What is the difference between Sales, Marketing and Business Development?

How do you change careers from marketing to business development or sales?

• Besides reaching out to your personal network and conducting informational interviews with sales department executives expressing your interests in making a transition, what are other ways to approach companies to express your interest in moving into a sales role? I work in high tech (primarily software) so please use that as a starting point.

• Answer:

  Marketing, business development and sales are all interconnected. If you have proven yourself in a marketing role, you can transfer some of your core skills and success traits to pitch your self as a strong contender for a sales role. If you have tech knowledge and pitch yourself for tech-product related sales, it's a strong plus. Tech-related sales and business development positions require the ability to provide a consultative approach which you will be well versed in having marketed these products. Prep your resume to show how your programs and your efforts directly supported sales efforts. Once in the interview, make sure you "go bold" with your pitch and focus on your fearless drive to deliver their sales goals. If you feel strongly that through your network of connections you can bring in X new clients within a given period, present it. For sales, you need to show that you have a solid network of relevant connections and that you can deliver results. Another plus is if you can give the interviewer a quick overview of your plan to achieve the sales targets that will be expected of you. Companies hiring for sales positions want to feel confidence not only in the candidate's understanding of the product and market, but in the personality traits and unwavering drive to be able to outreach for new business, develop relationships and close deals. Demonstrate your ability and value with confidence and understanding of what the sales role you are targeting needs, and you will be in a strong position for a company to give you the opportunity.