Meet the team | Emil Aliev

Welcome to another edition of our 'Meet the Team' interview series! In this edition, we're excited to shine a spotlight on another remarkable member of the Voltaware family. While our innovative technology often takes centre stage, it's the talented individuals behind the scenes who truly drive our success.

Please meet Emil Aliev - our dynamic and dedicated Business Development Executive, who joined Voltaware in 2023. With his impressive expertise in business development and sales, Emil plays a pivotal role in driving our success and fostering strong client relationships.

Can you share a bit about your role at Voltaware and what a typical day looks like for you?

I joined Voltaware's Business Development team in 2023 following the completion of my Master's degree. My main responsibilities include lead generation, marketing, account management, and customer relations. No two days are the same for me. A typical day usually involves researching different geographies, business client profiles and markets and then identifying new B2B2C leads and potential partners based on the research.

Furthermore, I constantly engage with existing clients and partners, manage the client onboarding process, ensure they have the best customer experience, and assess the progress of our commercial deployments. Additionally, I create marketing materials for our campaigns and exhibitions in line with our product teams.

What drew you to Voltaware initially, and what keeps you motivated to work here?

First of all, Voltaware's main mission is to help households reduce their energy waste, adopt sustainable behaviour changes and reduce their emissions. These aims are very important in light of the climate change topic, the current state of the energy market, and air pollution. I always wanted to be part of a company that has a positive impact on the world and people on a global scale. Secondly, I was drawn by the innovativeness f the products offered by Voltaware.

When I first came across Voltaware, I couldn't even imagine that such products as AI-powered appliance-level energy insights existed. Furthermore, working in such an innovative start-up provides me with exposure to a wider range of experiences, fostering my growth into a more versatile professional compared to working in a traditional corporation.

What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for success in business development and sales at a tech company like Voltaware?

Success in business development at a tech company such as Voltaware is based on a combination of numerous key skills and qualities. Among all of them, I would highlight the following ones:

• First of all, I think strategic thinking is crucial. This involves being able to conduct thorough market research to identify potential clients and understand the market needs.
• Then I would highlight excellent sales skills - this means not only the ability to identify and qualify leads but also to manage the entire sales process from prospecting to closing.
• Furthermore, it is important to have solid technical knowledge, including a deep understanding of the company's products, their features, technical specifications and how they compare to competitors.
• And last but not least, it is multitasking skills. Business development roles often require juggling multiple responsibilities simultaneously. This means effectively managing various client accounts, coordinating with different internal teams, and staying on top of your lead generation.

What strategies do you find most effective for building and maintaining strong relationships with clients?

I find that effective communication, trust, and a genuine interest in understanding the client's needs are key strategies. Actively listening to their concerns, providing personalized solutions, and consistently delivering value are also important. Additionally, maintaining open lines of communication, being responsive, and proactively addressing any issues that may arise help foster a positive client experience.

What is something interesting or surprising about you that most people at work might not know?

One interesting and perhaps surprising aspect about me that most people at work might not know is my deep passion for music. I enjoy exploring various genres, from classical to jazz, pop to rock, and everything in between. Beyond just listening, I have a love for singing that has been a significant part of my life. For seven years, I was a dedicated member of a choir. Music has always been more than just a hobby for me; it's a fundamental part of my life. It's been a source of joy, discipline, and creative expression.