Unlike most millennials who avoid sales jobs as much as possible, Kabiru Ajisafe, head of sales at Polymaths, is a pacesetter and game changer. With his outstanding records, he makes real estate sales seem so easy. In this interview, he shares insights about winning real estate sales strategies and his work at Polymaths.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Ajisafe Kabir Oluwaseun. I studied Economics and Development Studies at Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State. I also have a diploma in Strategic Management and Database Administration. I consider myself as strategic, crazy and creative.
In your previous sales position, what role did you play in achieving targeted revenue?
In my last sales role, I was able to close over hundred deals and champion about five real estate projects. I was the key account person for the projects. I was able to generate millions of naira in sales for the company. Interestingly, it was my first job.
My tasks started out as teamwork. Later on, it was based on personal effort. I had no break. Sometimes, I would pick up calls and negotiate at midnights. It was an unusual experience.
How were you able to achieve this?
I united three crucial factors – sales, marketing and customer success. These factors work hand-in-hand, but most sales people focus just on sales. I get multiple referrals once I achieve customer success.
How do you see sales, marketing and customer success fitting together?
Sales, marketing and customer success to an extent determine how far a business will go and how profitable it becomes in the long-run. Sales focus on the product, while marketing and customer success focus more on the client tastes and desires. To have a successful business, one must empathise, and one must put on the clients’ thinking cap. These three terms are crucial in every successful business empire.
Do you think the Nigerian real estate market is overcrowded?
No, it’s not. It seems crowded because there are a lot of people thinking alike and trying to replicate the same process without innovation.
What do you do differently at Polymaths?
Firstly, our mode of operations is different. Our target audiences are corporations. We believe in creativity, and our staff members are young, vibrant and innovative.
Secondly, we see every client as a referral chain, so we are keen on client management and referral optimisations. Thirdly, we are looking at promoting real estate transactions online – making it better than what we have at the moment.
Who is your mentor?
As a businessman, Warren Buffet is my mentor. Also, I have been privileged to be mentored by young and fantastic CEOs in the real estate industry. Dr Femi of Casafina Capital and Mr Nola Adetola of Veritasi Homes and Properties Limited have contributed a lot to my growth and development in the industry.
How did you venture into real estate?
My experience at Tolet.com.ng, now Propertypro.ng, groomed me for the real estate industry. Real estate is something I have always wanted to do. I just didn’t know how to go about it until an opportunity was granted to me by Polymaths Real Estate Limited. I am thankful for this.
Do you think Polymaths will thrive amid current market competition and realities?
Polymath will thrive and go beyond. Do birds collide in the sky? Have you seen birds-crash before? The sky is big enough for everyone, especially those who sell value and are passionate about providing solutions.
What inspires you?
I am a spiritual person. Sometimes my inner man talks to me and gives me ‘ginger’. Also, the fact that I can change lives and solve a problem inspires me.
What does the future hold for Polymaths.
The future for Polymaths is awesome. We intend going digital with our transactions – making real estate investment easy and quick. We want to be the people’s choice. When people think real estate, or investment generally, Polymath should be the first choice
