Melinda Sjödahl - Sales Consultant
Hey Melinda, and warm welcome to Behind The Grid - where we get to know our Power Shifters better!
Tell us about yourself and what you are up to when you’re not Ridding the planet of fossil fuel!
When I´m not at our HQ in central Stockholm you will find me in Värmdös archipelago where I live, spending time with family and friends. A normal weekend can be action packed with my 2 children running from activity to activity or the complete opposite with long lunches/dinners and movie nights. I also like to travel, it doesn´t matter if it´s a city weekend, ski trip or a charter to the sun. Any trip is a welcome addition to my schedule.
Tell us about your role and what you do here at Svea Solar!
As a Sales Consultant at Svea Solar I´m usually the first contact the customer has on their journey to a fossil free future. From the first phone call, to create and design a system, to get the final signature, this job is always exciting!
Previously, you worked as a Real Estate Agent – what is similar and what is different with your previous role and your current role at Svea?
There are actually a lot of similarities. From the first conversation with the customer when you get to know them, figure out their needs and package the best possible deal for them. Then I used to get to see the happiness in my clients eyes when they got the keys to their new apartment or house, I´ve heard it’s a similar joy for the customer to see their solar panels in use for the first time. And I´m not gonna lie.. as a seller in either branch your best day is when the deal is signed, that´s what drives me and why I stay in this business and now I get the added bonus of being a part of the powershift to renewable energy!
Do you have a secret Sales Super Power or advice for someone who wants to reach high sales results?
I have always believed in just being yourself, being genuine with the customer, and building trust. Solar sells itself; I just help them through the process. Easy, right? However, over time, I've come to learn it takes more than just a smile. To reach the top, you need high energy, discipline, and structure. Since I started this job, I've also realized the importance of a 'Do it together' attitude. This shows when I hear my colleagues' best pitches and the way they talk to customers. I might be guilty of stealing the lines that sound the best! Jokes aside, I've got a bunch of great colleagues who happily share their knowledge.
You have been a Power Shifter here at Svea Solar since May – what has been most challenging and most fun so far?
What I was most afraid of going into this job was the technical side of it. I only knew the basics about solar panels, and my electrical knowledge was very limited. With a combination of amazing colleagues and interesting educations, it wasn't long before I felt up to date though. Solar panels are a complex product to sell, but that's the fun, with new opportunities to learn daily! Conversations with customers are always unique, sometimes challenging, but always fun. With different motivations and a customer base that includes every age and location in the country, you never know who will answer the phone.
What is special about your team?
I love my team. We are a group of very different people with a lot of different ideas, with both discussions and jokes flowing between phone calls. The bit that sticks out for me is the fact everyone's voice gets listened to, and there's always someone there to help when you get stuck. It's an amazing work environment where we all get appreciated for being unique.
Lastly, do you have any advice for someone who just started their sales career at Svea Solar?
Dare to ask. You can't know everything from the start, and you are not expected to. Ask for help, and you'll learn more and faster. At Svea Solar, I found a helpful group of people who happily share their knowledge and give you the tools you need to succeed.
Get to know more of Melinda's sales collegues #behindthegrid below 👇
