From the personal selling perspective, there have been many changes in the role of the
salesperson over the past decade. One aspect that drives numerous changes is the development
of various forms of social media and web–based portals. Complete a quick search and identify
at least three different changes within the personal selling arena that have occurred because of
either social media or web–based portals. Describe each and state the long-term impact on
personal selling as a profession. As an example, one of the newest aspects involves reverse
auction hubs. Make sure to provide the sources of your information.
Salespeople have been a vital part of the success of businesses for many decades. They
obviously “sell” a product or service through response, trade, missionary, technical, and creative
selling (Winer, 2011, p. 381). Sales has changed dramatically over the last decade due to the
popularity of the internet. With the explosion of social media and the web-based portals,
businesses are utilizing these modes of communication to educate, promote and sell their
products. Sales has changed as now information is readily available, businesses can connect and
create relationships easier, and influencers are now part of the business sales team.
The web allows the business to advertise, educate, and promote their products or services
with the touch of a mouse. In the past customers gathered information from the salesperson and
