Craig's Insights - My First 2 Weeks at IJYI...

Craig Parry, our new Business Development Manager, shares his personal journey, the challenges he faces, and the opportunities ahead in the first part of his blog series on his new IJYI life...

Starting My Journey with IJYI...

Starting a new role brings excitement and a learning curve, especially in rapidly the evolving fields that I'm currently finding myself in the centre of - such as Data Security, Cloud Optimisation, and AI. With my new position at IJYI, I have decided to take on a new venture... a blog about my experience!

My background in business development, sales, and relationship management spans various sectors, and this chapter allows me to deepen my technical knowledge while helping businesses safeguard and optimise their digital assets.

Two weeks into my role as a Business Development Manager, and I'm already finding myself at the centre of some critical areas IJYI can help companies with...

Why I Chose IJYI

The opportunity to work at IJYI stood out to me because it’s more than just a technical service provider - it’s a company committed to building strong relationships with clients locally and nationally, ensuring they are both protected and prepared for growth.

I also love Ipswich.  I have grown up here, and having an exciting company on my doorstep is a real bonus.

Learning the Language of Technology

Although my professional background isn’t purely technical, I’ve always believed in the importance of learning and adaptation. Over the past few weeks, I’ve focused on understanding the benefits of Penetration Testing and Cloud Optimisation. By making full use of the expertise around me and asking questions, I’ve started to grasp the essential jargon of the technology sector.

Penetration Testing probes an organisation’s cyber security defences to uncover vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. It requires thinking like an attacker but with the goal of enhancing security and therefore reducing risk. This service is crucial for any company handling sensitive information.

Cloud Optimisation, on the other hand, allows businesses to transform their operations. It’s about refining performance, reducing costs, and enhancing scalability. Through our optimisation services for leading platforms like Azure and AWS, IJYI helps businesses to fully utilise their cloud potential, efficiently and economically.

My current focus is to understand how these services solve real-world problems for businesses and to communicate their value effectively to clients, emphasising security, efficiency, and growth.

An Eye-Opener in AI Capability

I have also had an eye-opening experience in the world of AI and how this will play such a key-role in the growth of businesses in the next few years...

Screenshot above - our real-time human appearance and behaviour analysis AI tech... using me as the subject!

Our Chief Technology Officer, Asa Margetts, was able to demonstrate to me how using video AI can detect facial features and body movements, using me as the subject!

IJYI are now in full preparation mode for a highly anticipated event we will be hosting, in partnership with UK Director Magazines, to other local businesses about how AI can help to run your business better. 

It's very interesting to learn more about this area and how businesses will gain so much benefit from the use of AI. I'm looking forward to our AI event on the 20th November 2024, at The Hold, Ipswich.

If you are interested in attending, please do reach out to me, or follow the link: https://ukdirectormagazines.co.uk/events/ai-helping-to-run-your-business-better

Understanding IJYI’s Offerings

Diving deeper into IJYI’s offerings has made it clear why our solutions are vital for businesses aiming to stay competitive. Cybersecurity is no longer optional - businesses must proactively identify and mitigate risks. Our Penetration Testing services provide an advanced approach to uncover vulnerabilities, safeguard assets, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Similarly, simply migrating to the cloud isn’t enough - optimisation drives real value! Our Cloud Optimisation services refine resource usage, minimise unnecessary spending, and improve performance. In a business-world where agility and efficiency are critical, these services enable businesses to thrive by adopting the full potential of their cloud platforms.

IJYI’s expertise addresses both security and performance challenges. My role is to bridge the technical and business worlds, ensuring clients understand the strategic advantages these services offer.

My Vision for Growth

As I grow in my role at IJYI, my focus is on expanding visibility for our services. Understanding Penetration Testing and Cloud Optimisation is crucial for helping businesses navigate the complexities of securing their digital environments while optimising performance.  However, that's just the start - I can't wait to get involved in our Software Development and Data offerings...

I aspire to position IJYI as the go-to partner for local companies seeking innovation and protection on their digital transformation journeys. Success in this industry requires deepening my understanding of technical solutions while identifying common pain points businesses face. This will refine how I communicate the value IJYI provides.

My Personal Ambition

My ambition is to evolve into a Sales Manager position and eventually a Sales Director, leading a team that excels in delivering tailored solutions and building lasting client relationships. Achieving this requires a strategic approach that combines my strengths with a commitment to continuous learning.

The past few weeks at IJYI have been an exhilarating experience, and I’m excited to continue this journey of discovery and growth. As I expand my knowledge, I look forward to not only refining my expertise but also contributing to our clients’ success.

In this blog series, I’ll continue to share insights from my journey, the challenges I face, and the opportunities that arise during my time at IJYI to drive security and innovation. I’m positive I will be sharing plenty of successes too!

Connect with Me!

I would love to hear about your world, and the challenges you face.  Please do reach out to me... and if you're local, let's grab a coffee!

Craig Parry, Business Development Manager
Tel: 01473 558748
Email: craig.parry@ijyi.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-parry-255397103/

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About the author

IJYI Ltd

IJYI Ltd.