Things were a bit different when Neil Sedaka recorded “Calendar Girl” in 1961. It was before my parents’ glory days: Woodstock, free love and Vietnam War protests. And I’m guessing at the time there were not many women doing what I do in procurement. I’m not even sure there was such thing as procurement. But I digress. Why am I a “calendar girl”? Read further.

In high school, I compared myself to others. I thought my classmates were smarter, better dressed and happier. I wanted to be just like them. The little voice in my head wouldn’t leave me alone.

“Why don’t you look like a Victoria’s Secret model?”

“Why is math so easy for Brady and so difficult for you?”

“Why does Stephanie have so many friends? Everyone loves her.”

As a freshman and sophomore, the little voice in my head continued to haunt me. It wanted me to be on the dean’s list. It wanted me to be president of my sorority, and it wanted me to find the perfect boyfriend.

As a junior and senior, I wanted to have a successful career and run my own company. I didn’t know in what industry, but I envisioned myself having my own company.

I'm no superhero, but I read. A lot. I block out an hour every day (including weekends) to read about trends, business, marketing and what’s happening in different segments of business. By learning about what’s going on in different industries, I gain insights and ideas that I can implement at my own company. I also learn what I should avoid. It’s a scary world out there; monsters are lurking.  

I'm not your stereotypical millennial; I’m often described as an old soul. I go to bed early and get up early. I completely skipped over the 20-something bar scene. My “go big” drink is sparkling water with a lime. Nevertheless, I do fi t the millennial mold when it comes to digital. I cannot remember the last time I’ve writt en something down (other than sending handwritt en thank-you cards — I’m big on those). I take notes on my phone or computer, and sign documents online. I live by my Outlook calendar. I have an app (MobileDay) that automatically dials into my conference calls.  

How do you keep yourself motivated?

We can get so bogged down with emails, texts, social media and servicing our existing clients that it’s easy to forget to focus on the next sales opportunity. When everything is going well with your existing clients, or after you launch a big new client, do you sit back and forget about what’s next? Ending your day short, starting later or taking major breaks throughout the day can quickly become habit. It can take a crisis — a large client leaving or some major change — to kick one back into the sales hunting mode.

I recently accepted the president position at Procureit5. I am very excited about joining the team because Procureit5 is a technology-focused print management company that promotes innovation. We have a wonderful team of designers, copywriters, video producers and IT folks on staff.

But Procureit5 doesn’t have an automated sales process. That’s about to change.

I have lots of friends in sales. They sell everything from merchandise (cars) to services (staffing events) to ideas (data analytics). Communicating with my friends in different industries gives me incredible insight: I am able find commonalities in these various business settings that weave a strand of competence and success across all industries, including mine.