The Job Description of an Internet Sales Manager
An Internet sales manager's main job involves carrying out promotional and sales activities for the organization on the Internet. They provide relevant information online for prospective clients, and direct clients and other relevant stakeholders to the necessary resources. Internet sales managers also communicate and carry out various activities on the Internet, depending on the organization they are working for. They carry out their activities through social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, blogs and microsites.
Education
An Internet sales manager requires a college diploma or bachelor's degree in a business-related field, sales, marketing or computer science. A diploma in Web design is also a plus. A degree in MBA will be advantageous. Sales seminars by consultants or short courses on Internet marketing by industry associations is acceptable.
Responsibilities
An Internet sales manager coordinates Internet sales activities and works hand in hand with other departments within the organization. He also sets sales goals and ensures they are achieved apart from preparing sales forecasts. He prepares the sales budget and ensures that the budget is adhered to and makes projections of Internet sales revenues. His responsibility also includes managing the company's website to ensure that customer and sales efficiency is improved online. Internet sales managers provide updated information online. He will also be required to research on the Internet and form partnerships or links with other stakeholders on the Internet such as the webmaster and other website owners.
Key Competencies
An Internet sales manager should have Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) competency. It is important that the Internet sales manager have a good familiarity about the Internet. Knowledge of basic HTML or Web design skills is an added advantage especially in Dreamweaver and Photoshop. Knowledge of computer applications such as Microsoft Office, Access and Powerpoint is also necessary.
Desirable Skills
An Internet sales manager should also have good communication skills, be self-confident, have ability to work independently, be self-disciplined and have strong persuasive skills. He should have a passion for the Internet and should have an interest to stay updated on the latest online developments. Good customer service skills are also an advantage. An Internet sales manager should also be able to work in a fast-paced technological environment.
Compensation
Internet sales managers usually earn a base salary plus commissions. Some organizations even provide a benefits package. The compensation will even get better through to 2016 as more companies are seeking to hire Internet sales managers. Sales managers for technological, scientific and professional fields generally earn higher salaries than Internet sales managers in other fields. The median salary for sales managers in all fields was $94,910 as of 2006, according to GetDegrees.com.
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