Question

What are some of Meghann Ackerman's favorite parts of her job?

A portrait of Meghann Ackerman.
Career Connection
Name: Meghann Ackerman
Company: Benevon
Job Title: National Relationship Manager (Relationship = Account)
What are some of the biggest challenges of your job?
That we don't always use logic to target/budget, etc. That we are not always as efficient as we could be. Disagreeing with the priorities as they are explained to me.

What project(s) are you most proud of?
My statistical reports. For example, I just created a Funder Chart completely on my own initiative and it is now our CEO's favorite document to send to funders to justify and demonstrate the ROI they could have with us. My ability to create good relationships over the phone. That I can represent both the customer needs and the needs of the business simultaneously.

What kind of educational background or training did you need to get started in your field?
I have a BA in Criminal Justice and History, so...I have no idea how I got my job!

In your field, what qualities are most important for someone to have?
You need to be personable, able to multi-task, to not get flustered when things don't go as planned, be able to handle upset customers and a range of personalities, know when and how to share your opinion, think for the customer needs and the business needs simultaneously.

What advice do you have for someone interested in a career in marketing or business?
Make sure you really believe in the product/service you are going to have to promote. If you don't believe in what you are selling, that will come across to your boss and potential clients/customers. Aim to laugh at least once on every call/interaction you have with potential clients/customers because if people like you they will forgive much and laughter is a great bridge in a first interaction. Learn to listen well to what the customer is saying, not saying, and truly needs.
What specific role do you play at your company?
My main job is to work with funders that approach us about using the Benevon® fundraising model for the nonprofit organizations they fund. I help secure new funders, manage the process of granting their groups, follow the groups throughout their use of our program and report on their success/failures for future business with funders. I also do some 'cold-ish' calling to bring in new business.

What are some things you do in a typical work day?
I spend about 40% of my day on the phone calling and following up with potential business, and cultivating relationships with current business. I also spend a good bit of time creating marketing materials to show ROI to potential clients and current statistics for customers.

What resources do you use in your work (software, equipment, reference materials, Web sites, etc.)?
Salesforce.com, Excel®, and Outlook®.

What made you decide to do the work you're doing?
I wanted to be able to feel like my job was making a difference. By being a for-profit working with nonprofits, I can make a decent living and still help incredibly passionate people fulfill on their missions and serve tons of people, animals, and issues.

What were you most surprised about when you started working in your field?
How easy it is to spin information to your benefit. How many really passionate people are out there. The range of nonprofits. The culture of nonprofits.

What are some of your favorite parts about your job?
The clients (funders) and customers (individual nonprofit staff) are great to work with. That I can be open about being a person of faith when appropriate. The variety of my tasks each day.

Answer 1

- Working with the clients (funders) and nonprofit staff — she enjoys the people she gets to partner with.
- Being able to be open about her faith when it’s appropriate.
- The variety in her daily tasks.