Hi there, I’m Des. I’m a sales professional with over 25 years of experience across retail, automotive, and software solutions industries. My journey began in a small clothing store in Pretoria in 1996—back when phones had buttons, and “CRM” meant remembering a customer’s name without Google.

That first job taught me something priceless: sales isn’t just about products—it’s about people. And let’s be honest, it also taught me how to fold shirts like a ninja.

Since then, I’ve worked across different sectors, adapted to change, and learned a few hard lessons—like how to smile after losing a deal you were sure was in the bag. I’ve handled walk-ins, cold leads, enterprise clients, and marathon B to B sales cycles. Along the way, I’ve grown—not just in skill, but in patience... lots of patience.

That journey inspired me to write Conquering Sales – A Personal Journey.

This isn’t your average sales manual. There are no magic scripts, no “one weird trick” to close seven-figure deals. What you’ll find is a real, honest look at the life of a sales pro—complete with triumphs, facepalms, and everything in between.

Inside, I unpack the B to B buyer’s journey and why understanding it is like reading the map before the road trip (instead of halfway through). I talk about the common sales challenges—like dealing with multiple stakeholders, shrinking budgets, and prospects who vanish like Houdini.

You’ll also get insight into how B to B differs from B to C, and why building trust beats chasing targets. I cover customer retention, upselling, and how technology—from AI to automation—can boost your game, without replacing your humanity. Robots don’t close deals. You do.

One chapter focuses on negotiation—not the cutthroat kind, but the art of finding common ground without losing your voice... or your sanity.

And yes, I’ve included real stories—some wins, some glorious blunders—because the best lessons usually come wrapped in a bit of humility.

Conquering Sales – A Personal Journey is for anyone in sales—whether you’re just starting out, stuck in a slump, or managing a team that thinks “follow-up” is a myth.

You can find the book on Amazon, Lulu, or Draft2Digital—or swing by my website to learn more.

At the end of the day, sales isn’t just about closing deals. It’s about opening relationships, delivering real value, and becoming the best version of yourself… with a smile, a strategy, and maybe a backup coffee.Read more