Question

Select two of the major roles that personal selling serves in a firm's overall marketing effort.

A. a creative way to produce more effective advertising
B. a way to link a firm's supply chain intermediaries with the customer
C. the only personal contact a customer may have with the firm
D. a means to satisfy the needs of both buyers and the firm in an exchange

Answer 1

The correct answer is option B. a way to link a firm's supply chain intermediaries with the customer

Step-by-step explanation:

Within a firm's overall marketing effort, personal selling fulfills several key roles. When considering its significance, we focus on its ability to establish relationships and facilitate transactions that are mutually beneficial to both the firm and the consumer. Two of the major roles that personal selling serves are:

• Linking supply chain intermediaries with the customer: Personal selling acts as a critical point of contact in the supply chain. It ensures that the flow of information and understanding of customer needs is effectively transmitted back to the firm.
• Satisfying the needs of buyers and the firm: Through personal selling, sales representatives can tailor their approach to meet the specific needs of the customer, while also ensuring that the firm achieves its sales and profit targets through effective exchange.

While advertising has a broad impact on market perception of goods and services, personal selling offers a direct and interactive approach that can lead to more immediate and individualized results. Through personal selling, a business can strengthen customer relationships, tailor solutions to customer needs, and ensure a clear understanding of the value proposition being offered.