Suppose you are a business owner or are closely related to any kind of business. In that case, you must be aware of the art of combining selling and marketing to ensure the best profit and delivered services. Although both terms are inversely proportional to each other, their different significances often confuse marketing individuals. Hence, with this guide, we have brought the fundamental differences between marketing and selling concepts and their list of significance.
What is Marketing for Entrepreneurial Ventures?
Marketing, one of the commonly used words, is a process of creating value for a company by producing and effectively distributing its products or services. Marketing in business looks after various factors like what a company will produce, who it will be produced for, and how to represent the specific product/service to target customers.
Professionals who are directly involved in a corporation’s marketing and promotion departments tend to hold their targeted audiences/customers through effective advertising and promotions. Promotions have their variations and that includes celebrity endorsements, catchy phrases or taglines, memorable packaging or graphic designs, and overall media exposure.
Also read – 10 Ways to Have a Safe but Personalized Marketing Campaign
What is Selling for Entrepreneurial Ventures?
Although selling can be termed as a part of marketing, it has a different set of definitions. Along with this, the process can vary from business to business, however, the common steps are prospecting, building relationships, and making presentations.
A good salesperson will know how to manage the salesperson to move prospects through the pipeline and close more deals efficiently.
Meanwhile, the sales process is one of the most important tasks as it helps to generate revenue and grow the business. With a better understanding of the process, businesses can train their employees and set expectations for performance.
Sales Vs Marketing: Comparison Column
With the below-mentioned pointwise table, you will be able to distinguish between marketing and selling,
| Points of Comparison | Selling | Marketing |
| Definition | The word selling refers to a process wherein a product/service is presented to the customer for sale at a given price and time limit | Marketing is representing a business’ product/service with the intent to sell it with the maximum profit and its ability to gain customers |
| Orientation | Product-Oriented | Customer-Oriented |
| Approach | Fragmented Approach | Integrated Approach |
| Focus | Company Needs | Market Needs |
| Related to | Related to the Flow of Goods to Customers | Related to all the activities which facilitate the flow of goods to customers |
| Duration | Short Term | Long Term |
| Objective | To influence and target customers to buy our products | To manage the needs of your business target customers and treat them accordingly |
| Relationship | One-To-One | One-To-Many |
| Target | Individual or Small Group | General or Targeted Large Group of Public |
| Scope | Selling of the Product | Advertisement, sales, research, customer satisfaction |
| Activity | Customer Driven | Media Driven |
| Process | Involves exchange of goods with money | Involves interacting and attracting the best-targeted customers |
| Skills Required | Selling and Conversational Skills | Analytical Skills |
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Example
Mr James wanted to open a hardware shop on the outskirts of the town. So, following days, he acquired a space, dealt with hardware wholesale dealers, purchased furniture tools for a relatable interior, and inaugurated his shop.
Nevertheless, initially after the inauguration of the hardware shop, some known customers took a handful of products. However, weeks later, Mr James’ business started seeing a downfall owing to zero customers. One day, one of his friends suggested that he pick the right advertisement firm and introduce an offer that would help him improve his sales. After this, he decides to advertise the hardware shop through various media like radio, television, posters, social media, pamphlets, newspapers etc. In addition to this, he also handed freebies to customers with higher bills. As a result, with proper marketing, Mr James’ hardware shop went back with a proper sales history.
Hence, the results are positive and this instance signifies the power of sales and marketing.
Conclusion
Selling and Marketing, both important aspects, plays a survival role in businesses. And despite having large differences between the two, they never contradict each other. In addition to it, Selling and Marketing are largely dependent on each other.
On the other hand, sales is mostly a human-oriented function. Hence, businesses should focus on giving detailed training to their employees for a better outcome. Besides, marketing is more media-oriented. Hence, it requires the best medium for advertisements. If you are facing any confusion between the two terms, selling and marketing, you can prefer our guide.