Why it is Better to Wear More Than One Hat and How SMstudy Helps You

A “soup-to-nuts” attitude is the best way to approach any career. Demonstrating an intense interest in a subject and presenting a thorough understanding and a “can- do” work ethic are all feathers in your professional cap.

While in some fields extreme specialization is still required, there’s a growing trend toward job consolidation or the combination of what was once two separate careers into one. And in fact, as the trend doesn’t appear to be going away any time soon, broader skillsets may be a requirement in the future. Thus the need to wear more than one hat (at least professionally speaking) will continue to be increasingly important.

One of the main reasons for this shift is the impact from technology. Over the last decade advancements in technological solutions have transformed the way companies do business. The opportunities technology provides for streamlining workflow, such as automation or software application utilization, is a movement that’s been noted across industries.

Using sales as an example, Stuart Leung of salesforce.com said, “Technology is transforming the world of sales. Going forward, only organizations that use powerful tools and technologies such as big data, social media, mobile technologies, and the cloud to streamline the sales process will remain profitable and competitive. Those who choose to retain outdated sales techniques may ultimately cease to exist.”

The rise in technological advancements has also been noted in the trend toward streamlining staff as well. As technology provides tools that allow for greater efficiency, a staff member is freed up to handle more aspects of the process…not simply one small part. In many fields this has led to the combining of jobs when it’s seen as beneficial and appropriate.

There exists a natural symbiotic relationship between sales and marketing departments. Streamlining and job combining between the two allows for a more efficient workflow and optimizes the sharing of objectives and the continual free flow of communication.  Of course this is good news for a company, but it also opens growth opportunities for current or future staff members as well.

For a sales and marketing team member, there are clear benefits to possessing knowledge of both the sales and marketing processes. It sets you apart as someone who can offer comprehensive critical thinking. It also allows the “left hand to know what the right hand is doing”, or in other words there is smooth communication and understanding between the two sides of the sales and marketing spectrum. To be well versed and authoritative on the workflow of connecting potential customers with valuable content and to provide knowledgeable sales skills to assist customers in finding solutions can set you apart when out on the job hunt, working toward greater responsibility within a company or even considering striking out on your own (ala the entrepreneur).

Whether you’re seeking to align your skill set with the new professional landscape or planning to move into a sales and marketing field and want to show a comprehensive knowledge of the continuum of sales and marketing, SMstudy can get you there.

SMstudy offers training and certifications on its own platform available through the SMstudy website.

• SMstudy has gathered expert instruction and guidance from all over the globe to offer a vast library of information on the various aspects of sales and marketing.
• SMstudy is budget friendly. Many courses (and Associate certifications) are free to all.
• SMstudy is a major opportunity for networking with others who share an interest in sales and marketing.
• SMstudy offers the opportunity to share sales and marketing knowledge and insight through the SMstudy platform that allows the creation of training materials such as videos, study guides, mobile apps and more.

For interesting articles about Sales and Marketing, visit www.SMstudy.com/articles

How to Beef up your Resume with SMstudy

The national unemployment rate is 5 percent, but this number does not include employed people still looking for THE job. With that being said, what can you do to get a leg up on the competition? And let’s be honest, competition is what it’s all about, right? Each person that applies for THE job (the one you want) should be considered your rival. So, how do you stand out with a potential employer and knock your competition back on their heels?

The answer is simple. Certifications. If you are applying for a position in sales or marketing, a certification from SMstudy will put you one step in front of your peers. A certification shows prospective employers that you are passionate about sales and marketing and an added perk- the training will give you the confidence you need to ace that interview.

Adding certifications to your resume also demonstrates that you are able to work hard towards a goal and finish it successfully, something employers consider carefully. If you are able to set your sights on a goal, work towards it, and achieve it. You will ultimately master a new body of knowledge. Or in the case of SMstudy, a Sales and Marketing Body of Knowledge.

As stated at SMstudy.com, “It is important for us to note that the fact that we are in the twenty-first century does not make all the earlier avenues of Sales and Marketing obsolete.”

Technology has changed the way people reach, interpret, and react to information. Therefore, companies are searching for new ways to broaden the scope of sales and marketing thanks to the ability to reach their consumers through the Internet. Given these new forms of buyer-seller options many professionals believe that the information age, brought upon by technological advances, has redefined the roles of sales and marketing.

According to Mike Templeman at Forbes, “Marketing technology is growing at a rapid rate. And that growth is causing it to bridge the gap between sales and marketing by understanding the areas of the funnel that used to be the domain of the sales team. For instance, a remarketing campaign can continue to market to a potential customer even after the sales person has initiated contact. Similarly, marketing automation is also a technology that continues to touch the client, through email campaigns, even after the sales team has made its claim.”

With this information in mind, why wouldn’t you want to earn a certification in sales and marketing with SMstudy? I can’t think of one.

For more information and resources visit www.SMstudy.com