Conversations with Clients: A Key to Success
A team from Mediahuis (based in Antwerp, Belgium) recently visited AdvantageCS to work on integration requirements and specs. You can't have first-time visitors to Ann Arbor without sampling some Zingermans!
Pictured below, (L to R) Jurgen Van den Broeck, Johan Thijsen, our own Mike Hasey and Jo Samyn enjoy the renowned pimento cheese and bacon macaroni and cheese at Zingerman's Roadhouse.
Jo was kind enough to answer some questions so that we could get to know her better.
What is your name and current title?
My name is Jo Samyn, I am Application Manager, Media Services Readers Market.
Where in the world do you call home?
I live in Haacht, a tiny village near Louvain, Belgium, at about 30 kilometers from the capital.
What led you to your current position at Mediahuis?
I started as a temporary employee to work on a large sales campaign. Over the years, I learned everything there is to know about subscriptions and single copy sales. The last years, I have been increasingly focusing on software applications of the readers’ market.
How long have you been on the Mediahuis team?
In June it will be 25 years since I joined the firm.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned (about business, publishing, technology, or life in general!) during that time?
Even in moments when you think things have gone totally out of control, there is always a solution.
What are your job responsibilities, and how do you work with Advantage?
I am responsible for the management of subscriptions through ACS and make sure the system functions as efficiently as possible. This includes ensuring flexibility within the system to deal with all sales challenges.
What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?
To work in a team to achieve some goals.
What do you like doing when you’re not at work?
I read a lot, mostly crime novels.
Last but not least, what’s a fun or odd fact about you that your colleagues may not know?
After 25 years, I doubt whether I still have any secrets for my colleagues!