“Managing the funnel,” “mastering an elevator pitch,” prospecting and qualifying, building the proposal and sealing the deal were among the topics discussed at the Unified Group’s Sept. 17-20 sales forum in Chicago.

The Gustave A. Larson Co. announced its 2016 sales representative award winners during a gathering for the 28th anniversary of its supplier evaluation program, Partners in Excellence and Quality.

Aren’t sales and marketing the same? No.

Marketing is a method by which sales opportunities are created. Marketing can bring you the leads, but if you can’t close them, what’s the point?