People often lump sales and marketing into one category. The reality is that there is a BIG difference between sales and marketing. Let me tell you a story that will help illustrate the difference.
A game show contestant for the series called “It’s Your Life” makes it to the final round. He is given his choice of two prizes for being so lucky as to make it to the “Life” finale.
The game show host, Bob, first points to door number one. The game show model, Vanna, acts on Bob’s signal and opens door number one. Behind the door was a view to a gorgeous tropical resort, complete with swimming pools, open bars, white sand, palm trees, and beautiful sunbathers. The game show contestant immediately recognizes the fantasy island theme. He wants that prize.
“But before you make your final decision,” interrupted Bob, “you have got to see what is behind door number two.”
Vanna promptly walks over to door number two. She twists the handle, pulls back the door, and viola! The prize behind door number two is revealed.
The game show contestant followed Vanna with this eyes from door number one to door number two, and was utterly. . .dismayed. The prize behind door number two was a trip to Elko, Nevada.
“Yup. You got it!” announced Bob. “The fabulous prize behind door number two is an all accommodations trip to sunny Elko, Nevada. You will be treated like royalty with your own vibrating king bed in the best motel in town. Imagine yourself pampered by maid service everyday. Three full meals at the local hot spot, “le Denny’s.” Wicked entertainment at the old town rodeo.
The “Life” contestant cut Bob off. He wants the prize behind door number one.
“Final answer?” Bob wanted to know.
“Final answer.” the contestant replies.
With that, the crane scoops the contestant into the room behind door number one. The door slams shut. The heat lamps turn on.
The contestant notices right away that it’s hot. There are glowing coals and rocks everywhere. And what’s that smell? Is that sulfur?
Thinking that there is some kind of mistake, the contestant raced back towards the door. Once there, he pounds on the door, screaming, “Hey!!! Let me out! There’s some kind of mistake. I chose the beautiful tropical island vacation. Not this hell hole!”
Bob looks at the contestant through the door’s peephole. His eyes glow red. He grins and answers, “There is no mistake. What you saw was marketing. This is sales.”
. . . So that is the big difference between marketing and sales. The marketer’s job is to draw people towards your offer. The job of sales is to close.
Next time, we’ll talk about the finer points.
