National Team Selling Competition
2012 Competition
The Kelley School was busier than usual recently as the Center for Global Sales Leadership hosted the sixth annual National Team Selling Competition (NTSC). Teams from 21 schools filled the halls, breakout rooms and classrooms as they participated in the "Can't Beat the Experience" case competition, sponsored by Altria Group Distribution Company.
Jennifer Whaley, senior account manager with Altria, said the company was excited to sponsor and participate in the two-day competition again.
“We were thrilled to have 21 schools participate and were very impressed by the preparation of the students. Our goal continues to be to provide the students with a “real world” selling situation,” Whaley said. “The students continue to amaze us with the quality of their sales presentations and their ability to work as a team.”
The schools received the case two weeks in advance, allowing plenty of time for research and collaboration. This year's case involved developing a sales plan for a fictional GetFit health monitoring system to incorporate into company wellness programs. After a long day of sales meetings and presentations, students enjoyed networking time and an awards dinner hosted by the Kelley School.
“Our goal of the NTSC is to give sales students the opportunity to take classroom knowledge and experience and apply those skills in a selling situation that is realistic and relevant in today’s market,” said Rosann Spiro, executive director for the Center for Global Sales Leadership. “The NTSC provides a venue for sales students to compete with peers from other schools as well as demonstrate sales skills. We hope everyone found the case challenging and will learn from the team selling approach to sales.”
The University of Washington earned the top spot this year, walking away with bragging rights, individual and school trophies, and a $2,000 prize. Second place and $1,500 went to University of Toledo, and third place and $1,000 went to Baylor University. The Kelley School team of Global Sales Leadership Society members finished just out of the money this year in fourth place.
“The Indiana Team approached this competition as if it were the NCAA basketball finals,” said Kelley School professor Dick Canada. “They prepared, they practiced, they adapted and modified, and they played. And played well, I might add.”
Other schools participating included Ball State University, University of Cincinnati, Indiana State University, Florida A&M University, University of Florida, University of Kansas, Michigan State University, Northern Illinois University, Ohio University, University of Richmond, Syracuse University, Tuskegee University, St. Catherine University, Saint Mary's College, Penn State University, Purdue University, and University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Next year’s competition will be in early October. Details and the exact date will be posted at http://www.kelley.iu.edu/globalsales/.
Contact: Di Dingman, Kelley School of Business, ddingman@indiana.edu, 812-855-2521
Participating schools have been sent CDs containing photos from the competition.
