KARRIN MACLEOD

Business Development Manager

No magazine functions without money – and Karrin is the sales whiz who keeps advertising spend rolling in for dish. So how does she do it?

How long have you worked for dish?

Karrin: I’ve been, left and come back and it’s been about 10 years altogether.

Has it changed much over the years?

Karrin: Yes definitely. But although it’s evolved as it’s passed through the hands of different editors, it still focuses on the home cook. In terms of advertising, a lot has changed in 10 years, because of the rise of out of home and digital marketing – it’s much harder to chase those dollars for print.

What does your day-to-day job at dish involve?

Karrin: Finding money for the magazine

– it’s a crude way of putting it, but it’s as simple as that. My work involves talking to businesses and finding out what they need. Ultimately, our reader is potentially their client, so for them, it’s about getting more sales by paying for ad space in the magazine. And if I feel [an ad in dish] isn’t going to help their business, I will tell them. I’m not a salesperson who’s into grabbing as much money as I can. It’s got to work for everyone.

What’s your favourite part of your job?

Karrin: Having a new client say yes is always a buzz, especially when I’ve worked really hard to get them on board and they love it!

And your least favourite part?

Karrin: Admin. Invoicing is the WORST.

What’s special about selling for dish?

Karrin: All sales work is the same. But I can only sell something I love – and I love everything about dish.