Graham Bunting is an IT sales specialist who started out in a green-grocers
What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
In a green-grocer in Leicestershire. My day started at 5am with a trip to buy produce, and then back to the shop to set up ready for opening time. I quickly decided that sales was for me and found a job selling photocopiers, soon moving to a role selling telecoms via fax equipment. This was in the mid-1980s.
What sport should be in the Olympics but isn't?
Golf must be the most popular sport that is not included. Although I do believe that it was, around 100 years ago.
What is your favourite joke or the one you heard most recently?
A turtle was mugged by a gang of snails. A police detective asked the turtle if he could explain what happened.
The turtle, with a confused look, replied: ‘I don't know; it all happened so fast.'
"In my dreams ..."
...I own an Aston Martin Vanquish, a huge house in Knebworth, another in Scotland and holiday three months of the year in the sun, snow and on my yacht. I play golf at home or on my travels around the world. Then I wake up!
What was your best business trip or junket ever?
At Lucent, we took partners to St Moritz. Awesome location, and packed with activities including several rides on the famous Cresta Run on a luge (I crashed every time).
What was the best holiday you ever went on?
My honeymoon. We went to the Bahamas and stayed at the Atlantis hotel - fabulous weather and hotel complex. And of course it was my honeymoon.
If you had a week to live, how would you fill it?
Grab your sick bags: I would spend it with my wife and children, probably just doing stuff they like to do. Seeing them having fun is so rewarding.
"I never..." ... say never.
"I always..."
... try to see the other person's point of view, and especially in business, how customers might perceive messages.
Will we see businesses take green ICT more seriously this year?
If investments show a short-term return and improve efficiency, I believe they are more likely to gain traction. If -- in addition to this -- the proposition is green then it will most likely gain full support. I sense that there is a degree of scepticism that too many suppliers are jumping on a bandwagon, sadly.
Do you use social media?
Absolutely. They can be a great tool to share who you are and what your personality is, or to build relationships, offering support and expertise. Not a tool to push your products and solutions - this really turns people off.
What does the channel most need to learn this year?
To embrace and anticipate change, and invest in training. Consider the value you offer and stay very, very close to your customers.
Is IT well taught in schools?
Goodness. When I was at school, quill pens were only just out of use, and PCs were nowhere to be seen. At my daughters' school they appear awash with technology. Is the subject taught well? I have no idea.
Graham Bunting is head of distribution at Opal
