Meet a HARIBOjaner: Monica Palmqvist

Meet Monica Palmqvist, a HARIBOjaner working as Representative Sales at HARIBO Lakrits AB in Stockholm, Sweden.

Monica joined the company just over a year ago. She comes with a lot of previous experience from sales but continuously develops in her role at HARIBO. She is learning new things every day, to drive herself and the company forward.

We had a chat with Monica to learn more about her role and growth at HARIBO.

How and when did you start working at HARIBO? And what made you apply for the job?

I started my journey at HARIBO March 13, 2023.

When I saw the ad for HARIBO I wanted to apply, because it has always been a brand that I liked. I feel that It’s easier to stand by and sell products that you really like. For me HARIBO always has been associated with childhood and the first thing that comes to mind when I think of the brand is that it is playful and fun.

I also felt that I wanted to do something different, so when the opportunity presented itself, I wanted to take it.

It is very rare to see job ads for HARIBO, and for me that has been a positive sign. That makes me think it’s a company you enjoy and want to stay with. I also have an old colleague who is enjoying HARIBO as a workplace very much and that also made me more eager to apply.

What does your Representative Sales role entail?

I’m responsible for 174 stores in my district, driving the HARIBO brand forward.

The most important thing is to be able to reach the goals, know what’s expected of one and to have as good a plan as possible. What does the plan look like for the costumer, where am I going and what do I want to sell in? You need to learn the customer and gather knowledge, who is it that I’m meeting, what’s important for the store and what is important for HARIBO? Then you need to ask the right questions to reach their goals, as well as our goals, both short and long-term.

You can never be fully educated, you learn new things every day from customers, colleagues, and the outside world. It is important to be open to changes, while having a stable base to stand on. And to not give up!

What is the most fun part of your role?

The most fun part of this job is that you meet many different people, and you need to learn how to present opportunities to different types of personalities. There is no day like the other because you meet people, who are passionate about different things. You get to learn how to read people in the best way, and I find that very interesting.

I’m also a competitive person, I like when I see green checkboxes on the follow-ups. But one thing that I love is working as a team and reach goals together, so it makes me just as happy to see my teammates succeed.

What is your most influential and memorable moment in your HARIBO Career?

One of the greatest memories was when I got to build my first HARIBO-truck. It was a really nice feeling.

And as we sell products, I challenge myself to talk to customers in a way to get them to understand that they can increase their margin very quickly with our products, and that it doesn’t always have to be big. It’s a cool feeling to bring customers onboard and see them get the hang of it, and for myself to feel that I’m evolving in my role. I have many great customers who like the HARIBO-brand, and that also makes it so fun.

Also, a very strong memory I have was the professional introduction I had. It was a very good start, both at the office and out on the field. I have never been to such a professional introduction before, and you carried that with you, feeling confident when you went out to the stores.

Even if you are an experienced seller, there is a lot to learn with a new product. I got an incredible amount of help from the teammates, there were no stupid questions. I have really embraced that.

I felt welcome from day one, by everyone.

What do you like the most about working at HARIBO?

There’s much to like. Above all, it feels like we’re a little family. Everyone is there for each other, and everyone is as valuable.

We have a team where each individual complements each other, which makes us work really well together. It’s a strength, to build a team who work in the same direction. It makes you succeed when you’re out on the field. You’re alone most of the time but you know you get the help you need and you always have someone to talk and discuss with.

And last but not least, one of the things I like about working at HARIBO is that we have good products and good materials to work with.

How would you describe HARIBO as workplace?

Joy, solidarity, and thoughtfulness!

What’s your favorite HARIBO candy?

Nappar Fruit! I’ve been eating it since I was a child. It always works, of course we have other products that are good – but this is my absolute favorite.

What does the future look like?

I look forward to continuing to develop both myself and my profession at HARIBO. I learn something every day, I’ve become much sharper at speaking, and get to work with numbers which I think is fun and are very passionate about.

I hope for many, many more years, to continue to represent HARIBO. And to evolve even more together!

It’s rare not having “Sunday anxiety”, thinking it’s going to be fun that it’s Monday the day after. But I really think that! It’s an incredible experience to be a part of this team with people that has been at HARIBO for a long time, I’m taking the opportunity to learn as much as possible!

I think HARIBO is a wonderful company!

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