When you think of sales, what comes to mind? Long, hot days knocking doors, neon charisma, and eyebrow-raising commissions? Twenty-something year-olds riding around on hoverboards, installing solar panel after solar panel?
In popular culture, sales has left a strong—and mixed—imprint. Sales is more than a way for young married people to make a few bucks, though. At the center of every successful product are people who know how to communicate a product’s value and meet the needs of prospective customers. From supercars to bags of rice, sales are crucial.
At BYU Continuing Education, sales means more than that. Yeah, sure, the direct marketing team is good at what it does from a professional standpoint, but our mission isn’t monetary gain; it’s lifelong learning to benefit the world. The strategic thinkers and plan-makers behind BYU Continuing Education’s sales success don’t do it for the clout or for the commissions (of which there are none). They do it to fulfill a divine mandate.
Jedd Maylett, an Academic Outreach and Sales Representative, epitomizes this elevated approach to dealmaking. After twenty years at BYU Continuing Education, Maylett has a pretty solid grasp on how to make an impact. He’s seen the impact he has on others, which has had an impact on himself. When he goes out to showcase the latest courses to interested schools, he’s not peddling wares; he’s changing lives.
“It's not the typical sales atmosphere where you have those incentives,” Jedd reflects. “We don't have any of that. It's more of, ‘what are our own personal values and what integrity do we have? As workers and as employees, are we doing what we should be doing?’” The BYU Continuing Education mission, vision, and values help the efforts of the direct marketing team align with BYU’s dual heritage; they’re out there for the benefit of others, spreading the light of Christ through enlightenment.
Jedd’s agenda isn’t trivial. Every third week, he’s generally on the road, visiting schools everywhere from Southern California to Maine. “We're hitting anywhere between 30 to 40 schools a week. That ranges from all types, whether it be public schools, charter schools, or private Catholic schools,” he says. This frenetic schedule is augmented by a staggering number of conferences a year. It’s all aimed at getting disciple-scholar learning experiences in front of more students in more places.
BYU is often present in the minds of educators, even before a visit from BYU Continuing Education. Names like Steve Young and Jimmer Fredette instantly link the BYU name with a place. This notoriety has uniquely spiritual perks. “One of the first questions I’ll get asked is, ‘Is there any religion taught in your courses?’ And our response is ‘no.’ We have to keep it pretty secular,” Jedd says. “But it holds true with the reputation that BYU has and who we are. People are like, ‘I know what you guys represent. That’s good enough for us.’” For educators across the nation, ranging from secular to religious, BYU’s values are a sure sign that the lifelong learning we offer is top-notch.
One anecdote in particular stuck with Jedd, showing him the scope of his impact. “Down in the Southern California area, [administrators told us] you saved this student’s life. He completely fell out of everything, and he was ready to quit school. The counselor said, ‘Give it one more shot. Enroll in this BYU class.’” The kid enrolled in the BYU course, which was the catalyst that would completely alter his trajectory. Thanks to the unique feel and structure of the BYU class, he realized he could do school, and went on to attend university!
The BYU difference is due, in large part, to our dual heritage. “Most people aren’t familiar with [the concept of the Spirit], but they do say, ‘There’s something different about you guys. There’s something different about what you guys offer that’s much better than everything else.’” Despite the secular nature of course material, Jedd has seen firsthand the way in which BYU Continuing Education’s Christ-centered approach infuses courses and programs with something more.
We’re lucky to have such a stellar sales team. Without their efforts, BYU Continuing Education wouldn’t have a fraction of the impact we do. Here’s to them, the lives they’ve touched, and the bright future they’re making possible!
