Danielle Solomons
Director
Cape Town
Summary
Dynamic and accomplished results-driven Director who oversees every facet of production underpinned with strong project management and decision-making skills. Brings 9+ years of leadership and account management experience as an integral part of fast-paced and successful sales teams. A strategic thinker and proactive problem solver with comprehensive knowledge of sales processes, media production, writing, planning, and technical operations. Passionate about the green economy and sustainable development.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Director
GreenEconomy.Media
Cape Town
01.2021 - Current
- Developing and implementing business strategies to achieve revenue and growth goals
- Leading and managing the company's staff, including editorial, marketing, production, and sales staff
- Acquiring and publishing content that aligns with the company's brand, audience, and readership
- Create strong business relationships with prospective and current clients by cultivating and strengthening lasting client relationships using strong issue-resolution and dynamic communication skills
- Oversee day-to-day operations and provide corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Continuous spearheading of successful business development initiatives aligned with the company's strategy and core competencies.
- Lead the development of a comprehensive business plan to maximize profitability and company performance.
- Manage and prepare budgets and financial performance to ensure profitability
- Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency, and help the company evolve and grow
- Assist in the recruiting, hiring, and training of team members.
- Train and guide team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service
- Keeping up to date by tracking industry trends, changes, and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine the company's product offerings
- Identify and qualify customer needs and negotiate and close profitable projects with a high success rate.
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends
- Remain composed and highly professional in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment, effectively handling challenging situations and difficult individuals to achieve objectives
General Manager
GreenEconomy.Media
Cape Town
08.2018 - 12.2020
- Developed and achieved sales targets to guarantee success and company growth
- Led and managed the sales team, including hiring, training, and performance management, which led to a high-performing team of sales representatives
- Solved complex problems to increase sales effectiveness and streamline business direction
- Boosted profits through effective supervision of the entire sales department
- Boosted revenue opportunities by initiating strategic sales strategies based on industry trends and competitive analysis
- Created effective marketing campaigns to reinforce branding initiatives and maximize outreach
- Developed key partnerships with industry-leading organizations to strengthen professional networks and expand future business opportunities
- Ensured sales targets are met and exceeded
- Prospecting, lead generation
- Developed and maintained client relationships by negotiating contracts and agreements with clients
- Communication with top-level management and business owners
- Exercised strong leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment
- Collaboration with marketing, creative, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of campaigns
- Analyze sales data to track performance and make data-driven decisions
- Developing and maintaining sales policies and procedures
Project Manager
Young Africa Publishing
Cape Town
06.2012 - 12.2017
- Grew sales and boosted profits, by applying proactive project management strategies and enhancing sales training
- Forecasted, managed, and drove sales targets
- Cultivated solid business relationships with existing customers and developed new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate services, thus reaching sales goals and targets
- Met with clients, delivered presentations, and educated them on product and service features and offerings
- Motivated the sales team to exceed targets with ongoing training
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction
- Attended industry shows, conventions, and other meetings with the primary mission of expanding market opportunities
- Resolved customer issues quickly to close deals and boost client satisfaction
- Closed lucrative sales deals using strong negotiation and persuasion skills
- Conducted team meetings to reinforce goals and objectives and set clear expectations about policies and procedures.
- Recruited and hired top-level talent to add value and expertise to the sales department
- Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals
- Boosted marketing, reviewed pricing strategies, and expanded distribution channels to increase sales revenue
Marketing Assistant
Springbok Atlas
Cape Town
09.2008 - 02.2010
- Supported the Marketing Manager and marketing team in planning and executing marketing campaigns and initiatives
- Conducting market research and analyzing data to identify trends and opportunities
- Input new data, updated old records, and cross-checked information to keep marketing databases up-to-date
- Created and distributed online newsletters and a kept statistical database
- Maintained e-newsletter mailing lists and electronic library
- Created engaging content for Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Proofread marketing collateral ahead of printing to eliminate errors
- Worked closely with product development teams to create and maintain marketing materials for sales presentations and client meetings
- Contributed to weekly team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and staff appraisals
- Generated reports to support development and implementation of marketing plans
- Maximized advertising efforts by developing content for media relations and corporate communications
- Wrote engaging and successful marketing, advertising, and website copy
- Consistent updating of the website
Education
The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing - Digital Marketing
Open University
04.2020 - 05.2020
Postgraduate Diploma - Marketing Management
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa 01.2007 - 12.2007
Bachelor of Social Science - Psychology
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa 02.1999 - 12.2002
Skills
Leadership
Strategic Thinker
Communication
Financial Acumen
Relationship Building
Adaptability
Business development and planning
Timeline
Director
GreenEconomy.Media
01.2021 - Current
The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing - Digital Marketing
Open University
04.2020 - 05.2020
General Manager
GreenEconomy.Media
08.2018 - 12.2020
Project Manager
Young Africa Publishing
06.2012 - 12.2017
Marketing Assistant
Springbok Atlas
09.2008 - 02.2010
Postgraduate Diploma - Marketing Management
University of Cape Town
01.2007 - 12.2007
Bachelor of Social Science - Psychology
University of Cape Town
02.1999 - 12.2002