Final answer:
Outside order-getting salespeople are responsible for a range of tasks including prospecting, maintaining customer relationships, developing solutions, and closing sales. They often travel and meet with clients face-to-face, aiming to build long-term relationships for sustainable sales.
Step-by-step explanation:
Outside order-getting salespeople spend their time engaging in a variety of activities that extend beyond simple sales transactions. They often focus on activities such as prospecting new clients, maintaining relationships with existing customers, understanding customer needs, developing tailored solutions, providing product demonstrations, negotiating sales terms, and closing deals. These sales professionals spend a considerable amount of time traveling, conducting face-to-face meetings, and staying informed about industry trends as well as their product offerings. Their success is not just measured by immediate sales but also by building a sustainable customer base and forging long-term relationships that can lead to repeat business and referrals.
For example, the task of improving the system of lining up to pay at a fast food restaurant required a manager to listen to customer complaints, consult with clerical staff, take decisive action, and ultimately streamline the process to the benefit of both customers and staff, much like a salesperson would work to understand and solve a client's problem.