Even today, a lot of business professionals and executives confuse marketing and sales.

So, we chuckle a bit when we see a job announcement for “Sales and Marketing.” They are two very distinct functions. While the two roles are connected and complement each other – they are quite different.

Consider this …

Marketing makes the phone ring: Marketing uses a number of tools within its tool box to capture a potential customer’s attention – e.g. social media, PR, email marketing, Web-based digital tools – apps, and traditional marketing tools such as billboards, TV/radio advertisements, print ads, etc.

Sales answers the phone and closes the deal: Sales is transactional. Sales has direct contact with the customer, delivers the product or service into the customers hands and gets paid for it. A good salesperson will build a relationship with that customer.

While marketing and sales complement each other, keep in mind that they are very distinct in their processes and outcomes.

If you have a question or opinion on this topic, let us know, we would love to hear from you.