Dione A. Neal, MBA
Professional Sales Representative, I
Astellas Pharmaceutical
St. Louis, MO
Clayton High School
Webster University, Bachelors ,Broadcast Journalism,
MBA
National Sales Network
In short, what do you do?
I promote two pharmaceutical products Myrbetriq and Vesicare through effective interaction with health care professionals and organizations in order to increase awareness and use of my company’s products while also promoting marketing tools that may be helpful to the patient and the health care professional.
What advice can you offer young professionals who are just getting started in a sales position?
Never think of the position as mainly sales. I think that tends to scare people,. Think of it as an opportunity to promote a product, brand or idea that will be beneficial to the person you are presenting it to. “Sales” is a fun job to have, just find a great industry that you can see yourself grow within and just be yourself and thrive!
Why was it important for you to continue your education and earn your MBA?
Higher education has always been a priority to my family, and because of that I wanted to be the first person in my family with an MBA. When my career took a turn I felt that getting my MBA would be the perfect way for me to become more business savvy to go along with my creative side.
Tell us about the offices you’ve held within the National Sales Network. How has membership in the NSN enriched your professional experience?
I am currently the V.P of Membership and in the past I have been the V.P of Business Development and Membership Chair. Being in National Sales Network has allowed me to grow professionally in ways that the work place does not allow. I was able to develop and learn new skill sets that I was not able to at the work place, like public speaking, developed leadership skills, confidence and I have built an amazing network of people both within St. Louis and nationally by attending the National Sales Conferences.
As a St. Louis native, what has kept you in St. Louis when many young professionals are being attracted to other markets?
The only thing keeping me in St. Louis is my family. It is hard to stay in St. Louis since many of my friends have left. I have to be honest I am looking to leave the area as well. The opportunity to grow in my field does not exist unless I relocate. The social scene for the young professional is lacking as well and don’t get me started on the dating problem lol.
