MEMBER FEATURE: Mary Grothe, CEO of SalesBQ

Mary Grothe is the CEO of Sales BQ and also serves as a Sales Keynote Speaker and Sales Trainer. Early in her career, Mary discovered that she had a passion for sales, and enjoyed coaching and training newer sales representatives. She shares her keys for success below.

Q: What inspired you to do the work you do today? Was there a particular moment or experience that led you to this career?

A: I fell into sales. I was 22 years old, and eager to find stable employment to escape working multiple part time jobs. A staffing agency helped me find Paychex, Inc. and I started as a sales admin at $13 an hour where I supported a mid-market sales team of eight reps and one manager. I fell in love with sales, the mechanics behind a high-performing sales team, and the potential opportunities it could afford me. My sales manager mentored me for two years and I eventually earned a spot on the team. I became the #1 representative in 30 days, broke records, and sold millions in revenue. During that time, I was asked to coach and mentor other sales representatives, and I discovered my passion for sales training and coaching. In addition to crushing my quota, I was able to help representatives across the country crush theirs. After nearly eight years with Paychex, I began my own firm and now we coach and train reps across the country in multiple industries.
​
Q: Everyone has a special gift, that thing that many would call their superpower. What do you think yours is and how did you discover it?

A: My super human power is sales messaging. In any role play, in any training or live prospect situation, I always find the words to progress a sale. Whether I am developing an outbound message, addressing an objection, or getting creative while trying to solve the prospect's problem, I always find the words. Our training participants love trying to stump me with their sales challenges, but it hasn't happened yet.

Q: There's a young woman reading this who is on a path to discover where she belongs and how she can make an impact in the world. What advice would you give her to guide her next steps?
​
A: Dress the part. Speak the part. Be the part. Conduct yourself in a manner that will earn you the spot you desire. Don't know enough yet? Learn. Not sure how to get there? Get a mentor. Not hitting your metrics? Wake up earlier, and pour everything you have into it. Distracted with negativity, doubt, and fear? Put your head down and work... let the naysayers fuel your motivation to crush your goals.

​Find out if Women of Denver membership is right for you.

---