As an expert in Online Sales and E-Marketing Strategy with a particular talent in new business start-ups and managing sales teams, we thought you would like to hear a little more from our MD.
Ian, you are the Managing Director of Simply Online Services: tell me more about your business, when you started and your current role within it
Simply Online Services owns and operates 12 niche job boards in the UK.Our specialisms range from Sales Jobs and Marketing Jobs to Aviation Jobs and Travel Jobs.Our client base is recruitment agencies, advertising agencies and employers. I originally set up the business in 2003 as the Managing Director.
What is your background and where did the idea come from to start Simply Online Services?
I originally started working for my dad's engineering supplies business before falling into recruitment (like most people do).I worked in the energy sector supplying engineers to power stations and oil & gas installations and really enjoyed it. It was whilst doing this I was using some generic job boards to advertise that I came up with the idea to launch an engineering specific website. After running that business for 3 years with 2 business partners I decided to go alone and realised that the Sales and Marketing industry was being underserved so I set up www.simplysalesjobs.co.uk and www.simplymarketingjobs.co.uk
Any characteristics and skills you have that you believe are particularly suited to what you do?
I like to think that I am hard working and can see an opportunity in a market when it presents itself.
What do you love about your industry?
The fact that it is ever changing, both in terms of competition and technology. When I first got involved in the industry there seemed to be a new job board launching every 5 minutes and jobs by email was pioneering technology. There are still a lot of job boards launching but overall there has been a level of consolidation in the market with the main players in both general and niche recruitment cementing their positions. Technology though still continues to improve and develop and I am very excited about the use of video in the recruitment process.
Anything about your industry you would change overnight if you could?
Certain sections of the industry wanting something for nothing.
As MD of a successful online business, what are you never without?
A sense of humour.
Previous jobs:
1997-1999 Sales Director of an engineering recruitment company, 2000-2003 Sales Director of another job board business, 2003-present MD of Simply Online Services Ltd
Name me 10 things on your desk right now:
Laptop, monitor, phone, mobile, invoices that need my signature, coffee mug, picture of my wife and daughter, stapler, printer and a diet coke.
What would you do, as a career, if you weren't working in the New Media and Sales industries?
I am fortunate to own a number of properties that I rent out and the property market does interest me, so if I wasn't doing this I would become a property magnate.
Outside of work, do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?
Absolutely loads! As I've got older I have started to make lists of things and many more short term targets for myself so I am going to be busy over the next few years before my retirement age of 45.
In your opinion, where's the best place to eat in Manchester & what would do you order when you do there?
It would have to be Room on King Street. They serve nouvelle cuisine with a twist and the service is the best I have ever had. I would start with Buffalo Mozzarella followed by breast of chicken and ending with a selection of cheeses and coffee, it will leave you full enough to be happy but not uncomfortable.
Fancy working with Simply Online? We have a number of job opportunities. For Search Engine Marketing and Graphic Design see Simply New Media. To work in our successful Sales Team, visit Simply Sales Jobs/Online Sales
