Home Interview Rising Corporate Leader: Tabassum Mahjabin

Rising Corporate Leader: Tabassum Mahjabin

Rising Corporate Leader: Tabassum Mahjabin

Tabassum Mahjabin
Sales Manager
Smart Safety & Automations Ltd.

At Smart Safety & Automations Ltd., Ms. Tabassum Mahjabin is a dynamic and successful sales manager with a track record of increasing revenue and cultivating enduring customer relationships. After beginning her work in customer service, she moved into techno-sales and, with perseverance and practical experience, mastered difficult solutions. Known for her client-centric approach and ability to navigate challenges, Ms. Mahjabin has significantly contributed to her company’s growth by closing high-value deals and fostering long-term partnerships. Her passion for continuous learning and innovative thinking sets her apart as a rising leader in the safety and automation industry.

Tabassum Mahjabin: Thank you for your kind words. My professional journey has been a blend of hard work, learning, and continuous growth.

My career began during my student life when I worked as a part-time employee in the Customer Service Department at Grameenphone Ltd. After completing my master’s degree, I joined an MNC, Rosenberger Technologies Bangladesh Ltd., where my journey in techno-sales began, despite having zero prior knowledge about the products and services.

To understand the solutions, I didn’t hesitate to visit project sites and learn directly from engineers and technicians. Through dedication and persistence, I gradually built a solid foundation of knowledge. Day by day, I learned more and created a strong base for my career.

Several pivotal moments and milestones along the way have significantly shaped my path:

  1. Starting My Career: Joining the sales team at Smart Safety and Automations Ltd. was another defining moment for me. It provided a platform to deepen my understanding of sales, teamwork, and building customer relationships.
  2. Building Relationships: Early on, I realized that success in sales is as much about building relationships as it is about achieving numbers. Cultivating trust with clients and colleagues has been one of the cornerstones of my career.
  3. Overcoming Challenges: Facing challenges such as managing tight deadlines and adapting to changing market trends taught me resilience and resourcefulness. Each obstacle became an opportunity to grow stronger and more competent.
  4. Achieving Milestones: Meeting ambitious sales targets, contributing to impactful projects, and receiving recognition for my efforts have been incredibly rewarding moments. These achievements reinforced my commitment to excellence.
  5. Personal Growth: Beyond professional success, I have always believed in helping others and making a positive difference in the world around me. This balance has been an integral part of my journey and my definition of success.

Every experience has been a stepping stone, shaping me into who I am today. I’m excited to continue growing and contributing to meaningful endeavors. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to reflect on and share my journey!

One of my recent achievements that had a significant impact on my company’s growth was successfully closing a high-value deal with a prominent client in the industrial automation sector. The project involved providing a comprehensive safety and automation solution tailored to their specific operational needs.

The process was challenging, requiring in-depth technical understanding and extensive coordination with the engineering and product teams to design a solution that met the client’s requirements. I also worked closely with the client’s decision-makers to address their concerns and demonstrate the long-term value of our solution.

This deal not only brought substantial revenue to the company but also opened the door to future collaborations with the client and positioned us as a trusted partner in their operations. Additionally, the success of this project enhanced our reputation in the market, leading to increased inquiries and opportunities from other businesses in the same sector.

It was a gratifying experience to see how the effort, persistence, and teamwork translated into measurable growth for the company. This achievement reaffirmed my belief in the power of customer-centric solutions and the importance of building strong client relationships.

Building and maintaining long-term relationships with key clients in the safety and automation industry requires a strategic and customer-centric approach. Here’s how I ensure strong and lasting partnerships:

  1. Understanding Client Needs: I invest time in understanding each client’s unique requirements, challenges, and goals. This involves conducting detailed discussions, site visits, and analyses to tailor solutions that align with their operational needs.
  2. Delivering Value: I prioritize delivering measurable value to clients through high-quality products, customized solutions, and reliable services. By consistently meeting or exceeding their expectations, I establish trust and credibility.
  3. Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and proactive communication is essential. I ensure clients are informed about new products, industry trends, and potential upgrades that could benefit their operations. Regular check-ins also demonstrate my commitment to their success.
  4. Providing Exceptional Support: Prompt and effective support is a cornerstone of my approach. Whether it’s troubleshooting issues, providing training, or offering post-sales assistance, I strive to be a dependable resource for my clients.
  5. Building Personal Connections: Beyond professional interactions, I make an effort to build personal rapport with clients. Celebrating their milestones, acknowledging achievements, and showing genuine interest in their business help create a deeper connection.
  6. Continuous Improvement: I regularly seek feedback to identify areas for improvement. This not only strengthens the relationship but also ensures that my approach remains relevant and aligned with their evolving needs.
  7. Focusing on Long-Term Partnership: Instead of viewing clients as one-time transactions, I focus on building partnerships that grow over time. This involves identifying opportunities for mutual growth and supporting them in achieving their objectives.

By combining these strategies, I’ve been able to foster strong relationships that not only benefit my clients but also contribute to the long-term success and reputation of my company.

Identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends in the safety and automation market requires a proactive and analytical approach. Here are the strategies I employ:

  1. Market Research and Analysis: I continuously monitor market trends, technological advancements, and industry reports to stay updated on emerging developments. This includes analyzing competitor strategies, customer demands, and regulatory changes.
  2. Engaging with Industry Networks: Attending trade shows, conferences, and webinars is an essential part of my strategy. These events provide insights into new technologies and solutions while offering opportunities to network with industry leaders and innovators.
  3. Leveraging Customer Feedback: Client interactions are a valuable source of information. By listening to their challenges, goals, and operational requirements, I identify gaps in the market that can be addressed with innovative solutions.
  4. Collaborating with Technical Teams: I work closely with our engineering and product development teams to explore how emerging technologies—such as IoT, AI, and advanced analytics—can be integrated into our offerings. This ensures that our solutions remain cutting-edge and aligned with market demands.
  5. Data-Driven Decision Making: Using analytics tools, I evaluate historical data and market forecasts to predict trends. This helps in identifying opportunities to introduce new solutions or enhance existing ones.
  6. Early Adoption and Pilot Projects: I advocate for testing and piloting new technologies internally or with select clients. These initiatives provide practical insights and help build a case for broader market adoption.
  7. Building Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with technology providers, industry consultants, and research organizations allows me to stay ahead of the curve and access innovative solutions early.
  8. Educating Clients: Once a trend is identified, I focus on educating clients about its benefits and relevance to their operations. This positions us as a thought leader and ensures we capitalize on the trend effectively.

By combining these strategies, I not only stay ahead of market trends but also ensure our company is well-positioned to offer solutions that meet the evolving needs of the safety and automation industry.

One of the most challenging negotiations I faced involved a key client in the manufacturing sector who was hesitant to move forward with a comprehensive safety and automation solution due to budget constraints. While they acknowledged the long-term value of the solution, the upfront cost posed a significant concern.

Approach to Resolving the Challenge:
To address their concerns, I collaborated closely with our technical and pricing teams to design a tailored solution that met their essential requirements while remaining cost-effective. This involved scaling back some non-critical features and offering a modular approach, allowing the client to implement additional components over time.

I also prepared and presented a detailed cost-benefit analysis, highlighting how the solution would enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve safety compliance—ultimately delivering substantial cost savings in the long run.

Throughout the negotiation process, I prioritized transparent and open communication, promptly addressing their concerns and providing case studies of similar successful implementations to build trust and confidence.

Outcome:
The client ultimately agreed to move forward with the customized solution. This not only contributed significantly to our company’s revenue but also strengthened our relationship with the client, paving the way for additional projects and referrals in the future.

Collaboration with other departments plays a pivotal role in my sales strategy, as it ensures we deliver comprehensive and customer-centric solutions. Here’s how I approach cross-departmental collaboration and ensure alignment:

1. Technical Team Collaboration:

The technical team is critical in designing and refining solutions tailored to client needs. I work closely with them to:

  • Understand product capabilities and limitations.
  • Gather insights for customizing solutions based on client requirements.
  • Leverage their expertise during demonstrations or technical discussions with clients.
    I ensure alignment by maintaining clear communication channels, sharing client feedback, and involving them early in the sales process.

2. Marketing Team Collaboration:

The marketing team supports my sales efforts by creating materials and campaigns that resonate with our target audience. Together, we:

  • Identify key client pain points and highlight them in marketing collateral.
  • Develop personalized proposals and presentations to address client-specific needs.
  • Utilize market insights from their campaigns to refine sales strategies.
    Regular meetings and shared data analytics ensure both teams work cohesively to amplify our message and value proposition.

3. Operations and Project Management Teams:

These teams are essential for delivering on promises made during the sales process. I coordinate with them to:

  • Set realistic timelines for project delivery.
  • Align on resource allocation and project scope.
  • Resolve any potential bottlenecks before they impact the client relationship.

Collaboration across departments strengthens my sales strategy by ensuring a seamless transition from proposal to delivery. By fostering a culture of teamwork, I can align efforts, deliver exceptional value to clients, and drive the company’s overall success.

Reflecting on my experiences and the milestones I’ve achieved, I would like to offer a few words of wisdom:

  1. Embrace Continuous Learning: The world of sales, especially in industries like safety and automation, is constantly evolving. Staying curious, seeking knowledge, and adapting to new trends will keep you ahead of the curve. Never stop learning—whether from successes, challenges, or the people around you.
  2. Value Relationships Over Transactions: Success in sales isn’t just about closing deals; it’s about building long-term, meaningful relationships. Treat each client interaction as an opportunity to serve, support, and grow together. Trust and loyalty are far more valuable than any single sale.
  3. Resilience Is Key: There will always be obstacles, whether it’s a difficult negotiation or market shifts. What matters most is how you respond. Embrace challenges as learning experiences, and stay resilient in the face of adversity. Your ability to bounce back and adapt is often what leads to growth.
  4. Stay True to Your Values: In both professional and personal life, integrity and authenticity are paramount. Make decisions that align with your values, and success will follow. Being genuine and transparent in all your dealings will earn respect and trust from colleagues, clients, and partners.
  5. Celebrate Small Wins: While large achievements are important, don’t forget to celebrate the smaller victories along the way. Each step forward is a building block to greater success, and acknowledging progress helps maintain motivation and momentum.
  6. Focus on Impact, Not Just Results: At the end of the day, success is not only measured by revenue or numbers but by the positive impact you make on others. Whether it’s helping a client improve their operations or contributing to a larger team goal, the true measure of success lies in the difference you make.

As I continue to grow, my focus remains on helping others succeed, learning from every experience, and contributing to the greater good. To anyone starting their career or striving for success—believe in your potential, stay committed, and always keep pushing forward.

The greatest achievement of your life as of now:
Achieving contentment in both my professional and personal life.

How do you define patriotism?  
Patriotism is a deep respect and loyalty toward one’s country, reflected in actions that support its growth, uphold its values, and work toward its betterment. It involves caring for the nation’s well-being and striving to make it a just and thriving place for everyone.

The greatest philosopher in your view:
Plato.

Meaning of “Success” to you

For me, success is achieving personal and professional goals, as well as helping others and making a positive difference in the world around me.

Your Icon:
Elon Musk.

Name the most influential books you have read:
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee.

What did you want to be when you were a child?
Doctor.

Which is the best gift you’ve ever received?     
My life revolves around my partner and my family.

Your greatest fear:
My greatest fear is loneliness.

You in only three words:
Empathetic, Resilient, Dedicated.

  • Hard Skills: Sales Techniques and Strategy, Technical Knowledge, Product Knowledge, Negotiation Skills
  • Soft Skills: Time Management, Communication, Problem-Solving. Adaptability

Prayer For The Human Civilization:
O Creator, grant us the wisdom to seek no expectations from others, but to embrace humility and gratitude. Let us keep our hearts free from demands, and may we find joy in even the smallest of gestures. May this humble spirit bring peace, happiness, and unity to all of humanity!

The InCAP: Thank you, Ms. Tabassum Mahjabin! It’s a glittering conversation with you!

Ms. Tabassum Mahjabin: My pleasure! Wish you all the best! Thank you.

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