If you think Sales and Marketing Apprenticeships involve the shenanigans that occur in ‘Wolf Of Wall Street’ then think again. Jordan Belfort does however have an even more important lesson of how badly things can go when we forget that the purpose of business is to provide value for our customers. Belfort even said ‘People tend to give up. If you have persistence, you will come out ahead of most people. More importantly, you will live. When you do something, you might fail. But that’s not because you’re a failure. Because you have not learned enough. Do it differently each time. One day, you will do it right. Failure is your friend.”

So how can you avoid being an Apprenticeship Wolf in Entrepreneur's Clothing?

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. As long as you can provide a positive rapport between the client and yourself. Show a willingness and genuine urge to help them then you won’t go far wrong.

Sales is one of the most in demand professional sectors in the UK, and there are many more roles where selling skills are an essential part of the job. Sales apprenticeships are designed for those who want to make the ideal start to their sales career, or current workers who want to enhance their selling abilities. You will gain confidence selling via inbound, outbound calls, or in person. An apprenticeship is a great way to develop experience, and you will gain fundamental skills on the job with guidance from your colleagues and tutor.

This apprenticeship will also develop your knowledge in:

1. Generating and qualifying sales leads
2. Buyer behaviour
3. Communicating information and knowledge
4. Meeting customers’ after sales needs
5. Time planning
6. Accessing sales data in information systems

As a marketing apprentice your job is never done. It’s about perpetual motion. You must continue to innovate everyday. Marketing is a creative industry that is essential to commercial success. Its concerned with finding the wants and needs of people, developing a product and service that meets that need.

What can you do in the Sales and Marketing Sector?

Marketing Apprentices aim to maximise profits through developing sales strategies that match customer requirements and by promoting products, services or ideas. Marketing involves several different sectors. Direct marketing is communicating directly with the consumers via emails, in person or over the phone. Market research is another route, this is gathering and analysing information on customers, competitors and the market. Public relation is about how the public perceive the company. You will be responsible in assisting your colleagues by:

1. Analysing and investigating price, demand and competition
2. Devising and presenting ideas and strategies
3. Promotional activities
4. Compiling and distributing financial and statistical information
5. Writing reports
6. Organising events and product exhibitions
7. Monitoring performance
8. Managing campaigns on social media