Marketing Versus Sales: Which Is Right for You?

For many employees, the greatest challenge is finding the right role. No matter how talented you are, it’s difficult to shine when you are miscast.

If you’re entering an already crowded industry or company, you may have a tough time getting established. That’s why taking the time to identify your ideal position is absolutely crucial.

While looking for a job, you may find a company with job openings in both their sales and marketing departments. Truthfully, not enough people know about the specific roles that marketing and sales departments play. Many just assume that they refer to the same thing.

As you’ll see, there are some notable differences between marketing and sales. Read on to learn more about those differences and identify which one is right for you.

What Is the Role of Marketing?

Pitting marketing versus sales may seem odd, but it is necessary for your job search. You have to clearly define what those two are so you can understand which department you should approach.

Let’s start with marketing.

First off, it’s important to note that marketing happens before sales. This is the aspect of customer relations that focuses mainly on generating interest.

Your goal as a marketer is to get prospects to pay attention to whatever it is you’re offering. Companies rely on marketing to identify the prospects who could eventually turn into consumers.

What Does Marketing Entail?

Now that we know more about the essence of marketing, let’s discuss the aspects of it that you may take on if you pursue a career in that field.

One aspect of this field is brand marketing. Marketers work extensively to build a recognizable and appealing brand to consumers because doing so is crucial to successful lead generation.

Marketers may also be tasked with creating slogans or cultivating content that will be useful for improving visibility. They may even dip their toes into event planning to create as much buzz as possible.

What Is the Role of Sales?

Marketing feeds into sales. This particular field is more about selling directly.

If you work in sales, your job is to demonstrate the value of a specific product or service to a prospect. Present them with the exact reasons why they should be interested in your company’s offerings.

To put it simply, the sales department is one occupied by closers. You have to know how to close a deal or a sale if you intend to stay in that department long-term.

What Does Sales Entail?

Professionals who work in sales need to brush up on their interpersonal skills. You can expect to head out of the office often to meet with clients in person. Closing the deal in person is often necessary for salespeople.

Attending events is also a must for salespeople. Those events present opportunities to meet with prospects in person. You cannot pass up on those opportunities if you work in sales.

Should I Choose Sales or Marketing?

Hopefully, the information featured in this article can help you determine which specific department is the better fit for you. Marketing and sales may seem like the same thing, but there are significant differences between them. You cannot assume that you will be able to handle both equally well.

Choose the right spot for you so you can fully tap into your potential as a professional.

Categorised in: Career Advice