018
- Achieve personal Monthly Sales Targets
- Motivate and Manage National Sales team
- Monthly MIS and Channel status meetings
- Build strong relationships with Transactional Managers and Business Managers in Nedbank to receive regular leads
- Ensure Payroll is most offered Value-added service
- Client Presentation - 50-100 clients at client event
- Training to all Nedbank staff members
- Monthly sales reporting to National Nedbank teams
- Develop Marketing collateral
- Develop lead generation to extent that 6 Regional Branches had to assist with executing sales leads generated by myself with the Nedbank Sales teams
- Cultivated and developed strategic partnerships to build assigned territory.
- Drove and delivered sales leads to convert into new business.
- Facilitated channel engagement to support territory sales goals.
- Coordinated sales activities with Nedbank to identify and close new business.
- Oversaw preparation of marketing copy, images, videos, emails, and other collateral.
- Maximized coverage within defined regions to penetrate organizations to utilize products.
- Continually maintained and improved company's reputation and positive image in markets served.
- Analyzed and reported on KPIs to validate and demonstrate success of marketing campaigns.
- Established, initiated and optimized business development strategies based on company targets, product specifications, market data, and budget factors.
- Executed comprehensive marketing plans that consistently achieved targets for increased revenue.
Deployment Co-ordinator
Cash Connect
01.2013 - 09.2014
- Schedule implementations, Co-ordinate riggers, CIT company, Customer and Sales training
- Sales administration.
- Managed logistical coordination and communication.
- Contributed to effective planning for group purchasing decisions.
- Responded to reports of irregular activities and notified dispatcher for required emergency units.
Commercial Property Broker
Realty Exact Properties
10.2011 - 12.2012
- Started new Commercial Property division from scratch, Research business, Marketing, Showcasing, Relationship Building, Agreement negotiations, Stock Management, Designed and implemented Website.
- Prepared contracts and related documentation according to strict standards.
- Arranged for inspections and surveys of sold properties.
- Answered inquiries and provided information to sales representatives, distributed appropriate paperwork, and fulfilled quote requests to deliver excellent customer support.
- Advised clients on Letting conditions to identify successful properties and promote customer satisfaction.
- Recorded supporting documentation for phone calls and written correspondence.
- Completed training programs to remain updated and further develop proficiency of important industry information.
New Business Development Manager
Pastel Accounting
05.2009 - 06.2011
- Relationship Manager, Agreement Negotiator and Project implementation of the new “My Business Online” product into Telkom, Atlantic, Vox Telecoms, Standardbank
- Established relationships with key decision-makers within customer's organization to promote growth and retention.
- Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
- Negotiated and closed long-term agreements with new clients in assigned territory.
- Identified and pursued valuable business opportunities to generate new company revenue and improve bottom line profit.
- Scheduled and implemented product promotions in accordance with available inventory and staff resources.
- Developed process to analyze customer feedback to incorporate insights into product development strategies.
- Taught consultative selling techniques to new and existing staff members to build expertise.
- Compiled product and customer data to generate informed profit projections.
- Developed new proposals, contracts and procedures to draw in more clients and streamline work operations.
- Represented company and promoted products at conferences and industry events.
- Monitored market trends and competitor activities to identify areas of potential opportunity.
- Performed client research and identified opportunities for account growth, account penetration and market expansion.
- Established key performance indicators to track and analyze business progress and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Kept meticulous client notes and updated account information in company databases.
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Demonstrated products to show potential customers benefits and advantages and encourage purchases.
- Facilitated business by implementing practical networking techniques.
- Developed compelling presentation decks to gain approval for ideas and communicate results.
- Communicated product quality and market comparisons by creating sales presentations.
- Aligned company goals with customer outcomes and increased satisfaction by automating contact management systems.
- Liaised with sales, marketing, and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives.
- Enhanced profitability by developing pipelines utilizing marketing and sales strategies.
- Organized promotional events and interacted with community to increase sales volume.
- Exceeded sales quotas and increased profitability through effective sales strategy and business planning.
- Managed revenue models, process flows, operations support and customer engagement strategies.
- Implemented systems and procedures to increase sales.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Prepared sales presentations for clients showing success and credibility of products.
- Compiled and analyzed data to determine approaches to improve sales and performance.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
Divisional Manager
Vox Amvia
02.2007 - 04.2009
- Sales to fax to email clients, resellers, and business partners
- Account Management and Project planning and implementation
- Marketing campaign development, implementation, and statistics
- Training to sales consultants, resellers, business partners
- Customer support procedures, motivation, and training
- Management and motivation within Business Partners
- Consolidation of divisions and implementation of workable structures internally
- Recommendations and involvement for new product development.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
- Developed and implemented business strategies to achieve business goals and stay competitive.
- Communicated clearly with employees and stakeholders to keep everyone on same page and working toward established business goals.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
New Business Development Manager
Eqstra Fleet Management
04.2007 - 02.2009
- Reached out to potential customers via telephone, email, and in-person inquiries.
- All aspects of sales growth and target achievement
- Liaising with all departments to deliver maximum customer satisfaction
- Project roll out and account management.
- Established relationships with key decision-makers within customer's organization to promote growth and retention.
- Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
- Negotiated and closed long-term agreements with new clients in assigned territory.
- Identified and pursued valuable business opportunities to generate new company revenue and improve bottom line profit.
- Developed new proposals, contracts and procedures to draw in more clients and streamline work operations.
- Represented company and promoted products at conferences and industry events.
- Monitored market trends and competitor activities to identify areas of potential opportunity.
- Performed client research and identified opportunities for account growth, account penetration and market expansion.
- Established key performance indicators to track and analyze business progress and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Kept meticulous client notes and updated account information in company databases.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Demonstrated products to show potential customers benefits and advantages and encourage purchases.
- Developed compelling presentation decks to gain approval for ideas and communicate results.
- Liaised with sales, marketing, and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives.
- Enhanced profitability by developing pipelines utilizing marketing and sales strategies.
- Achieved established KPI for company, individual performance through teamwork and focus on customers.
- Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Compiled and analyzed data to determine approaches to improve sales and performance.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
Owner
Easi Cabs
08.2006 - 03.2007
- Business Management, Marketing and Sales which included setting up franchise agreements, sourcing business, creating marketing campaigns.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Established, optimized and enforced business policies to maintain consistency across industry operations.
- Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Worked with marketing teams to create print and online advertisements to bring in new customers.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to generate new customers and increase sales and profit margins.
Recruitment Consultant
Only the Best
01.2006 - 08.2006
- Source new business in the permanent placement division.
Sales Manager
Rentokil Initial London
08.2002 - 02.2005
- Manage 9 consultants
- Grew sales and boosted profits, applying proactive management strategies and enhancing sales training.
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
- Identified, hired and trained highly-qualified staff by teaching best practices, procedures, and sales strategies.
- Conducted team meetings to reinforce goals and objectives and set clear expectations about policies and procedures.
- Maintained ethical and positive working environment to reduce turnover and promote high retention rates.
- Coached employees in successful selling methods and encouraged cross-selling to drive revenue.
- Evaluated performance against goals and implemented appropriate development plans.
- Utilized metrics to modify low-performing sales and marketing programs and plans to increase effectiveness.
- Maintained financial controls, planned business operations and control expenses while identifying and pursuing opportunities to grow business operations and boost profits.
- Compiled and analyzed data to determine approaches to improve sales and performance.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
- Held one-on-one meetings with sales team members to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into best remedy.
- Directed sales support staff in administrative tasks to help sales reps close deals.
- Exceeded sales quotas and increased profitability through effective sales strategy and business planning.
- Managed revenue models, process flows, operations support and customer engagement strategies.
Business Development Manager
River Bell iGaming
06.2001 - 07.2002
- New business development in European Internet Gaming industry
- Creative Website development, marketing and translations
- Project manage web development
- Monthly Statistical Reports
- Established relationships with key decision-makers within customer's organization to promote growth and retention.
- Negotiated and closed long-term agreements with new clients in assigned territory.
- Developed process to analyze customer feedback to incorporate insights into product development strategies.
- Represented company and promoted products at conferences and industry events.
- Performed client research and identified opportunities for account growth, account penetration and market expansion.
- Compiled product and customer data to generate informed profit projections.
- Established key performance indicators to track and analyze business progress and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Kept meticulous client notes and updated account information in company databases.
- Demonstrated products to show potential customers benefits and advantages and encourage purchases.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
- Exceeded sales quotas and increased profitability through effective sales strategy and business planning.
- Liaised with sales, marketing, and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives.
- Compiled and analyzed data to determine approaches to improve sales and performance.
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.
- Delivered recommendations to long-term accounts to promote brand awareness to key audience.
Sales Executive
Communications Team
11.2000 - 06.2001
- New business development in the Magazine publishing industry
- Cold Calling and sourcing new business, Presenting Company services
- Liaising with Art department and other departments to do magazine pitch
- Enroll company to publishing awards, Won independent company award for best magazine.
Relationship Manager and Brand manager
Rewards Company
09.1998 - 11.2000
- Relationship Management
- Management Information Reports presented to partners monthly
- Create marketing strategies for partners to optimize loyalty program
- Designed and booked advertising space in Magazines
- Training Business Partners in Retail environment
- Developing Brand and corporate image
- Responsible for R1 million marketing budget per annum
- Liaise with Advertising Agencies on Brand development
- Conduct and analyze market research.
New Business Sales Executive
ICG Entertainment
06.1995 - 09.1998
- Selling TV, Radio and Print media production, design and placement of adverts in different mediums
- Creative brainstorming and pitch ideas to clients
- Produced and edited own commercials and corporate videos
- Design print media commercials and corporate identities
- Promoted South African bands included event management, sponsorship deals.
Education
High School Diploma -
Kempton Park Hoer Skool
Gauteng 01.1994 - 12.1994
Certificate - Introduction To Commercial Property
University of Vaal Triangle
Gauteng 01.2012 - 11.2024
Diploma - Sales And Marketing
Sales And Marketing Diploma
Gauteng 01.1999 - 11.1999
Skills
Over 26 years Sales, Marketing and Account Management experience focused on new business development to SME, SOHO and Enterprise corporates – Natural HunterMarketing campaign development, management, and statisticsBusiness Partner Relationship and Account Management / Channel ManagementProject management and roll outTraining
Salesforce Management
Sales Presentations
Pipeline Development
Product Demonstrations
Proficient in Sage 300 People & Sage Intacct
Negotiations
Strategic Business Planning
Systems and Software Expertise
Sales Tracking
Verbal and Written Communication
Competitor Monitoring
Referral Management
Analytics
Performance Metrics
Channel Management
Key Decision Making
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Closing Talents
Accomplishments
- 12/2020, Sign Auditor General 3.8 million account with SynergERP
- 07/2019, Started my own business and successfully signed up 15 new suppliers in one month.
- 01/2018, Increased Nedbank Payroll sales more than 500% year on year. Started initially as Chanel Sales Executive - Grew the Relationship successfully to elevate position to Channel Sales Manager and farm out leads generated as I was no longer able to meet the demand. Delivered on all commitments – Self Managed
- 09/2015, Achieved 100% implementation expectation and accurately delivered on all aspects of the deployment process.
- 09/2014, Rented 6 Industrial properties and sold one for 8.5 million. Realty Exact Commercial Properties
- 08/2012, Launched Pastel into Telkom, Vodacom & Standard Bank. Pastel Accounting
- 07/2010, Increased Hosted fax revenue over 30% in a 12-month period. Vox Amvia
- 01/2008, Promoted internally to Head up New Business Development. Eqstra Accident Management
- 07/2005, Started my own Cab Company. Easi Cabs
- 10/2004, Top Sales Manager - Trip to Arizona
- 08/2004, Most improved Sales Manager - Trip to Ibiza
- 01/2003, 7th best consultant out of 250 - Trip to Mauritius
- 11/2002, Top Sales Consultant 6 month in row
- 06/2002, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum award Year one club
- 02/2002, Best Branch and Sales Team - Trip to Belfry. Rentokill Initial
- 06/2002, Sold Gaming websites to Germany, France and Holland. Riverbell i Gaming
- 02/2002, Sold B2B Mag. Contracts to Rolls Royce, Natwest. Communications Team
- 08/2001, Improved basket purchases of rewards program by 50%. Rewards company
- 10/1999, Made various TV and Radio commercials for Starlight Cruises, Auto Pedigree, Mochacho’s etc. ICG Entertainment
Software
Interests
Reading, Learning, Squash, Tennis, Swimming, Hiking
Timeline
Business Development Manager
SynergERP
06.2020 - Current
New Business Development Manager
Spirit for Africa Marketing
04.2019 - 07.2019
Owner and Entrepreneur
Zohas Art
01.2018 - 04.2019
National Channel Manager
Nedbank Payroll
08.2015 - 01.2018
Deployment Co-ordinator
Cash Connect
01.2013 - 09.2014
Certificate - Introduction To Commercial Property
University of Vaal Triangle
01.2012 - 11.2024
Commercial Property Broker
Realty Exact Properties
10.2011 - 12.2012
New Business Development Manager
Pastel Accounting
05.2009 - 06.2011
New Business Development Manager
Eqstra Fleet Management
04.2007 - 02.2009
Divisional Manager
Vox Amvia
02.2007 - 04.2009
Owner
Easi Cabs
08.2006 - 03.2007
Recruitment Consultant
Only the Best
01.2006 - 08.2006
Sales Manager
Rentokil Initial London
08.2002 - 02.2005
Business Development Manager
River Bell iGaming
06.2001 - 07.2002
Sales Executive
Communications Team
11.2000 - 06.2001
Diploma - Sales And Marketing
Sales And Marketing Diploma
01.1999 - 11.1999
Relationship Manager and Brand manager
Rewards Company
09.1998 - 11.2000
New Business Sales Executive
ICG Entertainment
06.1995 - 09.1998
High School Diploma -
Kempton Park Hoer Skool
01.1994 - 12.1994