Introducing David O’Connell, Business Development Manager, of Snap
Snap Cork & Little Island are on an exciting growth path right now, and have recently welcomed David O’ Connell to the team as their new Business Development Manager. He is currently based in the Little Island office.
With over 30 years in business development/customer success, his journey has taken him from the hospitality sector to IT Security with various stops along the way.
Dave is someone who embraces new challenges and is always looking to learn and develop both new and existing skills. He is passionate about customer engagement and loves to help people find solutions that truly benefit them. Dave’s key to success in looking after customers and making sure their needs are met lies in his ability to ask the right questions and knowing when to listen.
We recently asked Dave some questions, so if you would like to get to know more about him – keep reading!
David O’Connell, new Business Development Manager, of Snap
Are you doing what you thought you would be doing 5 years ago?
“Not exactly. I have a background in account management and business development, and I knew it was what I wanted to do, but 5 years ago I was in the Cyber Security area. I thought I’d still be there, but I always knew I would be working with customers and solving problems with them.”
What drives you?
“Professionally it is simple – “always do better”. Mostly that means going above and beyond when working with customers. It is the satisfaction of fulfilling their vision that is the main driver for me.”
What role has luck played in your success?
“None. I don’t believe in luck. You have to put in the work and always find a way forward no matter what it is you are doing.”
What values are most important to you in business?
“Trust, honesty, and integrity.”
What’s the best thing you’ve learned from the worst boss you ever had?
“I have learned that both the people you work with and those who work for you are the most valuable resource you have, so it’s important to treat them accordingly.”
How do you achieve a work/life balance?
“For me the key is organisation. I make sure I get everything done while I am in work and allow myself to switch off when I am not. It is also very important that others have full visibility of what you do and that you help them to take over your role should you not be available. My old boss called it the hit by a bus method.”
How important is upskilling to you?
“Extremely. I am a firm believer in continued improvement. Whether that is knowing more about other functions within your organisation or developing your skills in your own area to improve production and efficiency.”
If you could work with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
“Joanna Hoffman. She was instrumental in Apple’s resurgence in the late 1990s and was known for her ability to challenge Steve Jobs, ensuring his ideas were put into action. The proverbial right hand woman.”
If you had to start over from scratch, knowing what you know now, what would you do differently, if anything?
“Everything that I have done so far has led me to where I am right now, so I would be reluctant to change much. The one thing that I probably would change is to maybe have had more belief in my ability in my earlier career. I think that it would have served me well.”
Describe yourself in one word?
“Passionate.”
What trait do you value most in a person you do business with?
“Honesty. To be up front with the truth regardless of the situation. I believe that serves in everybody’s best interest.”
If you couldn’t do what you do now for a living, what would you do?
“I always wanted to work in a reserve in Africa. Since a young age I have been obsessed with documentaries on wildlife and in another life I could see myself wearing Khaki.”
If you won the lotto, would you keep working?
“No. Only crazy people say that they would. Having said that, I might not have said the same thing as a younger man.”
Who inspires you?
“That would have to be my parents. They always instilled in me a strong moral compass which has served me well in both my personal and professional life. They always said “do your best and try to find a way to do better” and told me to “take responsibility for your actions.”
What keeps you up at night?
“The only thing that keeps me up at night is my family and worrying if I am doing everything I can to make sure that they have what they need. That isn’t just in relation to material goods, but time and attention.
Work does not keep me up. I’ve learned that over time. Sleep is too important!”
What do you do in your free time and how does this help you switch off from work?
“I do like to play golf when I can. It’s the perfect way to switch off for a few hours. Other than that, I spend time with my wife and daughter and just jump in the car and see where the road takes us. Find a nice place to eat and enjoy the break from everything.”
How do you motivate people?
“By supporting their creativity and helping them to structure their ideas into working plans. By understanding their needs both as a professional and as a human being and creating an environment that they feel they have the space to grow and flourish in.”
How would your team describe you?
“Creative, hardworking, logical, passionate and modest (not that you can tell from my previous description…)”
Tell us something you wish your clients knew about your industry.
“How varied it is. A lot of clients think that Snap focuses solely on business cards and leaflets and are not aware of the varied services we provide from signage, branded merchandise items, video production, web design and more. Mostly, I would like to emphasise the consultative nature of what we do. We work with and for the clients so that they get exactly what they need.”
What have you learned about leadership, entrepreneurship, and mentoring others?
“That you do not always have the answers. You should always be learning better ways to do things and try to have a positive impact on those around you. Also, not every situation is the same. It’s important to learn how to adapt and not try to prescribe the same solution to every problem.”
A proud Cork native, Dave is looking forward to getting started in his new role and ensuring that Cork-based businesses can transform their vision into reality.
Snap offers a wide range of marketing solutions covering traditional Print, Design Services, Branded Merchandise, Uniforms, Signage, Web & Video Technology. If you are based in Cork and you are interested in learning more or would like to enquire about Snap’s services, please contact:
021 429 6250 or island@snap.ie
