Laura Bjorgo
Woodbury,MN
Summary
A results-driven sales & marketing professional offering expertise in creating robust sales pipelines, achieving high sales goals and building long-term relationships. Proficient in quickly recommending options to customers to help meet marketing goals.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Account Executive
Local
Minneapolis, MN
09.2024 - Current
- Managed key client accounts, fostering long-term relationships and driving customer satisfaction.
- Developed strategic sales plans, aligning offerings with client needs to enhance market presence.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute complex projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality results.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to inform decision-making and optimize sales strategies.
- Delivered tailored solutions based on individual client needs by thoroughly understanding their business objectives and pain points.
- Cold called prospects to explain partnership benefits, representing company values.
- Conducted regular account reviews, identifying growth opportunities and addressing client concerns proactively.
- Trained and mentored junior team members, enhancing their skills in account management and sales techniques.
Multimedia Sales Executive
St. Paul Pioneer Press
Saint Paul, MN
04.2023 - 08.2024
- Coordinated across multiple teams to ensure the successful execution of digital and print campaigns from inception to completion.
- Negotiated contracts with clients, securing favorable terms that aligned with company objectives.
- Monitored and managed ad campaign deadlines through completion stage successfully collaborating with existing and new business development clients.
- Participated in relevant chamber networking events to expand professional network and generate sales leads.
Account Executive
Greenspring Media
Bloomington, MN
10.2021 - 08.2022
- Managed sales pipelines and client relationships for a variety of custom publications.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing client concerns promptly and effectively to ensure long-term loyalty.
- Managed multiple accounts simultaneously while maintaining organization and prioritizing tasks efficiently.
- Prospected & qualified leads, built relationships and executed sales strategies to drive new business.
- Exceeded sales targets consistently by identifying new business opportunities and creating customized solutions for clients.
- Ensured all contracts were paid in a timely manner.
Sales Consultant
Valpak of Minneapolis/St. Paul
Roseville, MN
01.2021 - 07.2021
- Presented portfolio of products including the Valpak proprietary blue envelope, the digital network and solo direct mail postcards.
- Used consultative sales techniques to understand customer needs and recommend most appropriate offers and relevant ad design practices.
- Advised clients on appropriate product NTA selections based on their unique needs, ensuring ROI with client base.
- Prospected daily for new clients by cold calling business via phone, email and door-to-door visits.
Account Executive
Greenspring Media
Minneapolis, MN
01.2015 - 03.2016
- Leveraged existing client base to achieve company defined sales goals.
- Planned and executed high-impact presentations for sales meetings with advertising clients.
- Developed a solid pipeline of prospects through diligent research and targeted outreach efforts for multiple sales platforms including: Minnesota Monthly, mnmo.com, and events.
- Created and executed RFP requests in coordination with the sales director and publisher.
- Participated and attended networking events that represented the company professionally and expanding its reach within the Twin Cities marketplace.
Manager, National Partner Development
ValusDirect (Start-up Company)
Minnetonka, MN
10.2013 - 12.2014
- Utilized proprietary, innovative and industry knowledge to secure new business with C-level points of contact.
- Projected the ability to lead client conference calls from across the country,
- Planned multi-channel campaigns utilizing targeted direct mail, digital and social platforms.
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge to deliver metrics based results for ad campaigns.
Account Executive
Valpak of Minneapolis/St. Paul
Roseville, MN
06.2008 - 04.2011
- Prospected daily for new clients by cold calling business via the telephone, email and door-to-door.
- Presented portfolio of products including: the Valpak blue envelope, the digital network and solo mail.
- Projected a consultative manner to increase existing revenue and generate new business.
- Exceeded sales budgets targets consistently and a proud member of the Valpak National Sales Team of the Year 2009-2010.
Account Manager
City's Best Marketing
Bloomington, MN
04.2007 - 06.2008
- Worked as a consultative sales professional in a full-service advertising and marketing agency environment.
- Established new accounts in manufacturing, medical, retails and no-profit categories.
- Lead brand initiatives while working with creative staff and upper management.
- Executed projects such as logo & brand redesign, development & execution of annual marketing plans.
- Obtained print bids and list generation requests from vendor partners.
New Business Sales Representative
Star Tribune
Minneapolis, MN
01.2001 - 12.2006
- Built territory from the ground up to bill $1MM annually as a 100% commissioned sale rep.
- Effectively consulted with potential and existing clients to define needs, develop and present customized solutions.
- Maximized business development and revenue streams by managing an extensive portfolio of products including print, digital, direct mail, and various niche products.
- Consistently exceeded monthly and annual quotas and honored as one of the top sales reps.
- Expanded account base to 40+ billing account monthly, with a specialty in small to medium sized businesses,
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism/Advertising
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SDSkills
- 25 years of successful sales & marketing experience
- Extensive experience in managing full-scope territory sales and management
- Consultative approach to meet client needs
- Strong new business development skills with C-level prospecting and communications
- Ability to work independently or in a team environment
- Solid marketing skills in print and digital solutions
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Salesforce
- Consistent sales quota achiever
Timeline
Senior Account Executive
Local
09.2024 - Current
Multimedia Sales Executive
St. Paul Pioneer Press
04.2023 - 08.2024
Account Executive
Greenspring Media
10.2021 - 08.2022
Sales Consultant
Valpak of Minneapolis/St. Paul
01.2021 - 07.2021
Account Executive
Greenspring Media
01.2015 - 03.2016
Manager, National Partner Development
ValusDirect (Start-up Company)
10.2013 - 12.2014
Account Executive
Valpak of Minneapolis/St. Paul
06.2008 - 04.2011
Account Manager
City's Best Marketing
04.2007 - 06.2008
New Business Sales Representative
Star Tribune
01.2001 - 12.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism/Advertising
South Dakota State University