Sales versus marketing. Two disciplines that sometimes stand diametrically opposed to each other. Just like fire to water or the sun to the moon. In both fields, many people work who perform their work (or passion) with great pleasure. You can tell stereotypical stories about any professional group. Everyone knows the stories about the typical salesman or saleswoman. The salesperson who wins you over with their smooth talk and has a perfect answer to every question immediately. Plenty of stereotypical stories circulate about marketing as well. For instance, a marketing gentleman or lady is someone who is always bursting with brilliant ideas, loves varied work, and is a jack of all trades.
These stereotypes about a sales or marketing employee do not correspond to reality. A good sales or marketing employee must have special skills. Some people are born salespeople or marketers and it all seems to come easily to them. Other people have learned these skills themselves and have become true professionals in their field. What skills do you need as a salesperson or marketer? We have listed a number of important skills for both disciplines.
What skills do you need for sales?
Do you work in sales? Then you have many special skills that not just everyone has. Below you will find five important skills you need to be able to perform the sales profession effectively.
1. Proactivity
As a sales employee, it is important that you act proactively. You take action and immediately anticipate the environment.
2. Empathy
A good salesperson has strong empathy. He or she can empathize with other people and understands what a prospect or customer needs.
3. Results-oriented
A good sales employee likes to achieve results. He or she sets clear goals and does not give up. As a seller you are also rewarded (or paid) based on your results.
4. Listen carefully
An excellent salesperson is a good listener. He can distinguish between main and side issues well. He shows interest in the other person and he listens carefully to what the other person needs.
5. Negotiate
If you work in sales, it is important that you can negotiate well. For example, if you are talking to a new customer, it is important that you use your negotiation skills. Negotiation is also important with existing customers.
What skills do you need for marketing?
As a marketer you also need many special skills. What is absolutely essential to be a good marketer?
1. Curiosity
A marketer is very curious. Today's world is changing very quickly and a marketer likes to try new things. By continuing to innovate and look at new ways to reach the target group, you continue to build on the success of your company.
2. Creativity
Creative thinking is necessary to bring the company to the attention of the target group. Think outside the box and come up with creative ideas for content, advertisements and marketing campaigns.
3. Strategic insight
As a marketer you need strategic insight. You look at the KPIs and make adjustments to improve certain KPIs. You think carefully about the effects of launching campaigns and you do not lose sight of the main objectives.
4. Analytical insight
There is a large amount of data online that you can view. For example, you need to know how to reach the target group and what concerns them. Through which channels does the target group arrive at your website? And which campaigns are the most successful? As a marketer, it is important that you continuously use your analytical skills to be successful.
5. Being able to switch quickly
If you work in the marketing world, you have to be able to switch quickly. Has your company been mentioned in the media? Then don't wait too long and respond immediately. You also need to be aware of important developments.
Ready to see how Snowflake works?
We have briefly highlighted some important skills in sales and marketing. What other skills are needed to work in sales or marketing? And what skills do you have? Let us know in a comment.
Do you want to learn more about sales and marketing? Then download our white paper and learn more about the differences between the two disciplines, among other things.
