Reflecting on a Remarkable Year: MarketStar’s 2024 Recap

As we embark on 2025, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of 2024—a year marked by growth, innovation, and deepening community ties at MarketStar Bulgaria.

Here’s a month-by-month reflection on the milestones that made this year unforgettable.

January: Setting the Stage with Strategy and Mentorship

We kicked off 2024 by partnering with Mentor the Young, hosting business simulations in Varna, Plovdiv, and Sofia. These events challenged and inspired young professionals, culminating in awarding top performers with licenses for our e-learning program, SalesPRO. This month also saw us sharing insights on tech sales strategies for 2024, emphasizing digital transformation and a customer-first approach, setting a strong foundation for the year ahead.

February: Strengthening Connections and Celebrating Success

February was rich in partnerships and milestones. Our collaboration with Sirma Solutions was showcased through a detailed case study, while our sponsorship of an AUBG Business Club event deepened our engagement with local businesses and students.

Valentine's Day brought joy with heart-shaped pastries, fostering camaraderie, and we were honored by InHerSight as a top workplace for women, affirming our commitment to inclusivity and support.

March: Tradition, Empowerment, and Achievement

March blended tradition with professional growth. We celebrated Baba Marta with handmade martenitsi and marked International Women’s Day with a shortened workday and thoughtful gestures, recognizing the invaluable contributions of the women on our team.

The launch of the #SheLeadsExcellence Podcast featured insights from our Director of Talent Development, further emphasizing our commitment to empowering women in leadership. Furthermore, our recognition as a top workplace for women by InHerSight highlighted our commitment to inclusivity.

April: Celebrating Our Origins and Inspiring the Future

April was a month of reflection and inspiration. We revisited our roots with Hristo Georgiev’s podcast, tracing the journey from Out2Bound to MarketStar. At New Bulgarian University’s Career Forum, we connected with students, sparking excitement for careers in tech sales. The SheLeads Podcast tackled inclusivity at work, featuring diverse voices that underscored the importance of fostering inclusive workplaces.

May: Growth, Inspiration, and Community Engagement

In May, we celebrated Bulgarian Easter with traditional egg fights, uniting our team in joy and celebration. We shared the inspiring career journey of Asen Lazarov, from Business Development Representative to Sales Team Leader, showcasing the growth opportunities at MarketStar.

An article on Sales Elasticity explored advanced models for adapting to market changes, providing valuable insights for businesses. Our participation in Sofia University’s Career Forum further solidified our commitment to supporting future leaders.

June: Celebrating Partnerships and Career Growth

June was marked by a significant visit from Canon EMEA , strengthening our partnership and reflecting on shared achievements. Pawel Kita,B2B Lead Generation Manager at Canon EMEA, perfectly captured the essence of our collaboration: "A great, professional, and enthusiastic team connecting Canon expertise & technology with growing market demand!"

It was an honor to host Canon's team, and we look forward to continued growth and new opportunities as we move forward together.

Dhruvam Misra , SVP of Client Services at MarketStar, visited our office, fostering global collaboration. We celebrated Mihaela Misheva’s career progression and our recognition as a 2024 Spring Clutch Global Award winner, highlighting our commitment to exceptional client service.

July: Recognition and Inspiring the Next Generation

July saw us honoring MarketStar RockStars Kristina Nesheva and Borislav Vuchev for their outstanding contributions. We hosted motivational speaker Georgi Nenov , who inspired us with insights on success and career guidance during a visit to a school in Kozloduy.

Our recognition by Silicon India Magazine as a prominent sales and marketing outsourcing provider further underscored our strategic impact.

Lastly, our recruiters shared a video with essential resume tips, and our article of the month offered a guide on crafting the perfect pitch for new markets, packed with practical insights for sales success.?

August: Leadership, Community Impact, and Recognition

In August, our CEO Keith Titus ’s visit brought valuable insights and energized our team for future endeavors. We supported the YCC crisis center, reaffirming our commitment to community welfare.

Theo S. Shikov, VP of Bulgarian operations at Marketstar, was honored in Darik.bg’s "40 under 40" for his exceptional contributions, and we shared strategies for mastering cross-selling and upselling to strengthen client relationships.

On the professional development front, we shared practical insights on mastering cross-selling and upselling, equipping our team with strategies to strengthen client relationships and drive growth.?

September: Innovation, Service, and Career Growth

September was a month of celebration and impact. We were proud to be named in Fast Company’s 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators, topping the list for Early Career Innovators.

Our Global Day of Service saw MarketStar Bulgaria teams from Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Pernik come together for the “Let’s Clean Bulgaria for a Day” initiative, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment.?

At Tuk-Tam Hive 2024, we connected with aspiring professionals, sharing MarketStar's vision and engaging in meaningful dialogues about career growth. The event was a fantastic platform to inspire and be inspired by future leaders.

October: Mentorship, Festivities, and Empowering Future Leaders

October focused on mentorship and growth. We deepened our internal mentorship initiatives and partnerships with organizations like Mentor the Young. Theo S. Shikov shared insights on mentorship in Kapital, emphasizing its transformative power.

Halloween brought festive fun, and across the globe, our U.S. team empowered future leaders at Ensign College , engaging students through Project-Based Internships and introducing them to MarketStar’s values. Our Women in Business Coffee Chat fostered inspiring conversations on leadership and career growth.

October was a month of reflection, renewal, and community, embodying our dedication to both personal and professional growth.?

November: Achievements, Recognition, and Forward Thinking

We were honored to be recognized by Clutch as one of the top firms in Product Marketing, Lead Qualification, Sales Outsourcing, and Outbound Sales—testament to our teams' dedication and excellence.?

At the Start Up, Bulgaria conference in Sofia, our leaders, Theo S. Shikov and Zdravko (Zi) Zdravkov , delivered an engaging talk on navigating business growth post-exit. Their insights inspired many, reinforcing our commitment to Bulgaria’s vibrant startup ecosystem.

Our article Scaling Smart: Why Outsourcing Sales Development Is the Key to Unlocking Growth highlighted how we empower tech companies to thrive in B2B sales by turning challenges into opportunities with innovative strategies and high-performing teams.?

December: Festive Cheer and Reflecting on 2024

December was a heartwarming close to an incredible year. Our Christmas Party, filled with Secret Santa gifts, personalized hoodies, engaging games, and a festive feast, brought our team together in celebration. The month was a beautiful reminder of the incredible people who make MarketStar special, as we reflected on a year of growth, achievements, and strong connections.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we moved into 2025, we are filled with optimism and determination. Our goals include deepening client relationships, expanding community initiatives, and continuing to invest in our people. Innovation, collaboration, and excellence will remain at the heart of our journey.

Here’s to another year of growth, embracing challenges, and achieving greatness together.

Thank you for being part of our journey!