Enterprise Nation

Anne Wilkinson started home based business, Executive Playground, in 2004, following a career in sales. She helps companies wanting to improve their own sales and business development. We find her working from her kitchen table, one fine Friday.

First impressions

I called Anne on Friday, as we’d agreed, so I could ask her a few questions about her home based business.

“Hello, Executive Playground, can I help you”

Came the words after a female voice picked up the phone. 

“Hello. Is that Anne?”

I asked

“No, but I’ll put you through right away.”

Came the reply from what I then learned was Anne’s outsourced switchboard. It was a service that gave a good first impression of Anne’s business.

As the conversation with Anne progressed, I realised that focusing on what she does best - and outsourcing the rest - is a key part of her business strategy. And what she does best is give advice to companies, small and large, on sales and business development.  

Here are a few questions I put to this highly professional sales lady.

Do you work alone, or with others?

I work on an associate basis which means I pull on the talents of a core team as and when I need them plus a network of 50/60 consultants. I don’t want to employ anyone as I’m no good at admin! (another example of Anne recognising what she’s good at, and what she’s not so good at)

Who are your clients?

My clients are any businesses that want to improve their sales and business development. My smallest client is a home based business that provides models to high street stores and my largest is the international lift-maker, Otis. 

Do you work from a dedicated home office?

I do have a room that serves as my home office but my work does spill out on to the kitchen table, which is where you’ve found me today! I’ve got a big report to write so I like to be as close as possible to an endless supply of tea! 

What advice would you give to a home business owner who wants to improve sales?

My first piece of advice would be to try and develop a selling mindset and feel comfortable with making sales. After getting this sorted, it’s then straightforward as you can follow a basic sales process by creating a sales pipeline and knowing when and how to follow up on your leads.

Might you consider writing some articles for enterprisenation.com on how to create that mindset and set up a sales pipeline?

Yes, of course! 

We hope you’ll be seeing more of Anne on the site as sales and marketing continues to be one of the hot topics that you, our members, like! – Emma Jones