Montreal was publicly financed. LA was privately financed, and prohibited from using tax dollars. Organizers focused on boosting revenue from marketing and sales sponsorships, then closely managing expenses.
There are many people who argue that since 1984, marketing and sales sponsorships have tarnished the Olympic spirit. But you probably won't find that argument among the athletes who benefited from LA's $215 million in profit, most of which was invested in sports development programs. Canadian taxpayers won't be quick to make that argument, either, after having to pay off bonds for the Montreal Olympics for 25 years.
Marketing and sales, done right, are two of the most powerful skills in business administration. You can hone these skills and launch a career with an associate, undergraduate,or graduate degree program from the right school. Here's a quick comparison of the two fields and how they differ:
Marketing: Setting the Hook
In marketing management, you set your firm's marketing strategy.- Determine the demand for your product or service.
- Identify and segment potential markets.
- Develop a pricing strategy that maximizes market share and profit while keeping customers happy.
- Collaborate with other members of management in monitoring trends and operations and developing new product ideas.
- Work with advertising and promotion managers to drive demand and attract new customers.
Sales: Reeling in the Deals
A sales force goes out to solve customer needs and fulfill the demand that effective marketing helps to generate. In sales you might- Be assigned a sales territory, with goals or quotas to fulfill,
- Cold-call new customers, and increase business with existing ones,
- Be a problem solver and consultant to customers,
- Compete for, negotiate and close deals,
- Coordinate customer service management,
- Manage distributors or dealers,
- Assist in analyzing sales statistics, determining sales potential, and monitoring customer preferences and inventory requirements.
