Commercial Ink - Selling Versus Marketing

Selling Versus Marketing

Although selling is sometimes classified as a branch of marketing, there is a distinguishable difference between the two. Both play in integral role in a business, and are necessary for success. Marketing helps create interest in a company's brand, as well as their products and services, without which, selling can be an arduous task.

Marketing is all about the customer. It seeks to satisfy a customer's needs by matching that need with a product or service. Price and promotion are determined in a marketing campaign and customer satisfaction reigns supreme. The question a marketer is usually asking is "What can we do to satisfy the needs of our target market." Selling, on the other hand, is more of a push method. Sellers are concerned about the customer as well, but there main objective is always to "close the deal." The main job of a sales person is to find a customer for your product. It involves fine tuning the service or product to fit an individual customer's needs. Selling takes the relationships gained by marketing, and expands them.

Which is more important? Some people will argue for selling, and some for marketing, but, typically marketing will come out on top. It is difficult to sell a product or service if it is unknown, not priced properly, or unbranded. Marketing should be the first thing a business owner does to build credibility and start relationships, then selling can follow. One way to think of it - where marketing leaves off, selling begins. The balance is usually found by factoring the type of business, strength of sales force, and of course budget.

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.