Even the most luxurious products and services need an efficient sales team to ensure that the company experiences revenue gains. One of the understated aspects of sales is that it’s more about edification and character development than it is about money. To be an outstanding salesperson, you have to be steadfast and have the ability to handle rejection while remaining resilient. Regardless of your revenue structure in sales, whether it’s commission-based, salary-based or both – a good salesperson knows that if you don’t work, you don’t eat; and that is the nature of the game!
There are many different approaches that a salesperson can use – a bit of persuasion? Yeah, sure! A bit of psychology may ‘change a few gears’ in the negotiations; but nothing beats charisma, and that is what Bianca Manzano has in abundance. Manzano is a sales consultant at Mercedes-Benz of Trinidad & Tobago – Sterling Service. Bianca leverages her social media platform as a lifestyle model and event promoter to enhance her visibility as a sales representative. Like any good salesperson, she understands her unique selling proposition and it’s definitely her handle on social media management.
From modeling, to event promotions, to sales – we just had to ask the ‘Chineechic’ how she finds the inspiration to do it all. She had no hesitation in telling us that: “My grandparents are my inspiration. I grew up with them and from an early age, I knew I would have to work harder than the ‘average Joe’ to get what I want. I never liked having to accept money from them because they contributed so much in raising me – so that’s why I started doing event promotions! At that time the money I made was more than what someone would make in a month, and I just worked two weekends at several events.”
It didn’t take long for Bianca to realize that she needed to diversify her earning capacity: “I knew I couldn’t just do promotional work at events forever, so I tried school but that environment wasn’t for me. I prefer to be engaged with hands-on work. I started working with Scorch Magazine and that’s where I learnt everything I know about the administrative aspect of events and, well…the job itself had its perks, and me being the only female in that office made it easier. Plus, I was young and it was a fun job!”
Other than her electrifying charisma, one of Bianca’s most endearing qualities is her desire to be independent. She cherishes the opportunities initially presented to her but as a serial entrepreneur, she stated unapologetically: “I eventually wanted my own event, so I did my ‘E11EVEN’! It was a cruise, and it was sold out. Then I did my brunch event with a co-worker, Atiya! We did not make a profit but I gained a lot of critical insight. In between that, I was always modelling but this was just for fun. My third event was ‘Pre PUMP’ and I did that with Russel Wilkinson. That was super successful; then ‘Girls Day Out’, where we also made a profit. I was never the type of person to just have one source of income! I have always been a hustler, so when the opportunity to work at Mercedes-Benz came my way: I said, ‘Why not!’ I had no experience in car sales, but I’m a quick learner. I’m very thankful I have this job because look what Covid-19 did! No events can take place right now so having my sales position at Mercedes-Benz is such a blessing!”
Without disregarding the exquisiteness of German engineering in any model, we put Bianca on the spot, playfully inquiring which class of Mercedes-Benz is her favorite and why. Bianca jovially responded by exclaiming, “That’s a tricky one! I have two favorites, starting with the GLC Coupe. I love the look with the AMG package and cherry red interior. Secondly, I love the G Wagon – the sporty look of it is just brilliant. I’m honestly in awe of the entire Mercedes-Benz collection because of the technology and engineering, but those two I just have a different type of love for.”