Know the difference between marketing and sales

Do you know the difference between marketing and sales? If not, read on. Knowing it (and acting on it) may mean the difference between success and failure. This tip comes from coach and success strategist Philip Humbert.

Many people have pointed out the distinction between marketing (making people aware of you and your business) and sales (closing the deal). It’s always critical to know which is which, and to use skills appropriate for the situation.

Recently, I’ve seen business people using far too many marketing strategies and impatiently wondering why they weren’t creating instant results. I recently consulted with one local business that has tried 9 different marketing strategies in the past year, “but none of them worked.” No wonder they and their potential customers are confused!

My coaching was that all of the strategies seemed viable, and any of them might work well IF they picked one and used it consistently over time. The owner’s problem is that (1) he doesn’t want to choose because he fears he’ll choose the wrong one, and (2) he’s eager for his marketing to produce rapid sales, which is a mistake.

Marketing is primarily intended to create brand recognition and give you the opportunity to make sales in the future. Sales is the art of helping a qualified prospect (who is already interested) to buy right now. They are different processes and they require different skills.

Be clear about your marketing strategy. Pick one or two strategies that come naturally for you, and that you enjoy. Use it over time — months, years, even decades! — to give yourself the opportunity to make sales down the road.

Then, know and use appropriate SALES techniques when the time comes. When a qualified prospect inquires about your goods or services, know how to close the deal, but don’t expect that every MARKETING conversation will lead to immediate sales. Knowing the difference is a key to long-term financial success.

Copyright 2007, All rights reserved. Philip Humbert.

Contact him at www.philiphumbert.com or Coach@philiphumbert.com. Sign up for his free TIPS e-newsletter.

Comments

• Recent Blog Posts

  • Lazy words that should be banned
  • Best e-commerce blogs
  • Top SEO Plugins for Wordpress
  • The purpose of business is…?
  • Be good to your Web site visitors
• All Posts »

• What others say about us

  "There is one word to describe the work that Lana has done and continues to do for me — SUPERB!" ~Joe Bowers, Distil International
  
  "Lana receives 4-P’s in my book: Prompt, Polite, Proficient, Prolific. I talked to her one time to determine the scope of the job and she delivered. Took the work right out of my hands, then did it. And had the intuitive sense of when to ask me the next question just at the right time. The project was completed before I knew it. Lana then followed up with a detailed synopsis of the work and how I could modify or change what she had done in the future. Not a chance of that though, I’m CALLING Lana!" ~Joseph T. Dager, Business901, Authorized Duct Tape Marketing Coach
  
  "I love working with Lana. She's one of those people you can just give an assignment to — writing, editing, designing — and then forget about it, because you know it's going to get done well and it’s going to get done on time. She really knows what she's doing — and she's also a very nice person." ~Marguerite Del Giudice
  
  "Lana's work is both creative and logical. She not only takes the time to figure out exactly what is needed, but is flexible and professional as changes are identified. I find her response time to be prompt and her input to be clear and up-front. I recommend her highly." ~Mary Sise, LCSW
  
  "Lana has always impressed me with her ability to grasp new concepts and master them quickly. With her logical mind and drive to conquer new material, she often becomes the 'expert' within a very short time of approaching a new topic." ~Adrienne Heinzelman

• 
  

• About TFC

  Talking Feather Communications is located in Anthem, Arizona. We provide business and marketing communication services, including copywriting and content development, Web site development, WordPress blog setup, and search optimization.