In this episode of the All Things Business – The Podcast, Ben is joined by Grant McKenna, Managing Director of Apertus Group. Apertus specialise in automotive procurement, energy and utilities, and while Grant may be known as the Moaning MD, his ambition and drive have propelled his company to impressive heights.
From cooking to sales
Despite grand ambitions to be a rugby player, Grant worked in Northampton as a professional chef for many years, and shares how this industry taught him leadership skills and the importance of taking pride in your work.
After an impulsive move to sales (because it came with a car), Grant found his calling and honed his skills in the gift of the gab.
The art of cold calling
Grant talks about how cold calling was one of his first forays into the industry, and a position he took up to improve on his weakest sales skill.
Ben and Grant discuss the underrated merits of cold calling, the secret to a successful cold call, and why quality trumps quantity. While sales may seem simple on the outside, it is actually like a game of chess and requires talent to make it look easy.
After developing his abilities, Grant’s expertise led to him being the Sales Director at a print business. A couple years later, he made a daring leap to Apertus Group, a venture which proved successful through his determination and skill.
The struggles of maintaining a work-life balance
Ben and Grant open up about the problems of implementing a work life balance while running a successful business. They discuss how business ownership can lead to serious loneliness and imposter syndrome and how important it is to secure a strong support network.
Family has always been an integral part of Grant’s support network, and to be a good role model to your children, he’s learnt sometimes you have to put your work phone down.
Watch and listen to the episode here:
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