The (not so secret) diary of Jill Phillips…
Electric String’s new Director of Business Development is a very busy woman. Since joining the global AV design and installation experts less than a month ago, Jill Phillips’ role in supporting new business development opportunities, extending existing partnerships, and contributing to the company’s growth strategy has seen her crossing borders worldwide to meet customers and suppliers and investigate exciting new technologies. But exactly what has she been up to, and who did she see along the way? We bring you a sneak peek of Jill’s diary, so you can see exactly what it takes to drive business at a leading audio-visual company.
Event? Monaco Yacht Show
When? 27th-30th September
Where? Port Hercules (and beyond!), Monte Carlo
Even before her appointment was officially announced, Jill accompanied Managing Director James Ward and Commercial Director Rob Sullivan to MYS2017. During four days of intensive meetings and networking events (with some down time of course in La Rascasse & Stars ‘n’ Bars to name a few) she met clients, shipyards & partners to discuss current and future projects.
But Jill didn’t just restrict herself to the hustle and bustle of the main show areas… indeed, she witnessed the unveiling of several exclusive launches. After all, who wants to let a little thing like not actually having started a job yet get in the way of discovering the latest technological advances? Jill said:?“My main role was to get the Electric String name out there. Changing people’s perception. However, as a team we witnessed some great tech…. Crestron always have a great stand. That and Omniyon’s Yacht Cloud 4K movie system were our highlights at MYS.”
And what were the main things clients were looking for? “It?might sound like a cliché, but other than an interest in seeing the latest tech, when it comes down to it everyone wants the same thing: a reliable system at a decent price,”? she explained.
Event? Pinmar Charity Golf Tournament
When? 19th-21st October
Where? Son Gual Golf Course, Mallorca
Less than a month later Jill was jetting off again, this time to take part in the Pinmar Charity Golf Tournament! A highlight of the superyacht industry’s social calendar every year, Pinmar Golf 2017 saw 320 amateur golfers competing in 80 teams to raise money for a variety of causes, joined by 1999 British Open Champion Paul Lawrie & Sky Sports News own Kirsty Gallacher.
On joining the company, it was thought that Jill would use her strong network of contacts and vast experience in both the audio-visual and marine industries to help take?Electric String?to the next level of success. Of course, there is no better place to build on contacts than such a must-attend industry event and a Golf one at that.
Jill said:?“I knew we wouldn’t win (that’s next year) – I’m no Tiger Woods – but it’s all about the taking part! I was delighted to be able to represent?Electric String?, and to help raise lots of money for all the brilliant charities.” ?She was also there to meet with people from all different sections of the industry, including their team partners Superyacht Supplies and CST Luxury. Jill & the team at Electric String donated a Meridian Audio System comprising of DSP3200 Loudspeakers and Audio Core 200 pre-amplifier to the Pinmar Raffle.
Event? Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
When? 1st – 5th November
Where? Fort Lauderdale, Florida
After just enough time to re-acclimatise to the cold English weather, Jill set out to Florida to attend the 58th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). There to see more clients, suppliers and network, she also managed to visit the exhibits of a range of yacht builders and designers, with the aim of expanding the company’s AV knowledge and staying one step ahead of the game.
“Here I was really just introducing?Electric String?to the US market, as many of the Americans were not aware of us. This was a really good show as I found the Americans to be very open – I even bumped into a few owners just by chance and managed to discuss AV needs with them,” ?said Jill.
