Joseph Vessecchia was born and raised in Mount Kisco, NY. He attended the University of Michigan where he received his degree in economics. Having always wanted a career where he could use his interpersonal and communication skills, he began his sales career at the Hunts Point Produce Market.
As a fan of the technological influences on businesses, Joseph Vessecchia eventually transitioned into software sales after a recommendation lead him to a company called Oracle, where he would be selling database cloud technology.
Joseph Vessecchia is the leader of a prayer group on Monday nights at St. Clement Eucharistic Shrine, and on Sundays, he teaches confirmation. This baseball fan also spends his free time reading and running.
Joseph Vessecchia currently works at Quickbase as an account executive.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
I’ve always been fascinated by how technology and can be used to solve business problems, increase return on investment, and really allow companies to grow and reach their goals. When I received a phone call from someone I met at a networking convention two years prior about working for a software company named Oracle, it sounded right up my alley. I figured if I could use my previous sales skills to give customers something that they need, I would know that I could hit the pillow at night feeling confident that I’d done something great for the day.
How do you make money for Quickbase?
Though cold-calling and email campaigns I secure clients for Quickbase. I work strictly for new business, so getting new logos versus customers that are already there and expanding them.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted switching to software sales would work? If so, how did you handle that?
No, because through prayer and discernment, I had peace about it.
How did you acquire your first client in for Quickbase?
I cold-called a client in Arizona and learned that they needed software to automate their business processes and optimize their workflows. They had a bunch of different excel spreadsheets that didn’t speak to each other, so they were looking for a single source of truth (SSOT). Quickbase was able to provide a software solution that was dynamic and flexible and allowed for changes that the entire company could see.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Cold calling, emailing/email campaigns, and marketing through social media.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
My consistency, persistence, and ability to listen to the needs of clients. It’s important to make progress day in and day out and to be steady in your approach when it comes to gaining new clients. You’re going to get a lot of, “no’s,” probably 99 times out of 100, but that one out of 100 can make your month, and that’s where persistence comes in. In terms of listening to the needs of the client, you can pitch your product idea and solution all day, but if it’s not going to help the client with their specific needs then you haven’t done your job.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
I consider any moment satisfying when I am able to save a client money because their software is out of date and we can use our solution to make their business more efficient.
What does the future hold for you business-wise? What are you most excited about?
I’m excited about eventually managing a group of sales professionals at my current organization. Although I do this with my peers already, mentoring folks who are aspiring to have a career similar to yours, having been there before and letting them learn from your mistakes, it’s really what life’s all about. You’re adding value to other people’s lives and giving back while also earning an income so it’s kind of a match made in heaven for me.
What business books have inspired you?
Business books that have inspired me are any of books by Warren Buffet, as well as the Sandler Sales Training books. To me, Warren Buffet is a genius business magnate and arguably most successful investors of all time. From a personal finance perspective, he’s been invaluable to how I look at money and how I invest it. Then the Sandler Sales Training books have really been the cornerstone for my success.
What is a recent purchase you have made that’s helped you professionally?
The Challenger Sale by Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why? (personal or professional)
The best $100 I’ve spent recently was taking my girlfriend out for dinner because it’s a small price to pay for putting up with me.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I’d recommend The Bible because my life has never been the same since opening it.