This is the first in a series of interviews with directors in media sales who share their career path and tips for how to succeed.
In this interview, Clare Chamberlain, Sales Director, London Lifestyle for Bauer Media; including brands such as Grazia, Closer, Heat, Empire and Yours, talks about her career, the skills you need in media sales, and advice for those who want to progress.
What has been your career path?
I started as a graduate trainee at Dennis Publishing, selling classified on a computer title. I left there to work at Emap where I moved up to become ad manager on their parenting titles, before moving to be ad manager on Red. I spent some time in Australia before returning to Emap UK, as commercial director across their homes titles. When Hachette launched in the UK I took up a similar role there, but across a broader portfolio. Following that I moved to BBC Worldwide, as group advertising director across brands as different as Top Gear, Good Food, Lonely Planet, and Teletubbies! I moved to Bauer as Sales Director of London Lifestyle earlier this year.
What’s been the best piece of advice you have been given?
Never leave the coal face…it’s important to stay close to customers whatever level you operate at.
What skills do you feel you need to be successful in media sales?
I think to be successful you have to enjoy the high energy, work hard/play hard environment, put in some thougthful work and be genuinely excited by the media you are selling.
What has been one of your biggest achievements?
My twin boys…and having the opportunity to run a brilliantly creative and ambitious sales team.
What top tips would you give budding media sales stars?
Don’t ever be a brand snob if you are keen to further your career. I have learned just as much from specialist niche titles as I ever have from the famous ones!