After my graduation in Computer Studies, I thought I was destined to start off my career as a programmer but it didn’t goes out so well and that was over 20 years ago. I went from interview after another but majority gave me the same answer – “I’m sorry Mr. Yap. We’re looking for someone with experience”.

I was thinking “If you don’t give me a chance and hire me, then how the heck am I going to get experience?”. Dejected, I was convinced by my girlfriend (we came from the same graduation class) to try out sales instead. She has joined an IT company as a sales executive, selling software.

“Sales? You’ve got to be kidding me! I’m not good in sales. In fact, I hate sales people. They’re a bunch of lying bullshitter and bullshit their way through for money” I’ve retorted

“Well, you still can’t get a job as a programmer ….. why not give it a try?” she said. Seriously, after rejection from one interview after another, I asked myself “Why not?”

In just one day interview, I’ve went through from Product Manager then Country Manager and finally Managing Director. I got the job as Sales Executive to market AST Computer and network solutions to corporates. I’ve serviced corporates like Colgate-Palmolive and Malaysia Mining Corporation, to name a few. I can’t say on behalf of other sales people but to me, sales is not a bullshitting job. You don’t need to be very talkative or chatty to get sales. You just need to present your product or services in best possible light without resorting to lying but it takes a lot more effort to do it right.

I’ve moved on to various companies for new opportunities and moving up in my career to various positions including Sales Manager, Product Manager, Business Development Manager and Country Manager (which I’m managing a Singaporean owned IT distribution company). I’ve exposed to various department (sales, marketing, tech support, operation, warehousing and accounts) and roles to gain further understanding on how to integrate various department for better performance. Management skill is the upmost number one priority to master and to lead your organization for success.

20 years of my career is not without its downside. Once a while, you’ll lose sight of your goals and drive. In my case, I’ve gone through those period a lot of times but I’ve managed to pull myself out. In 2008, I have a medical condition that forced me to take a back sit in my career and re-assess my goals. That’s a different story altogether which I’ll post it separately.

I’m currently working as a business development manager, recruiter, trainer and coach in real estate industry which is a big career change. Although different industry, the principle and rules I’ve set for myself remains the same. It’s all about doing the right thing. My definition of right thing are getting the result you want to achieve and making sure it’s win-win situation as best as possible while maintaining a positive culture and momentum.

I like this quote “If not now then when? If not me then who?”. It drives me to take action without being told.

I hope you can share your story with me too. Write to me at willwolf.willyap@gmail.com

My motto : Further understanding creates knowledge