MSMP 119: Joseph Fung on Finding the Right Fit for Your Business

What Does MSMP 119: Joseph Fung on Finding the Right Fit for Your Business Talk About?

In this episode of the Mads Singers Management Podcast, host Mads Singers speaks with Joseph Fung, CEO and Co-Founder of Uvaro, about the challenges of hiring the first sales representative for a business. Joseph shares his personal struggles with sales in his early ventures and emphasizes that instead of seeking candidates with perfect credentials, business owners should look for individuals who deeply understand their customers. The conversation also explores the nature of risk in entrepreneurship, the value of learning from both good and bad business experiences, and the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people. Joseph advocates for intentional self-improvement and creating a workplace that supports work-life balance, noting that positive energy and deliberate efforts yield compounding returns over time.

Instead of looking for someone who has all the credentials, Joseph says business owners should look for someone who knows their customers well.Joseph Fung

Who Is Featured on MSMP 119: Joseph Fung on Finding the Right Fit for Your Business?

Joseph Fung is the CEO and Co-Founder of Uvaro, an online sales accelerator based in Canada. He is passionate about technology, software, and entrepreneurship. Joseph has firsthand experience with the complexities of sales, having struggled with it in his first companies. He learned sales skills through organizations like ToastMasters and BNI, where he mastered pitching and proper handshakes. Joseph believes in the power of intentional improvement and creating a thriving workplace with a healthy work-life balance.

What Are the Key Takeaways From MSMP 119: Joseph Fung on Finding the Right Fit for Your Business?

• When hiring a sales rep, prioritize candidates who understand your customers over those with perfect credentials.
• Even top-level sales candidates may not replicate their success in a different company context.
• Entrepreneurs often overlook the downsides of risk, especially when they have a safety net.
• Both painful and positive business experiences are valuable learning opportunities.
• Deliberate, incremental improvements in sales and business practices lead to compounding positive effects.

Joseph says that if business owners and sales reps are deliberate about improving each step of the way, the effect will be compounding.Joseph Fung

Is MSMP 119: Joseph Fung on Finding the Right Fit for Your Business Worth Listening To?

This episode is highly recommended for entrepreneurs and business owners who are struggling with their first sales hire or looking to refine their sales strategy. Joseph provides practical insights on focusing on customer knowledge rather than credentials, which can save time and resources. The discussion on risk and learning from experiences offers a refreshing perspective that encourages resilience and growth. Listeners will also appreciate the emphasis on intentional improvement and work-life balance, making this episode valuable for both professional and personal development.

Who Should Listen to MSMP 119: Joseph Fung on Finding the Right Fit for Your Business?

• Entrepreneurs
• Sales managers
• Business owners
• Startup founders

What Are Listeners Saying About This Episode?

Today, joining me for this episode of the Mads Singers Management Podcast is Joseph Fung, the CEO, and Co-Founder of Uvaro, an online sales accelerator that helps sales professionals be more successful regardless of their specialty is. Based in Canada, Joseph is a lover of all things tech, software, and entrepreneurship.

We begin this episode where I admit that sales aren’t my thing and where I asked Joseph when it is the right time to hire your first sales rep for your company or business. Joseph agrees that sales can be complex because he has also struggled with his first companies. He shares how he tried to learn those skills quickly by going to ToastMasters and the BNI, where he learned how to make a pitch and do the proper handshake.

According to Joseph, unlike other careers where you can get accreditation, sales is different because you can’t just check the list. Instead of looking for someone who has all the credentials, Joseph says business owners should look for someone who knows their customers well. 

While taking risks is part and parcel of starting a business, many entrepreneurs don’t tend to see its downside, especially when some of them have the privilege because they can have something to fall back on if their venture fails. Each of us has our interpretations when it comes to starting businesses. Some say we shouldn’t do business with our friends or families. Some will say that it isn’t wise to start a company with a stranger. Still, regardless if we have a good or bad experience, we should always take it as a learning experience.

Whether you choose to join BNI, ToastMasters, or whatever group is out there, you will reap more than what you have planted initially if you deliberately want to improve yourself. The sound energy you put out there will come back to you tenfold and even more! Although it may not be automatic, intentional improvements will significantly affect yourself and the people around you.

Key Learning Points:

1. Joseph says that everyone looks for sales reps that have sold similar things before. While it can work, he says that it works better if you know your customer well. - 03:00
2. In reply to Mads’ statement, Joseph says that even though top-level candidates or employees may produce good results, they may not necessarily have the same results for you. - 03:47
3. Mads says that many business owners and entrepreneurs don’t tend to see the downside when taking a risk- 12:33
4. Joseph shares that he has had both painful and sound experiences in business. However, both of them were all learning experiences - 18:36
5. While being spontaneous is a good sign when starting a business, Mads cautions that business owners shouldn’t always change their ideas and products every week. - 21:37
6. Joseph says that he is a firm believer in creating a workplace where one can thrive and have a healthy (work-life) balance - 22:24
7. Joseph adds that it’s essential to have partners who have a similar level as you. - 22:43
8. Mads says that the quality of people you surround yourself with matters. - 28:03
9. Joseph says that when you put good energy out there, it comes back to you - 35:18
10. Joseph says that if business owners and sales reps are deliberate about improving each step of the way, the effect will be compounding. - 39:39

Resources Mentioned:

Video Library of Uvaro

Connect with Joseph: 

LinkedIn

Twitter

Website

Instagram