Breaking news, there is more than just a top to the sales funnel... there's a bottom too!

The Missing Link
The Internet truly has lead to a new way in which people consume, and thus has lead to a new era in how we market to the online consumer. However, I feel a huge component has been lost in translation. We've forgotten about the end of the funnel... the SALE! We can generate all the leads we want with inbound marketing; adding and adding and adding to the top of the funnel, but what good are any of these leads if we don't get them through to the bottom of the funnel. In the end, it still comes down to having to close the deal and make the sale.

When it comes down to running a business, the bottom line to keeping a business on it's feet is the sale right? The sale is what brings in the "cha ching," and without it your business is dead.

The Take-Away
Marketing and sales work hand in hand and must align. You can't talk about inbound marketing without talking about sales. It can be said that Inbound marketing has made acquiring more leads easier, quicker, more automated, and cheaper, but however you want to say it, it's still just the means. You can't forget about the end goal; You still have to close deals, and thus you can't forget about the bottom of the funnel.

What is your demand generation requirement to meet your sales goals? Ask yourself how many people you must meet to reach these goals, and then use marketing in combination (traditional, inbound, direct selling) to work backwards from here; Because remember, Inbound marketing is only the topside of the equation.

Start closing more sales today!