When you need to recruit /position someone for a sales and marketing role, it might be helpful to keep in mind the following:
- Unlike many other functions, the magic formula of skills for success is unknown in sales and marketing. Can you describe what skills you need to be an ace salesperson who always achieves?
- As an external and internal facing function, S&M needs more all rounded skills than many other functions. It might be that the person may have 50-60% of the skills and the rest have to be developed or mentored.
- Every role in sales and marketing can be linked to organizational goals . This linkage is critical else some of the roles may remain side-liners ( with the danger of elimination in times of trouble)
- Since there is no SOP ( Standard Operating Procedure) for many of S&M activities, which change with customer,market,business situation etc, the roles need continuous mentoring and monitoring.
- Look for people who have a bent of mind to continuously learn and have tolerance for frustration. Both are key to success in sales and marketing.
Good luck in building your sales and marketing teams!
