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FAQs

Your new BDM Questions Answered – With Joanne Boyd

By December 1st, 2023 No Comments
Joanne Boyd, BDM

UTP has a network of self-employed Business Development Managers (BDMs) across the UK and Ireland. They are tasked with identifying new business and nurturing those relationships as they take on more customers. For many, a self-employed commissioned based role is a fantastic way to reach their financial goals while maintaining their independence. UTP has many great selling points, both for the customer and BDM. BDMs will receive their commission payments same day, as well as receiving support and qualified appointments from UTP.  But how does the onboarding process work, and what is the experience of being a BDM like? To shed more light on this, we spoke to Joanne Boyd – one of our new cohort of BDMs to give an insight into the process and to show what being a BDM is like!

Q: How long have you worked with UTP and what first attracted you to the role?

A: Hi, my name is Joanne Boyd and I am just finalising the onboarding process with UTP.  I am very excited about the opportunity with UTP having just moved back to the UK after a 20+ year career in the US working for various Fortune 1000 companies.  I didn’t want to go back into the Corporate World and have always wanted to start my own company and have full control over my own destiny.  I have had several senior leadership and management roles and am now at a point in my life where I am very happy to be an individual contributor, although I may add people to my team down the road.   I was very attracted to UTP as they have independent Business Development Roles within their go to market model.  I have experience in the Merchant Services business and know, although it is very competitive marketplace, there is an excellent opportunity to leverage the uniqueness of UTP’s value proposition as well as provide differentiated sales engagement and support throughout the market and with our clients.  Also, UTP does not require any upfront investment unlike other independent consultancy roles although they certainly invest in us from the get go.

Q: What was your experience of the onboarding process?

A: Having worked for many Fortune 1000 companies I could not believe how efficient and effective the onboarding process has been.  From my initial contact with them, through training, application, support materials, conversations with various team members it has been the most wonderful experience.  I had my email address and business card within a day!   At Fortune 1000 companies you are lucky if you get those within 10 days.   Everyone I have interfaced with have been so extremely professional and helpful.  It really has been a truly wonderful experience.

Q: What do you think the benefits of being self-employed are?

A: As mentioned, being self employed you have full control of your destiny.  You have the flexibility to work as few or as many hours as you like.  If you want to work weekends you can do and the rewards will be there.   I love the fact that I can be an entrepreneur in this business and have full control of my own business plan for success.  Of course, having the backing and support of UTP will only enhance that too.

Q:How did you go about getting your first appointment?

A: Wherever you go today the terminals are everywhere.  Just asking a few simple questions allow you to get an appointment.  So wherever you go…a restaurant, a shop, a petrol station, a hairdresser or nail salon…..opportunities are everywhere!

Q: What advice would you give to those thinking about becoming a BDM?

A: You must think hard about whether you are truly a self starter and truly have a passion for this business.  If the answer is Yes…go for it.   Make sure you leverage all the resources at UTP and learn up on your competitors and marketplace through online research.  There is a ton of great information out there.  Take time to think about the areas you are going to target and types of businesses and make sure it is all documented in your business plan.

Q: How have you found working with UTP?

A: It has been wonderful so far.  I feel I have been engaged with them for months let alone days.   People are all passionate about their roles and this business and go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable, informed and prepared.

Q: Where can we find you on social media?

A: I am on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.  Feel free to reach out anytime…would love to hear from you.

Want to know more? 

If being a BDM sounds like it could be a good fit for you, we are recruiting across the UK and Ireland! To find out more and apply, check out our careers page here.