Being one of the top sellers in coworking in Sweden is no small feat. At the Coworking Awards 2024, the industry's most prominent profiles and players are celebrated. In total, there are six categories and in the category “Salesperson of the Year” five people have qualified for the final. We spoke to one of them, Philip Hökvinge - an experienced and dedicated salesperson from IWG/Regus, who shares his insights on sales, the industry and the future.
How does it feel to be a finalist in the Salesperson of the Year category?
- It's flattering and very exciting! It's a real honor to be one of the five lessors and sellers who qualified.
What do you think is behind your finalist status in this category?
- I hope it's due to a combination of good business, high revenue and leased square meters. Conversion rate, short conversion time and good cooperation.
Tell us a bit more about your role at IWG/Regus. What does your work involve?
- I have been working with rentals at IWG for about 6.5 years and am currently Area Sales Manager Team Lead. My role is very much about being a 'playing coach' - my main focus is on sales and lettings, but I also support internal lettings staff in their business and development. In addition, I train and coach colleagues around the country in the same area.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
- Several things! Helping companies find the right solutions and do business together is incredibly rewarding. Seeing colleagues succeed with newly acquired skills is also a great feeling. In addition, the industry itself is very exciting and still far from its full potential - this means we have a really interesting journey ahead of us.
What qualities and approaches are most important to succeed in coworking rentals and sales? What advice would you give to someone new to the industry?
- Getting good at asking the right questions and listening actively is key. Combine that with a genuine desire to help the customer solve problems and improve their business, and you have a solid foundation to build on. I have more advice, but it's not free! he says with a laugh.
What have been the biggest highlights at IWG in 2024?
- The growth of new office centers has been a major milestone. We've also seen several colleagues around the country develop in leasing and sales, which is both inspiring and business-critical. Our membership solutions have continued to be very popular - with access to 4,000 centers in 140 countries at an affordable price tag. This creates a low threshold to a professional workplace.
What exciting plans do you have for IWG in 2025?
- I can't reveal too much, but I can say this - the expansion is far from complete...
How do you think the year of coworking 2025 will evolve? What trends do you see?
- 2024 was a year where we at IWG were able to 'accelerate out of the curve' and add more centers, despite many in the industry having a tougher period. 2025 could be an extension of this, but with some clear changes. Adjusted interest rates will have an impact, more large companies are introducing back to office policies and shorter contracts are increasingly in demand. These are just some of the trends we see...
With a winning attitude and long experience in leasing, this finalist has shown that success in coworking sales requires both strategy and passion. Soon we'll know who will take home the title of 'Salesperson of the Year' - but one thing's for sure, the competition is tough!