Blog Home
Sales Coaching
September 7, 2023
Nishit Asnani
Navigate the minefield of sales strategies with our comprehensive look at Inside Sales versus Field Sales. The digital age is changing the game, and we're here to help you kick it out of the park!

Grab your popcorn, folks. Because we’re delving into the blockbuster rivalry of the century: Inside Sales Vs. Field Sales. It's not quite Star Wars level, but trust us, it's got its moments.

But first things first - what are they? Simply put, Inside Sales reps are our phone-friendly, email-juggling, headset-rocking professionals who make sales remotely. Think of them as ninjas, strategically connecting with their callees - all without leaving their comfy, ergonomic chairs. On the other side of the ring, we have the Field Sales troops, mercilessly pounding the pavement and restaurant meals, charming clients in person. Experiencing sales in its rawest, most visceral form.

Traditionally, there’s been as much harmony between these two types as between a cat and a vacuum cleaner. You know, diplomatic discussions over who snagged the largest customer, or passive-aggressive emails about whose strategy brings the best ROI. Delightful, right?

Well, it's a good plot-twist to know that despite the obvious conflicts, Inside Sales and Field Sales can synergize wonderfully when they play nice. Just ask Bert from Accounting who's made peace with the photocopy machine. It's all about understanding and leveraging each other's strengths. Or better yet, selling while sipping coffee from your "World's Greatest Sales Team" mug.

Pros and Cons: Pitting Field Against Inside Sales

Before we get to throwing punches, let’s first evaluate each fighter in our great sales strategy showdown. And remember, we’re not here to create Mayweather Vs. McGregor level of tension. We’re just laying out the playing cards.

Ace up the sleeve for Inside Sales - reduced costs. Scaling your Inside Sales team is like a buy-one-get-one-free deal at your favorite sneaker shop. In other words, it's easier and more cost-effective to onboard, train, and sustain Inside Sales Reps. They don't require expensive travel or steak dinners to close deals. Plus, they've gotten really good at simulating "organic, facial expressions" on Zoom calls.

But what fun would it be without the adrenaline rush and the power of real face-to-face interactions? Field Sales provide the savoir-faire of personal connection that nostalgic clients crave. And, there’s nothing like a good old handshake.

There’s an art to both, like choosing between an action-packed Marvel movie or a heartwarming Pixar flick. But it's no secret. Choosing the right one hinges on your business needs, customer requirements, and which sales rep has the most appealing "radio voice."

Enter, The Dragon: Impact of the Digital Age

Just when you think you've chosen your winning team and grabbed your team jersey, the digital age forcefully makes its entrance in the game, as uninvited as an avocado seed in your guacamole.

The Digital Age sits on the Iron Throne, ruling the kingdoms of Inside Sales and Field Sales like a benevolent dictator. It brings a storm with much-needed reform, fostering flexibility, innovation, and some severe cases of tech addiction.

In the kingdom of Inside Sales, digitalization has been cracking open champagne, expanding the horizon. Stuck to your swivel chair? No more. Sales pitches are no longer confined to calls and emails. Tools for collaboration and organization, CRM solutions, and AI-powered sales assistants like Sybill, are automating time-consuming tasks while improving the quality of customer interactions. "Winter is Coming"? More like "Wins are Coming" for Inside Sales.

But what of our Field Sales warriors, you ask? Well, with great connectivity comes great versatility. The omnipresence of smartphones, data analytics, and real-time updates allow Field Sales reps to carry their office within their pockets. Yes, Dwight Schrute, it really is possible.

Digital Age is not a calamity, but rather a paradigm shift. A Game of Thrones-style plot twist that gives the Underdog a surprising edge while empowering the challenger even more.

Round Pegs in Square Holes: Choosing the Right Model for Your Business

At the end of all this bantering, how does one choose the right sales model for their business? Should you go with Wolverine's fierceness or Professor X's tactical approach? Just like picking between Hawkeye's accuracy and Thor's might, this isn't a synch.

For starters, evaluate your product or service. Is your product a complex technical system that needs hand-holding and a personal touch? Think Field Sales. Is it a simpler product that can be appropriately demoed and sold through a screen? It's Inside Sales calling!

Consider your audience - "Are they tech-savvy nomads or traditional handshakers?" And don't forget your team. Do they shine in the virtual sphere or do their best work in person?

Digitization comes with many boons and, dare we say, few banes. Both sales models can leverage tech to their advantage - turning inside sales reps into pioneers of efficient remote workings, while transforming field reps into mobile warriors of the sales realm.

And to make it easier, meet Sybill, your very own AI sales coach. Sybill's got your back, ensuring your CRM stays neat and clean, no matter how chaotic the sales battlefield gets. Plus, it doesn't need feeding, just a good WiFi connection. Here’s to marching forth into the Digital Age – onward, sales soldiers.

The Twisting Turns: Hybrid Sales Model, The Third Path

Just when you start considering packing your bags and fleeing to Mars because choosing between the two models is taking its toll on your sanity, a third option chuckles: "Ever heard about me?" Enter the Hybrid Sales Model.

Surviving in the sales world isn't just about evolving. It's about adapting. It's about straddling two horses simultaneously without falling (no sales reps were harmed in the making of this metaphor). The Hybrid Sales Model combines the best of both worlds, The Inside and The Field. It's like having the smarts of Tony Stark and the strength of The Hulk - all in one.

This flexible approach allows you to do exactly that. You aren't rigidly stuck to one sales process. Instead, you can lean into either direction as per the situation, the client, and market trends. However, keep in mind that managing a hybrid team requires clear communication rules and well-defined processes to prevent the infamous "who does what" logjam.

And guess what makes this easier? Yes, your guess is as good as mine. Our trusted friend, Sybill. Helping you avoid such jams and growing like the Hulk on a good day.

Conclusion

So here we are, at the end of our epic saga. We've danced around the definitions, pros and cons of Inside Sales and Field Sales. Watched how the digital age generously disrupts and then giveth back. We've timidly peeked into the nuances of choosing the right sales model for your business. And, last but not least, left you with the idea of a Hybrid Sales Model, something to mull over with your evening cuppa.

Remember, choosing your sales strategy should not be a somber affair. It's not about clinging to a sinking raft or choosing the last snack at the vending machine. Instead, it’s about finding the right mix tailored to your business needs, the characteristics of your team, and of course, your customers.

Meanwhile, let Sybill be your trusty AI sidekick, helping you maneuver these uncertain waters. They say two's company, but in this case, AI makes it a party.

So here's to making the hard choices, embracing the unexpected plot twists, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sales. Now let’s get out there, and as the much-loved legend, Michael Scott would say, '"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"- Wayne Gretzky'- Michael Scott.

Thanks for reading! You can
for more insights!
Table of Contents

Magic Summaries are accurate and absurdly human-like

Save 5+ hours/week with automatic meeting notes that you can reference while following up and enter into your system of record. The magic summary includes the meeting outcome, next steps, conversation starters, areas of interest, pain points, and much more.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.