To me there are three possible answers to this.
(The ‘not quite hilarious’ answer is number 3.)
At the end I will challenge you to find a fourth!
3 possible answers:
1/ When I was part of the ‘corporate world’; field-selling and directing sales for larger companies; the glib answer to this was ‘None’, that’s the Marketer’s job’. This old chestnut was coined by territorial salesmen who neither understood nor respected the valuable work done by the marketers (or ‘marketeers’ as some like to call themselves). The reply was at best, mildly amusing, but, to me, it simply emphasized the big divide between the sales and marketing departments.
For whatever size of business, sales and marketing need to work together. Good marketing raises your profile and attracts new customers but does not ‘win’ the business. Sales skills are needed when the new prospects contact your business. Good marketing can result in a much faster and easier sale as you avoid having to find and make contact with new prospects. But remember; the sale will not just happen; you will still need to pitch, negotiate and close, and then manage the new client.
2/ The real answer to ‘how many sales people…?’ If the marketing has been done effectively, then the customer will have realised;
- the value of a light bulb (it’s gone dark), thus identifying the need, and….
- a good idea of how the product (the light bulb) is applied (screwed-in).
A helpful sales person may then show the customer how to achieve more light by buying and inserting the new bulb, thus, fulfilling the need. However, at the end of the day, it is the customer’s responsibility to actually screw-in the bulb. So, again, the answer is ‘none’!
3/ The answer is 2; one holds the light bulb still, while the sales manager makes the world revolve around him (as he likes to think it does)….
HERE’S THE CHALLENGE: let me know your suggestions for answers to the question:
HOW MANY SALES PEOPLE DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE A LIGHT BULB?!!
Answers may be humorous, ironic, or simply thought-provoking. The best entry will win a half-day of one-to-one sales & marketing coaching, aimed at lighting the way ahead for your business and helping you to grow your sales. (This can be in person at the Salient office in Royal Wootton Bassett, or by Skype and email.)
The winner will be decided on May 31st 2015.