Erica Switzer
Vice President
DirectMail2.0
Company URL: www.DM20.com
LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-switzer-3bb18a109/
Did you choose print or did print choose you?
Print chose me back in 2005. I never dreamed of being in this industry nor did I know much about it when I entered it. I even tried to leave once back in 2013 however it lured me back into it’s tenacious hold; as many others have experienced before. I love print and am ecstatic with all of the technological enhancements that I see all around us within the industry.
How do you establish credibility with customers, colleagues and bosses?
Credibility is earned through consistency and reliability. I have been told that I am always “on”. I maintain a high level of energy throughout the day. I follow through with tasks and am always eager to help wherever and whenever I can. Doing so with a positive attitude and a constant willingness shows everyone around me that all things are possible when you have intention behind it.
What advice can you offer regarding negotiating salary raises/addressing fair pay issues?
Don’t settle for less than you’re worth and be willing to walk if you don’t get it. This is a big industry filled to the brim with opportunity and like-minded individuals. Seek out your group, know your worth and demand it. When you interview for a job you should be interviewing the organization as well. When you go in for a raise; bring your statistics and show your value with facts. When you take gender and emotion out of the equation and make a logical argument you will be more likely to get what you desire (or more).
What advice did you receive early in your career that you wished you had followed?
“Successfully people wake up early and make their bed.” I heard this at a Sales Seminar very early in my career and my immediate reaction was “yeah, so about that…..ummm NO”. However, about three years ago I read an article that was discussing starting the day off right and it reminded me of the sales seminar and that awkward advice that I completely dismissed. I know this sounds very strange but oh my gosh does it actually make a difference! Waking up and immediately doing something productive gets your mind and body moving in the right direction. It sets a certain tone for the day that just permeates throughout. I have 4 children so all I ever WANT to do is B-line straight for my Keurig and drown my exhaustion in caffeine. Now I have a little more pep in my step, patience and laughs with my children in the morning getting out the door and overall a little bit more umph in the morning to start my day the right way.
