Meet Linus Andersson

Every day at his job, Linus Andersson learns something new. Andersson, who is a key account manager at Swedish business daily Dagens industri, is proud of this openness, which is only part of his proven success - he was recently named a finalist for Field Sales Representative of the Year in the Bonnier Sales Awards. "You need to listen to customers and show them they are important," he says. "Build relationships, trust and think long-term. Be sincerely interested in your customers' business and goals. And always provide that little extra something."

Andersson also gives credit to his co-workers and Dagens industri itself, where he has worked since 2001, now with responsibility for advertising from the big auto manufacturers. "One of the best things with my job is representing an unbelievably strong brand," he says. "Plus it's an exciting industry, to be part of such a forward-looking organization that despite the economy is always innovative and making investments. For me, it feels like Dagens industri is leading development, not following it."

Not that Andersson's job doesn't have its issues. "Thinking long term in my sales work and constantly finding effective advertising solutions is a challenge," he says. "It isn't always easy to be at the top of my customers' minds. And looking forward, I need to think about how we raise profitability."

Being named a finalist in the awards is a big deal, Andersson says. "To be nominated then go to the finals has got to be every sales rep's dream," he says. "It's a real confirmation that the work you're doing is appreciated and shows results."