Team RoundtableSales Team Edition

What are the job responsibilities of sales and public relations?

fujieda

Although both of us belong to the sales department, our job responsibilities are completely different, aren't they? Could you tell us again what kind of work you usually do, Kanda?

Kanda

My role is to appropriately propose FLEXSCHE to those in the manufacturing industry who are struggling with planning tasks. The main activities start with introducing FLEXSCHE through demonstrations, and if they show interest, we create a prototype using the customer's data and make a proposal. Recently, the number of inquiries has increased, and things have been hectic, so I wish we had more team members.

fujieda

The prototype is created using the customer's data, right?

Kanda

That's right. I think customers really want to know if FLEXSCHE can be used for their operations. That's why I want them to specifically imagine how their challenges can be solved with a prototype using the data they actually use in their operations.

fujieda

In other companies, it seems that engineers create such prototypes upon request from sales, but at FLEXSCHE, sales create them, right?

Kanda

In cases where the requirements are complex, we may request the Customer Success Team or the Development Team, but basically, the Sales Team is responsible. This is because I think it's best for the salespeople, who hear the raw voices of customers, to be in charge. Salespeople who directly hear about challenges, requirements, and manufacturing constraints can reflect a lot in the prototype, and if we leave this to someone else, I feel like we can't reflect that rawness.

fujieda

Because salespeople directly hear from customers, they can understand the essence of the customer's challenges and propose how to solve them. Each prototype is carefully crafted for each company, right? How long does it take to create one?

Kanda

Of course, it varies depending on the customer, but generally, it takes about a month to receive and analyze the data from the customer, and then about a month to actually import the data into FLEXSCHE and start creating the prototype. Fortunately, many customers say they want to consider it after seeing the prototype, so we are in a situation where we are keeping everyone waiting. So, I want to be able to create prototypes faster in the future. Of course, I also want to improve the quality.

fujieda

Because the sales team, like Kanda, carefully draws out the customer's requests and understands their manufacturing, the goodness of FLEXSCHE is properly conveyed to the customers.
By the way, you sometimes attend partner negotiations, right?

Kanda

Yes, I do. I consider interactions with partners to be one of the important tasks. FLEXSCHE is ultimately provided to the manufacturing industry through partners. Therefore, a good relationship with partners is essential for the sales team, and we consciously communicate to ensure that good relationships continue. By the way, I feel like I don't know the details of Fujieda's work. You seem to be in charge of various tasks, but could you tell us about your job responsibilities and role?

fujieda

As I am in charge of publicity, my main role is to promote the appeal of FLEXSCHE Corporation and FLEXSCHE products to the world. For example, I am involved in the design and editing of the website, which is the face of public relations. Recently, I also changed the design of the top page and expanded the content of FLEXSCHE CarryOut, which is gaining attention. Additionally, I am working on creating general promotional materials used by sales representatives like Kanda and partners when introducing FLEXSCHE. When holding seminars, I use web advertising for attracting customers and also handle the creation of web pages introducing the seminar content and advertising banners. We also exhibit at trade shows several times a year, and I handle tasks from booth design arrangements to setting up on the day. Besides that, I also handle inquiries and seminar applications as a sales office and create administrative documents.

Kanda

The scope of work is wide! The flow is that the sales team introduces FLEXSCHE to the customers that Fujieda has attracted. We also make use of the promotional materials that Fujieda has created. Thank you as always.

fujieda

Not at all. It makes it worthwhile for me to create when everyone is happy to use it. Previously, FLEXSCHE explanations were often done verbally by sales representatives. If we can summarize that content into materials, when new salespeople join in the future, they can guide customers with uniform quality, and partners can also use them, so I am creating them with that in mind. When creating new promotional materials, I want them to be materials that can be used on-site, so I would love to hear your opinions, Kanda!

Kanda

Yes, please do. Please continue to create cool promotional materials.

What are the attractions of working at FLEXSCHE?

fujieda

By the way, is there anything you are glad about being in sales at FLEXSCHE Corporation?

Kanda

Well, for example, meeting customers at an exhibition for the first time, then introducing FLEXSCHE during meetings, receiving data, creating a prototype, explaining it to the customer, and having them feel the value, leading to a contract... That part, I guess. We have a long-term relationship with customers, but I get to tackle all these activities at my own discretion, so while the responsibility is significant, it is also very rewarding.

fujieda

That's a rewarding aspect of sales. How is the company atmosphere?

Kanda

It's easy to work in a place where everything is thoroughly logical. Even when being instructed by veteran employees, they don't unreasonably impose by saying "do as I say," and if my argument is correct, it is accepted. On the other hand, the veterans' explanations are backed by theory, so they are very convincing. In the company I previously worked for, the overall age group was young, and I felt like my growth was plateauing, so I wanted to be in an environment where I could grow more. Joining FLEXSCHE Corporation, I feel that the senior members with knowledge and experience are encouraging my growth.

fujieda

I understand the logical aspect. It's a characteristic of FLEXSCHE Corporation, isn't it? Don't you also think that the "openness" is a characteristic of FLEXSCHE? No matter the age group or job type, I feel the intention to choose the best path and move work forward when consulting with anyone.

Kanda

Fujieda interacts with various departments a lot, so you might especially feel that way.

fujieda

I believe that having many gatherings and events allows for communication. Because of this foundation of communication, discussions proceed smoothly when needed. The cohesion across departments, creating a unified company, is one of the attractions of working at FLEXSCHE. On a personal note, I am part of the running club, where most members are from the development team. Running together with members I don't usually have the opportunity to converse with broadens the scope of communication.

What will the future of FLEXSCHE look like?

Kanda

Currently, there are various movements towards change within the company. What goals do you have, Fujieda-san?

fujieda

We often hear from customers using FLEXSCHE that "FLEXSCHE is truly flexible." Behind this word "flexible" lies not only the nature of the product itself but also the brand built by the flexibility of the staff and partners involved with FLEXSCHE. To let more people know about this brand of flexible products, I want to focus on disseminating information that reaches further. When I joined the company, I wrote in my motivation letter that I wanted to be a key figure in information dissemination. I want to convey the appeal of FLEXSCHE to the world in various forms and become a "key figure in information dissemination" recognized by everyone.

Kanda

Indeed, I also often receive compliments from customers about the flexibility of FLEXSCHE. Even when handling it myself, I strongly feel that there might not be a product superior to FLEXSCHE. My role is to directly convey the excellence of this superior product to customers, so I want to hone my sales skills to grasp the essence of customer needs and make numerous proposals. It is said that there will be a generational shift within FLEXSCHE, so even when we young members become the main force, we must ensure that we can provide FLEXSCHE with even more added value than now.

fujieda

That's right! Let's strive to be the driving force that leads FLEXSCHE into the future!