Kasey Upton

Founder & Digital Business Owner

Self employed / Freelance

Jan 2010 - Present • 16 yrs 8 mos

I have worked independently and self-employed since 2009, building experience across sales, marketing, customer service, business development and, more recently, brand development and digital platforms. I enjoy taking an idea, problem or unfinished task and helping turn it into something practical. That might be developing a new idea, creating a digital product, researching a market, improving website content, reviewing a customer journey, helping with an online shop, organising information or simply providing a fresh pair of eyes. My experience includes sales, marketing, branding, websites, website testing and editing, customer experience, research, CRM, e-commerce, digital content, social media, product and service development and online business. I have also created and developed my own portfolio of brands, businesses and digital platforms through House of Brands. This has given me hands-on experience with everything from research, naming and brand positioning to website structure, content, pricing, forms, customer journeys, marketing, products, services and launch planning. My background in sales and customer-facing work means I naturally look at things from the customer’s point of view. I notice where something is confusing, what might be missing and where an idea could be made clearer or easier to use. I’m equally happy helping with a small one-off task or getting involved in a bigger project. You don’t need a polished business plan or even need to know exactly what you need. If you have an idea, a project, a digital product, an online shop, a website or simply something on your to-do list that you need help with, I’m happy to take a look. Bring me the idea. Let’s turn it into something real.

Advertisment Manager

Approved Business • Temps plein

Nov 2000 - Dec 2009 • 9 yrs 1 mo

Over a decade in B2B publishing and advertising sales, progressing into Advertisement Manager with responsibility for revenue generation, new business development, account management, client retention and advertising sales across multiple publications and marketing products. I managed local, regional, national and corporate accounts, developing new business while building long-term client relationships and generating repeat revenue through renewals, retention, upselling and account development. A major achievement was managing the Kodak corporate account for nine years, maintaining a strong long-term commercial relationship. I also contributed to the successful launch of five new publications, creating new advertising opportunities, reaching new audiences and generating additional revenue for the company. I consistently exceeded advertising sales targets through proactive prospecting, relationship building, negotiation, follow-up and strategic account management. My role included identifying potential advertisers, understanding client objectives, presenting suitable opportunities, preparing proposals and quotations, negotiating campaign budgets and commercial terms, closing sales and developing accounts over time. As Advertisement Manager, I also managed and supported advertising team activity while retaining responsibility for key clients and revenue. I worked closely with editorial, production, distribution, data and mailing partners to ensure campaigns were delivered effectively. This role developed the sales skills I still use today: B2B sales, business development, lead generation, prospecting, negotiation, closing, CRM and pipeline management, customer relationships, account management, retention, commercial communication and revenue growth. Above all, I learned how to listen to a customer, understand what they actually need and turn that conversation into a commercial solution that works for both sides.

Sales Executive

Wilmington plc • Temps plein

Nov 1998 - Nov 2000 • 2 yrs

Worked in a professional B2B publishing environment, specialising in new business development and advertising sales. My role involved identifying and approaching prospective clients, understanding their business and marketing requirements, presenting relevant advertising opportunities and converting enquiries and prospects into paying customers. I was responsible for proactive prospecting, outbound sales, lead generation, proposals, quotations, client follow-up, account development and achieving sales targets. The role required confidence in speaking with businesses, building rapport quickly, handling objections and maintaining momentum throughout the sales process. I developed relationships with new and existing clients, identifying opportunities to grow accounts while ensuring customers received a professional and responsive service. Working within a target-driven publishing environment gave me strong commercial discipline and developed skills in B2B sales, new business development, lead generation, prospecting, customer acquisition, account management, negotiation, sales communication, client relationships and revenue generation. This experience provided an important foundation for my later progression into advertising management and remains highly relevant to the sales, marketing and business development work I undertake today.