IT Marketing

An IT marketing professional is involved in the promotion and sales of hardware, software and/or information technology services.
This may include advertising, promotions, providing information and product specifications to potential customers and demonstrating how the product features will fulfill their needs.
You may then need to negotiate a sale of the product. After sale, the IT marketing professional will need to ensure provision of technical support, solve problems, and any other support necessary to keep the customers happy. 

The IT sales role can involve lots of contact with clients, and requires communication skills, and an ability to understand the client’s requirements and determine the best solution for them.

Opportunities

The IT industry is a critical part of todays world, and virtually every business and household will have IT requirements of some type. It is up to the IT marketing professional to identify and address individual IT requirements. The IT sales professional may work on a consultancy basis for themselves, or on behalf of an IT company. If they are employed, they may be paid a salary, or they may be paid a commission on their sales.

Creating a customer base will be a big part of the IT sales professional’s role. Networking and following up on leads will be important. Cold calling prospective customers may also be required.

Risks and challenges

The IT industry is constantly changing, so the IT sales professional will need to stay abreast of any new developments.

The IT marketing professional may be required to deal with stressed customers when problems arise. They will need to develop skills to deal with emotional customers.

Work can be competitive as there are a range of different products on the market. The IT sales professional will need to have the ability to develop rapport with customers in order to retain their business.

How to become an IT Marketing Professional

Most people who get into IT do so because of a strong interest in the industry. The ability to promote and sell is possibly more important than a knowledge of IT.

Many IT sales professionals will develop skills to a certain level through their own personal experience with computers, then learn sales on the job.

As with most IT jobs, an understanding of up to date hardware and software can be a big advantage.
Studying a short course, diploma or certificate can be a big advantage, but it is equally important to build contacts within industry, and stay connected after graduating.

To get started, you need to take a holistic approach. Get yourself some training and experience -both are important! Develop your abilities in marketing even if it isn't in the IT industry; and even if it is as basic as working as a sales assistant in a low paid job. Any sort of experience is better than no experience at all!

For an IT sales professional role, it may well be that a vocational course would be sufficient as it is a combination of competent IT skills and exceptional personal attributes that will create a successful IT sales professional (rather than just exceptional IT skills).