Jennifer Lane heads up our marketing team at P1 Learning, and she does a terrific job of creating timely topics for our social media efforts. Late last week, she sent me an email regarding “the perfect topic” for our final message of the year. I was expecting to spend my 500 words pontificating on the challenges that lay ahead for our industry. With a title like… “Media’s mission to remain relevant in the new decade.” you know… the usual.

So, I read on only to discover that my topic was titled, “Why I Love Media Sales”.

I’ve got to admit; I didn’t see that one coming. I mean sure, I respect my profession. I admire those individuals that have excelled in the industry. I am thankful for the living that it has provided for my family and me. But love? I don’t know… that’s a word typically confined to the interior of Hallmark Card.

It occurred to me that even after all of these years together, the word “sales” and I had never come to terms with accepting one another. After a bit of pondering (a word that I don’t get to use nearly enough), I’ve got to admit that Jen may have a point.

Like most relationships, I didn’t set out to find a career in sales, few of us do. It’s more like sales found me. Early in my career, I used to avoid the word. I was embarrassed, preferring the more socially acceptable; account manager, marketing representative, account executive, or  A.E. for short. Over time, I became more comfortable with my occupation, and on occasion, would refer to myself as a salesperson, later sales manager. Not so much a love affair, more a quiet acceptance.

To be fair to my industry, I decided to take into account the various aspects that I do love. In no particular order, here are my findings:

• I love recognizing the customer’s needs. Their dreams, their hopes and aspirations, and what is keeping from achieving those dreams.
• I love crafting an actionable solution to get them on track for success.
• I love communicating that solution. The look on the face of a client that understands your concept and shares your enthusiasm (this part always makes me smile).
• I love implementing the plan, seeing all of these moving parts come together in one synchronized marketing campaign.
• I love developing partnerships, friendships with my customers. They trust me; I trust them.

To summarize, I love the freedom that only media sales can provide. When we work with a client, we are the marketing manager, research department, creative director, copywriter, and customer service specialist all wrapped up in one profession.

So, here I am, in the fourth decade of practicing my craft, and it’s time that I face facts. Yes Jen, I love media sales! Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Happy Holidays and here’s to a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!

Regards,

Speed Marriott | Owner & CEO