As you know, the Employee Spotlight series is our way of giving you an inside look at the people behind the Mopinion brand. In last month’s Employee in the Spotlight, we interviewed a special member of the Sales team, Luke. We hope you enjoyed his story. This month we will continue the streak and highlight yet another one of our Sales team members, Sjoerd van der Plas.
Meet Sjoerd. He is (technically) one of our oldest Digital User Feedback Specialists, who recently rejoined the Mopinion team around two and a half years ago. Sjoerd is our go-to guy for bringing in new business and managing existing accounts, especially in the Dutch market. But when he’s not closing deals, he’s a full-time Dad to three, sports fanatic, and if we rewind 20 years… a 90’s trance dancing superstar. But we’ll get to that in a little bit.
This month I sat down with Sjoerd to get his perspective on working at Mopinion. Here’s what he had to say…
What does your position at Mopinion entail?
I am responsible for creating new business here at Mopinion and spreading the word about how feedback can benefit companies. Initially, I was focused mainly on the Netherlands. However, as we continue to expand and experience an influx of trials and demo requests, my focus has since shifted to a wider range of prospects located all across the world.
But that’s just part of my work. I also work closely with existing clients to make sure all go smoothly while they are using our feedback software. So my days often vary between calling new prospects, providing demos and advising existing clients.
What initially drew you to Mopinion?
I’ve actually known the founders of Mopinion for a long time. I did some work for them back when they had just started up with the business. It was interesting because the platform was completely different back then, so when one of the founders called me up a few years later to see if I’d like to come work with them again, I was really amazed to see how much the platform had evolved over those five years.
I also saw it as a nice adventure and challenge. From building new business again to working at a company that was quickly gaining ground in the market.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
Well it all starts with coffee! Then I usually sit down and start running through my emails. There I run through and check which opportunities I should chase. After that every day is different. Some days I have a lot of demos or I need to work on closing a deal with a client. And other days I am helping customers with their questions. But the morning ritual remains the same!
What is your favorite part about working at Mopinion?
I believe everyone else has mentioned this too, but it’s hard not to agree: the best part of working at the Mopinion is the freedom you’re given. The freedom to do your job how you like, as long as you do it well. I think I speak for everyone when I say that this freedom helps us be more productive and more involved in our work.
The candy jar at the office doesn’t hurt either, of course…
What are the biggest challenges you face in your job?
I think that the most challenging part of my job is keeping up with what’s happening in the market. For example, what are the latest trends, which tools are out there and how do they differ? This is true of our own software as well. We have frequent product releases and as a sales representative, you need to be on top of that as well.
Another challenge is reaching out to the increasing variety of digital marketing roles. You have your web analysts, UX research specialists, product marketers, CX specialists and more and the tricky part is…they all have different needs and goals. So I’m there to show them how our software fits in with their goals and how they can benefit from it from the perspective of their role.
What is your proudest moment at Mopinion?
I actually have two moments. One is when I successfully signed a major customer that had previously been using a competitor of ours. The other is when I signed a major sports retailer that is active worldwide. In fact that’s a great example of chasing your opportunities – in my opinion. I really felt a sense of accomplishment.
And now for some fun questions…
What are 3 words you would use to describe yourself?
Positive, creative and persistent…but these words change all the time.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Well, Luke has is chocolate, which I must admit is a guilty pleasure of mine as well. But my other weakness is vanilla (whipped cream) ice cream topped with orgeade syrup (a popular almond-flavored syrup in Suriname).
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Well let me put it this way. I’m a father of three kids, I have a Latin American wife and a house to renovate so I basically have to ask permission to have time for myself, he laughs.
Okay, but on a serious note, when I do have free time, I am either playing football or going for a run. The running part is only as of lately and not because I want to but because I’ve signed up for my second marathon…
What is on your bucket list?
It would be really cool to do a challenging race, like the IronMan or a 100K trail run in the Alps. My theory is that once you’ve done something like this, only then can you can truly call yourself a man.
Sjoerd at the Strong Viking race with some of the Mopinion team
What is the first concert you attended?
Lenny Kravitz
What is your biggest fear?
Luke in a speedo.
What is your favorite movie?
I actually have two that share the first place spot: Seven (with Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman) and Pan’s Labyrinth.
What is something that not many people know about you?
After a bit of hesitance, Sjoerd ultimately opened up and shared that he was once part of the Dutch Dance group, Double Nation… Not familiar? Maybe this will spark your memory…
Stay tuned for more!
We hope you enjoyed this month’s Employee in the Spotlight! Stay tuned for our March spotlight…
