Introducing Dirk Carstens
Let us introduce you to Dirk, our Business Development Manager. With eight years of experience at InterMed under his belt, Dirk oversees enteral feeding in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory and spearheads our wound care initiatives across Australia. From his typical day to the critical lessons he has learned throughout his career, Dirk has plenty of insights to share. Dive into our latest feature to learn more about his journey and expertise.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role within InterMed?
My role at InterMed is to look for new opportunities and to promote new and novel technologies to our market. I currently manage the enteral feeding portfolio in NSW/ACT and manage our Wound care portfolio on a national basis developing NATROX and eKare.
How long have you worked at InterMed?
8 Years
What does a typical day as a Business Development Manager look like?
Start with a follow up to emails from previous days’ meetings, make appointments for new business opportunities, share a win with the team to drive business growth, analyse sales to measure the successful outcome of new trials and new business development opportunities, research clinically relevant material to support new innovative technology, see customers face to face and on teams and manage backorders and quotes. Report on market changes to line managers, i.e. winning new business or loss of business, and how to fill the gap. Get involved in planning upcoming conferences and local workshops and partake in distributor meetings. Support the team working with their customers to develop our wound care business.
What advice can you offer to other Business Development Managers who are just starting?
Have a clear goal in mind, set target audience, goals and objectives and set about making contact to discuss new products with the target market. Keep your colleagues and team up to date to gain their support to drive your business; they can be a great asset to you when you drive new business and trials.
What’s the best bit of advice you’ve ever been given?
Always look at the big picture without getting bogged down in your own world.
Tell us about a professional success story that you’re proud of.
Winning salesperson in previous roles and Everest awards, it is good to be rewarded and acknowledged.
What are your favourite things about working at InterMed?
New ideas and innovations, the idea of searching for the next big thing and seeing patients heal.
What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?
Be focused and clear on what you want to achieve. Your face tells a story; smile and show confidence; your customers and clients will see it. Be honest and respect your customers. Even if they buy from your competition, they will come back to you. Do what you said you would and follow up.
How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t working?
Play golf and get out with friends to watch car racing or BBQ and laughter. Travel local and abroad.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Fly a plane
How do you define success?
Achieving your set goals, hitting your objectives and being able to say when something is not working with confidence and your peer’s support and trust.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
Seeing and walking in Antarctica