Let’s be honest, the significance of the once-ubiquitous business card has diminished significantly in the last 20 years, as the Rolodex has given way to electronic alternatives. But don’t tell that to Alison Seltzner, the strategic accounts director for Konica Minolta Business Solutions. One may argue that the humble business card was the genesis of her illustrious 30-plus year career in the office technology universe.
Let’s not be too hyperbolic—it was Seltzner’s intelligence, tenacity and critical-thinking skills that landed her the initial gig with Minolta in 1992. But a crash course in card collecting and a dash of ingenuity played no small role in the process. We’ll take it from the top:
Seltzner’s early career saw her involved in various business sectors, from office interiors to pharmaceuticals. When the latter business was bought out, she had the option of following it to Detroit or remaining in Chicago. She opted for the latter and a severance package and needed to tighten her belt for a couple of months.
With her funds dwindling, Seltzner interviewed with Minolta for a job as a color specialist, selling within Chicago’s famed Loop. The sales manager interviewing her provided a test: go out into the wild and secure 250 business cards. The real-world challenge would reveal whether Seltzner was intrepid enough to make contacts on the fly.
“Back in those days you could hit a high-rise and score a lot of business cards,” said Seltzner, a 2023 ENX Magazine Difference Maker. “I went into each office and asked them to help me, that I was interviewing for this job and needed the business card of the person who made copier decisions in the office. They practically threw them at me—I went back [to Minolta] in a matter of hours with the cards.”
Seltzner was hired on the spot, as she was the lone candidate who completed the task. Not only did she win the gig, but she was also able to leverage those business cards to cold call for the first six months of her employment. Not only that, a “remember me?” talk track provided an excellent opener to segue into the copier needs of the client.
It didn’t take long for Seltzner to realize that she absolutely loved everything about sales—the process, demos and closing. She brought over that love to the wholesale side of the business and relishes enabling dealers to enjoy success in offering Konica Minolta products.
Selling Bug
“I love challenges, becoming better all the time and constantly learning,” she observed. “At the base of all things, I love selling and closing a deal. Today, it’s about the long strategy with a company. How do we partner to succeed together? How can Konica Minolta be a part of your company’s overall success? What makes a good partnership between a manufacturer and a dealer and being that solution?”
Seltzner has come full circle with Konica Minolta following stints with Sharp and IKON Office Solutions. A trained specialist in color and production print who demonstrated excellence in areas including managed services, Seltzner’s value to the organization is underscored by her role as an account rep for Marco, the largest dealer in North America by sales volume. For her efforts, she copped Marco’s inaugural Vendor of the Year award in 2019.
Seltzner loves collaborating with team members and helping to enable their personal growth. She feels building strong relationships with clients and co-workers alike through trust, reliability and creativity produces win-win scenarios.
Along the way, Seltzner has benefitted from the wisdom of Scott Boukal, an early influencer who blended education and insight with humor and fun. Later in Seltzner’s career, Laura Blackmer proved to be a role model for balancing family, travel and career with style and grace.
“I continue to learn to be more confident, take on more responsibility and trust in my decisions because of her guidance,” Seltzner added.
The 2022 campaign proved to be a banner one. Capturing Strategic Account of the Year shed light on the value of Seltzner’s team in managing the business of the dealer. Individually, she was selected Midwest MVP.
Team Player
As 2023 garners steam, hitting her numbers and seeing all of her teammates enjoy much success is important, but Seltzner notes the dealer’s desire to grow and succeed while relying on Konica Minolta as a primary line partner truly resonates with her.
“I want to continue to plan and execute the plan, to be an active participant in my company’s strategy and contribute wherever I can,” she added.
Away from the office, Seltzner and her husband, Ed, have been married for 24 years. They have two children in college—a daughter studying biology and exercise science at High Point University, and a son who is an engineering major at Virginia Tech. The Wisconsin residents are also farmers, raising chickens and steer while also growing corn and soybeans. In addition to traveling and hunting, she is an ardent lacrosse fan and a level three certified men’s coach. Seltzner logged 10 years as head coach for the local high school’s junior varsity team.
