Alanna Cochran
Your story: Prior to becoming to third-party sales recruiter, I was a top-performing salesperson at a service company. I perfected my craft and moved to management, where I was responsible to teach others and hire my own team. I always had a knack for knowing if someone would be a good fit if I knew them personally, or could see them in their own environment, but now I had to figure out the interview process. I was lost! People could lie in interviews! But I was also intrigued. I made a ton of mistakes and learned as much as I could – and got a TON better. When I was promoted to Director of Sales, I was again responsible for teaching others and hiring. But this time, specifically hiring sales. So I was really able to master how to know if someone would make it in the sales role. Once I left my company, I floundered a bit and had to figure out what I was really good at and enjoyed. After very careful reflection it became clear, because as an agency recruiter, it is still my job to coach and hire. I have a deep sense of what it takes to make it in various sales and management roles. I love to find life-changing roles for candidates and top talent for companies, where both sides are grateful to have each other. What did you want to be when you grew up: I wanted to be a teacher. I come from a family of teachers and coaches. I started coaching cheerleading in the ninth grade and while I veered from my path of becoming a math teacher, I am most passionate when I am able to mentor and coach others. At a young age, someone saw skills in me that I did not see in myself, and I love to be able to give that same gift back to others and help them grow their sales careers. Fun Fact: When I lived in Louisville, I decided to run the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon (13.1), having never been more than a 5K runner. I have always felt that running is a great metaphor for life. Training for that race showed me not only what amazing things my body is capable of, but what mental toughness can, and will, carry you through. My brother, and huge support to me, ran the race with me that day with bands playing, strangers cheering me on, and a chance to run a lap right on the track at the beautiful, historic Churchill Downs. It was an amazing experience (that I have not repeated)! PUBLICATIONS What Determines the “It” Factor? Interview Killer: “Trash Talk”
