Carol Wilcox

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

Treat every company you work for as if it were your own business! Save 10% of all you earn for your future!

How did you start building your network?

I attended after work networking events! Also, I use Linked In.

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

My Career picked me! I've always loved people, relationships and sales! From early on, I liked knocking on doors to get money for different causes, etc!

In layperson terms, what do you actually do at work?

I manage a team of 5 outside sales reps that call on Franchise and Independent automotive dealers to sell and manage their online advertising w/Autotrader.com and KBB.com

What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now professionally? How did you overcome it?

When I wasn't a "fit" for a company, not taking it personally and moving on!

When did you get your first Big Break? How did you get it? How did it go?

I was a successful Yellow Page sales rep (back before computers!). I was asked to interview for an Area Sales Mgr position for the inside sales team. I got the position and quickly was promoted to the outside sales rep Area Sales Mgr position!

Did anyone ever oppose your career plans when you were young or push you in a direction you did not want to go?

Nope. I've always had a way w/people and my parents supported every decision I made.

What is it like when your job gets tough?

It can be frustrating. But I have learned, patience and time, change your outlook

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

I did! As a junior and senior in High School, I worked half a day downtown Columbus at an Underwriting Firm. This is where I really learned a lot of administrative skills and how everyone in the business is a whole team and we all needed each other.