Business after business I have visited with lately all seem to be making a big mistake, that is, expecting sales people to be marketers.

I happen to like the saying: Marketing Generates Prospects, Sales Turns Prospects Into Cash.

Hiring sales people, telling them what you can do and saying now bring us business just seems foolish. Most sales people need to be aimed, given specific targets and they really Thrive if some marketing actions have been taking to generate qualified leads, or at least partially qualified leads.

Expecting sales people to be able to explain your value proposition with no instruction or guidance could end up damaging your business.

Most sales people make money when they close a sale, doing marketing communication takes away from this process.

In my experience it is rare the great sales person who can also do effective marketing.

What do you think?