Michael NEEFS
Data Center Solutions Sales Specialist at Cisco, Cisco Systems
I'm currently responsible for the adoption of Cisco's Data Center technologies by Belgian & Luxemburgish partners and customers.
In this position, I’m facilitating the success of Cisco Channel account teams in selling specific data center products and technologies into the channel. Together we are responsible for developing Technical business plan to meet and exceed assigned quota.
As Partner Systems Engineer I’m also working closely with Cisco Account Managers, Technical Leaders and Sales Managers to plan sales strategies, develop proposals, deliver customer presentations/demos, and close the business opportunities.
I'm also looking at developing extensively my business knowledge while acquiring experience through sales activities and where my 8+ years of technical background is bringing added value. I do appreciate to stay on-track with the technology and create a balance between the technical and business worlds.
I'm looking at contributing contribute to high-value transactions, develop relationships and strategic alliances and ultimately deliver customer success.
Last, I'm strongly looking for International experience.
Specialties
- Building strong relationships with alliance partners / channel partners
- Translating customers needs into business opportunities for our channel partners
- Managing complex sales cycles with our alliance partners and channel partners
- Proven track record in managing and winning major opportunities, with the ability to work unsupervised; ability to interact as a value-added team member
- Broad knowledge of Cisco's DC/V and cloud solutions
- Crisis management and project leadership
13 contactsI'm working 50% of my time on Public Sector accounts and 50% on the commercial segment accounts over the Belgian territory.
Responsibilities
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- Direct account and partner responsibilities.
- Provide specific solutions consulting, technical and sales support.
- Perform in-depth and high-level technical presentations for Cisco customers and prospects.
- Drive the development of formal sales plans and proposals for assigned opportunities.
Skills
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- Developing knowledge in Data Center related technologies, Security and Business Video.
- In-depth knowledge and strong operating experience in Core LAN & Routing.
- Knowledge of relevant solutions sets, product line specifications, performance criteria and applications.
- Understanding and conversant about company, competitors, technologies, solutions, product strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, listening, negotiation and presentation skills and consultative skills.
2008 - 2009Part of the Cisco Sales Associates Program, promotion of 2009 - Amsterdam.
Through classes, personal coaching, conferences, role plays and on-the-job trainings, this program is a development track where the associate is able to develop his interpersonal - communication skills, sales, business, and finance skills, as well as an understanding of Cisco networking products, solutions and services, in order to prepare him to excel as a Cisco sales team member.
The Associate Systems Engineers (ASEs) are the technical specialists of the Cisco sales community. They work with customers to fully understand customers' technical needs and help ensure that Cisco solutions meet or exceed those needs. As an ASE, I was able to to work with many innovative Cisco technologies and interact with valued customers. Becoming a trusted advisor and adding a business and client relationship context to my role.
2005 - 2008- Leading a team, of 5 permanents employees and average of 12 co-ops/year, responsible for operational success.
- I mitigate escalations and provide trend analysis. I also provide vision, planning and guidance to achievement of our KPI.
- Contributing to increase the Customer Satisfaction.
- Leading internship program.
- Handle many Customer/partner visits at Cisco.
- Lead and provide rationale on internal initiatives/projects
2004 - 2005- 1000's of customer networks recreates background made in the European Laboratory (reactive and proactive support)
- Innovation within the existing support model
- Increasing Team capacity and capability
- Programming (Dynamic web, scripting)
- Customer presentation and visits handling
2002 - 2004- Laboratory administration and network support
- Built foundations to achieve results of today's entity
- Thousand of customer networks recreates in the Laboratory