From Pajamas to Paradise: My Life as a Business Development Specialist in Bali

img Erica Bukit Vista | September 24, 2023

Hey there, amigos! I’m Erica, the living, breathing proof that you can trade your business management degree for a sun hat and a cocktail on a Bali beach. Hmm, no. Not really cocktail, I’m still with my Teh Botoh Sostro bestie. 

Let me wind back the clock a bit. I started my journey as an intern in the Business Development squad, sporting the ultimate work-from-home uniform: pajamas and fuzzy slippers. Life was cozy, but then the market bounced back like a kid on a trampoline, and guess where I found myself? Bali, baby!

Working in Bali is like having a never-ending cultural buffet. I’ve met folks from every corner of the globe, and trust me, my people-watching game is on point. But it’s not all sunshine and cocktails (okay, maybe it is). I’ve thrown myself into over a hundred business pitches, getting some growth, but indeed still a student. I’m grateful that I got Jing– the sales maestro to be my direct coach. 

The cherry on top? Bali is basically my playground. I’m just a leisurely mile away from pristine beaches, quirky cafes, and more fun activities than you can shake a selfie stick at.

Okay, back to the grind. What’s my daily hustle like, you ask? Brace yourself, it’s a whirlwind!

1. Cold Calls all day

Now, let’s dive into the thrilling world of cold calls. Here’s a little secret about me – after dialing up countless clients every day from different corners of the world, I’ve practically become a human telephone directory. With a dash of research, I’ve mastered the art of remembering all those country codes and international dialing nuances. It’s a skill I’ve honed to perfection, ensuring that I never get a thumbs-down on my report by the end of the day.

And speaking of reports, amidst the dialing frenzy, I occasionally find myself in quick conversations with my buddies. But here’s the twist: the moment a client answers the call, it’s like I’ve switched into a completely different mode. It’s all about that quick transition from casual chit-chat to a professional, “Hello! Oh, Hi, Henri! How are you? This is Erica from Bukit Vista.” The tone shifts significantly, and it’s as if I’ve got a split personality, with one side handling business like a pro, and the other side ready to catch up with my college asking for questions. Balancing these roles is all part of the daily adventure in my Bali business life.

2. Jump from one business meeting to another

Now, let’s talk about my power brunches, where I bring a dash of tech-savvy to the table. Picture me, ready for action, with my trusty laptop in tow. It’s not just about discussing contracts and sealing deals; it’s about making sure our clients get a glimpse of what we bring to the table – and that’s where my laptop becomes my secret weapon.

Whether I’m stationed in our office or on the move with my green backpack, which has traveled with me from the bustling streets of Canggu to the serene shores of Uluwatu, I’m always ready to present our proposals and visions in the most visually compelling way possible. This tech-savvy approach adds a modern twist to our meetings, and it often surprises our clients in the best way possible.

Any by the way, please get to know our lovely partner Helmi. He’s a wonderful architect. 

3. Round Table Talk

Hold onto your seats because our “Round Table Talk” isn’t just some stuffy boardroom affair. Nope, it’s a sizzling culinary journey that unfolds right in our office kitchen. We invite our clients to join us, and instead of diving straight into business matters, we take a detour into the delightful world of good food and fun conversation.

Picture it: a cozy office kitchen transformed into a global culinary adventure zone. We’ve got biryani rice that transports you to the bustling markets of India, sate lilit that’s like a flavor-packed ticket to Bali itself, and if that’s not enough, there’s even Shisha to add an exotic touch.

It’s more than just a lunch or dinner program; it’s a feast for the senses. We chat about everything under the sun – from our favorite travel stories to the quirkiest Bali experiences. It’s all about building relationships, sharing laughs, and creating memorable moments.

So, as you can imagine, our “Round Table Talk” is less like a traditional business meeting and more like a global foodie adventure. It’s where we cook up connections, share a meal, and spice up our discussions with a dash of wanderlust. From India to Bali and beyond, we t

ake our clients on a journey that’s as diverse as our culinary offerings, and it’s a recipe for building lasting partnerships in the most delicious way possible.

5. Offline Canvassing

Offline canvassing, my friends, is where the rubber meets the road. Forget Google Maps and GPS; I’m out in the wild, making connections, shaking hands, and spreading the love for our business. It’s like I’m a contestant on ‘The Amazing Race,’ only instead of chasing a million-dollar prize, I’m collecting business cards and forging partnerships. Navigating the vibrant streets of Bali, I get to see the real heartbeat of the island’s business scene. It’s a whirlwind adventure where every alleyway could lead to a new opportunity, and every handshake could be the start of something amazing.

Whoops, that’s the screenshot of me doing offline canvassing in Ubud. Watch me here

6. On-boarding properties!

Ah, the thrill of on-boarding new properties! It’s like being the captain of a ship, sailing into uncharted waters and uncovering hidden treasures. The best part? Witnessing those properties you’ve worked hard to convert finally make their debut on Airbnb and start racking up bookings. It’s a bit like watching your favorite team score a winning goal – pure satisfaction.

Over the past two months, I’ve had the pleasure of bringing some amazing properties into our fold. Each one is like a unique gem, waiting to shine on the Airbnb stage. From cozy beachfront bungalows to luxurious villas nestled in the lush hills, the variety keeps things exciting.

There’s something magical about the on-boarding process. It’s not just about adding properties to our portfolio; it’s about helping property owners realize their dreams and connecting travelers with unforgettable experiences. It’s a bit like matchmaking, where the right property finds its perfect guests, and everyone leaves with smiles on their faces.

So, stay tuned as I spill the beans on some of the fantastic properties that have joined our family in the past two months. From stunning sunsets to dreamy poolside retreats, there’s a little something for every kind of traveler – and I can’t wait to share the stories behind these hidden gems with you.

Oh, wait. So what now? Join my journey at Bukit Vista. Let’s strive together in this paradise island. 🌴

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