Gap Between Sales and Marketing

I recently came across an interesting statistic. A study by the Chief Marketing Officer Council stated that most salespeople view up to 90% of sales materials created by marketing as valueless.

I have even met some of these salespeople. They hand you a brochure and say something like "Here's some information about our company. You'll have to excuse the brochure though. It's hideous."

One business owner I've met touts his company as an upscale business. He claims to be able to bring your company to a whole new level. He's very inspiring. Take a look at his brochure, however, and not only does it look like a five year old designed it, but it features a photo of a stressed out business man holding his head in his hands right on the cover. The brochure design and the photo contradicts everything he speaks about.

We constantly see a lack of consistency in the design of most business marketing materials. Many just want to do it themselves and others don't want to spend the money. So, how much does it cost you when your sales force is out in the public demoralizing your company through your own marketing materials?

So, what do you do about it? You hire a professional graphic design team that works not only with the company's marketing team, but your sales team as well. Spending a little bit to put in the time and care into your corporate identity program is a critical component to promoting your business in the best light. It is not as much money as you would think and pays off big in the long run.

©2009 \\ COSMIC \\

Sales and design

I haven't met many graphic designers that are really good salespeople. In fact, most are downright horrible at sales. That's why many of the big agencies are run by experienced sales people, not creatives.

If you do find a designer that has solid sales experience, hang on to them.

Understanding the sales process is essential to the design process. Graphic designers create the tools needed in the sales process to make an effective presentation for their client's company.

Whether an annual report, business card or website, the effective sales person uses each of these tools to grow their company. If the designer does not have a clear understanding of how the sales process works, how will their ideas help you?

©2009 David Scott | Cosmic: Advertising & Design

News: Homeless Emergecy Project hires Cosmic for capital campaign

St. Petersburg, FL, June 12, 2008 - Graphic design firm Cosmic Ltd. has been hired by the Homeless Emergency Project for the design of their capital campaign brochure. The capital campaign will help generate funding to support the construction of the Homeless Emergency Project’s new Social Service Center. The Social Service Center will be Pinellas County, Florida’s first sustainable building of its kind constructed under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines.

“The Homeless Emergency Project is an organization committed to transforming the issue of homelessness in Tampa Bay,” said David Scott of Cosmic. “It is an honor to partner with such an inspiring group and we are delighted to be given the opportunity to contribute by creating a campaign brochure around this landmark project.”

Press Release: Homeless Emergency Project Hires Cosmic for Capital Campaign.

©2008 David Scott | Cosmic: Graphic Design & Branding