Sales Semester QA

Sales Semester is an elective 15 credit sales module for Industrial Management and Engineering students, double degree students, exchange students and other students. During the semester, principles of technical sales, sales management and sales meeting are practiced. The spring 2021 Sales Semester started in January with 31 students. The new students were encouraged to ask questions as part of their first assignment. Principal Lecturer Timo Holopainen provided his answers.

 

Q: Do you think traditional sales will be completely replaced by online sales in the end ?

A: I do not think “traditional sales” will be replaced. I always say that very few nuclear plants are sold online and without interaction.

 

Q: If you don’t believe in the product you sell, how do you sell it?

A: One can do this with skill and luck, but in the longer run, it is challenging

 

Q: Does a perfect salesman exist, and if yes, how would it look like?

A: I believe they exist and once in a while one can be seen in everyone’s mirror. Perfect salesperson is someone who has been able to provide great value for all parties involved.

 

Q: How can you differ from the competitors, if they have a similar product?

A: Providing unique performance, service, solutions and having excellent personnel. Believing in what you do.

 

Q: What are the main attitudes of a salesman in your opinion?

A: I can a) do this, b) learn from this and c) master this

 

Q: What sales skills do you think are the most important in real life?

A: Awareness of culture, company, industry and macroeconomics

Knowledge of processes, products, customers and competition

Understanding relationships, interaction and negotiation competences,

Resilience, Self management and emotional intelligence

Active learning and listening of trends, new approaches and the “other guy”