I have a marketing degree and I have, in one form or another, been in direct sales for almost 35 years. With that experience I can firmly say, marketing is not sales. So what is the difference between sales and marketing? Simply put; Marketing is lead generation. Sales is lead conversion.

Marketing Success Does Not Guarantee Sales Success!

Search Engine Optimization may drive people to your website, but it is your website's sales ability that gets the customer. Social media networking may connect you with prospects, but it's your sales ability that creates the business relationships. Telephone and email marketing may generate leads for your sales force, but it is their sales skills that close the deals.

You could be such a marketing guru that you generate so many prospects you spend most of your day quoting prices. However since you can't deposit a proposal in your bank account, you still have to close sales to survive. On the other hand, you can be the best sales person in the world, but if you can't get in the door, you'll starve.

Sales and Marketing are Separate Business Functions

Sales and marketing are both important functions. In fact, you often can't have one without the other. But make no mistake. They are two different functions, each with their own skill separate set, and if you are an entrepreneur running a small business, or have the word 'sales' in your job title, chances are you need to be proficient at both.

Why You Need to Know

There is no doubt that sales is different than marketing. But what does that mean to you? Simple. It’s because knowing the difference is the key to your success.

If you are struggling, if you are not reaching your goals, or if you are not making the income you want, you have to ask yourself, 'Do I need to be a better marketer or do I need to be a better salesperson?' The answer lies in your numbers.

Knowing YOUR Difference Between Sales and Marketing Lies in “Your Numbers”

What is one customer or one sale worth to you and what are the marketing activities required to generate one? How many sales do I need to meet my objectives? Does it take 10 prospecting contacts to make a sale or does it take fifty? It doesn't matter what the numbers are, as long as you know YOUR numbers!

Your Success Depends on Knowing the Difference

Chances are you do what you do for a living because you want the freedom and the opportunity to earn and live a better life.  Download my webinar video and I will show you how you can make that happen. Remember, as Yogi Berra once said, 'If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.' More motivational quotes here.

Aim Higher!

Susan A. Enns, B2B Sales Coach and Author
Schedule a free sales coaching strategy session with Susan here.

“… what I can tell anyone, is simply this – If you want to learn and understand sales, talk to Susan.”

Do you have a question about sales? You’re not alone.  Most salespeople have questions like this on how they can sell more. For the right answers, check out my book, Ask the Sales Coach-Practical Answers to the Questions Sales People Ask Most.