It is a hassle trying to sort out all the logistic stuff when relocating to a different country while having to start work straight away. Yet I've been enjoying the past two weeks so much. We definitely came at the best time of the year - two weeks with the company, we have already attended two trade events and two Christmas parties!
Totally loving the company as everyone is so friendly and does their best to help us with anything, from transport, looking for accommodation and more generally sharing with us tips on living in this country... I know it sounds like a cliché but it really feels like a family. Karaoke at our own Christmas party was great fun - we were just singing along and dancing with everyone even though we hardly knew any of the songs! :)
Last Thursday and Friday, just before the Christmas party, we had our regular cycle meeting with territory managers and trade marketing representatives from different areas. The end of year results were looking great - despite an industry downturn followed by a 25% tobacco tax increase, the company has grown its share of the market because of its value-for-money brand portfolio and strong position in other tobacco products. Rewards and recognitions are an important part of the way the business works with its people - many colleagues and best-performing teams are recognised and praised for their outstanding achievements, and there is clearly a competitive, winning spirit in every team. Oh and in case you're wondering...food served was really really yummy!!
Chicken steak - simple but delicious
Ham and turkey slices with mashed potato
Fudge cake with ice-cream
Right, so much for the partying... This week, we spent two days on the road visiting retailers with Rebecca, a gorgeous lady who is bubbly, energetic, driven and really inspirational in what she does. Looking at how she builds rapport with her customers and helps them to fix stock issues gives us a good idea of what the daily responsibilities of a rep is. From tomorrow onwards, I will be with a lovely rep Michele (yep just to make life more confusing^^) to learn on the go covering her area.
Currently, Lynne, my beautiful colleague who went to Warwick for her MSc in Marketing and Strategy (which is the course that wasn't lucky enough to have me lol) and I are staying in a fully furnished, serviced apartment until we find another place to stay as this is only provided temporarily to ease us from the hassle of flat-hunting immediately upon arrival in Sydney. Thank you, ITG! A relocation agent will be coming to help us to find suitable accommodation within budget, hopefully we'll be able to settle down soon.
This Friday night, we were invited to a trade event and Christmas party organised by the Dib Group, a very influential regional fuel distribution business that owns hundreds of service stations. We had two display stalls, one specifically for the brand new packaging of Peter Stuyvesant - I love the posters which were photographed in New York City! Promotional discounts were given to orders made on the day together with some goodies of course.
It's been a while since the last time I did a trade show or a more face-to-face sales role. At Warwick, I found several temp jobs through the on-campus temps recruitment agency unitemps. In terms of sales and marketing, I have worked with a hand-held PDA at a trade show in the NEC for a market research agency, speaking to hundreds of people everyday; handed out leaflets for the Godiva Festival in Coventry; did surveys for the local council on Christmas shopping...these were all very useful experience although they were quite basic temp jobs for a bit of extra cash. They were tough as well! Pushing myself out of my comfort zone and having to actively approach people on the street, start a conversation and maintain enthusiastic no matter rain or shine (or even snow!). Everything happens for a reason, I always knew. Dunno why I suddenly remembered these...but yeah... :)
I miss England so very much - I appreciate the friendships I've made, family trips with my dearest mum and dad, sweet and sour memories of falling in love, getting hurt, lessons learnt and becoming a stronger person after all, tough times when trying to make the most out of my time, doing temp work and internship, experiencing things that I would not have the chance to experience otherwise. All these made me the person I am today. I'm just so grateful and thankful to my loving parents for their support over the past 23 years and my boyfriend - we have to be strong for each other.
Looking forward to tomorrow (Monday), believe it or not! :)
Good night Sydney! Till next time!
xx
