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 "People have taken chances on me, and my desire do them proud has been a driving force in my career and in life." This is how Amy Fotenos, account manager at Chicago Title Insurance in Denver, CO describes her progress on the path to success.
Her father, whom she lost in her early teens, was a strong personal influence. "My Dad, a pharmacist by trade, was a calm person with a great attitude. He made me who I am today," she states.
Another early influence was her first boss, Noreen Flaherty, editor and publisher of a women's magazine in St. Louis, MO. "She was a great influence both personally and professionally. Because I was never close to my mother, she was a strong female role model for me," Amy says.
Her job at the aforementioned women's magazine was to sell print media on a commission basis. "I started working at the age of 17. I learned a lot in a hurry, including how to make cold calls and face rejection, important lessons for a career in sales," she contends. During that first job she also learned that she loved sales, and wanted to
stay in it.
Amy has four years experience in the title industry, and prior to that three years in real estate. Prior to joining Chicago Title Insurance in June 2006, she worked at Security Title, where in the first year she was named "Rookie of the Year," coming in second to a 15 year veteran of the company. "I always made my goals," she adds.
She states her professional motto, "your success is my success," each time she sends out an email. "It's on my signature line," she says. "I want to remind myself and my clients that I am here to help them increase their business, so that we can grow together,"
Amy states.
When asked about professional influences she responds, "I have to mention the two people who brought me here: Chicago Title President Janice Schwab and Sandra Kuhlman, VP of Sales. It is nice to see two women running a business, both are inspirational and very strong," Amy asserts.
"Another big influence is my fiancé, Tod Eskra, who runs the fleet division of a car rental company. He's also a sales mentor, and a great sounding board. His feedback helps to reinforce my belief in me and my abilities," she concludes.
How has Focus Publications helped her to achieve success? "With the changing economy, many realtors have moved to home offices to cut expenses. Since they no longer have a store front, the Focus tools help me to stay in touch with them," she states.
Amy used Focus products and services at her previous employer, and when she moved to Chicago Title Insurance, many of the clients who moved with her asked for them. So, she persuaded her new boss to try Focus' marketing tools. "It helps me to touch 3,500 clients in a month. I send it to the brokers I work with, who look forward to receiving them, especially the hot sheets to spot trends," she asserts.
Amy sums it up this way: "You have to know your client to design a marketing plan. Once you know that, tailor the choice of Focus products to fit the needs of the client,"
she concludes. |
