Elon senior wins BSU Regional Sales Competition

Elon Sales Team member Shakori Fletcher '16 took first place at the mock sales role play competition hosted by Ball State University.

Shakori Fletcher ’16 placed first in the BSU Regional Sales Competition held Oct. 16 at Ball State University.

The competition involved 20-minute mock sales call role plays that were judged by industry sales leaders. Students were evaluated on the approach, assessment of the situation, presentation, handling objections, close and overall impression during the sales call. Following the role plays, judges provided individual feedback to the competitors.

“Since the judges delivered feedback after each round, it was a great opportunity not only to learn ways to improve, but to also get to know the professionals on a personal level,” said Fletcher, a native of Grayson, Ga. “My favorite part of the experience was networking with the professionals.”

Sam Ackerman ’16, an entrepreneurship major and professional sales minor, and Cole Krajeski ’17, a management major and professional sales minor, also represented Elon in the competition. The Elon Sales Team was coached by Assistant Professors of Marketing Erin Gillespie and Alisha Horky and supported by the Chandler Family Professional Sales Center.

In addition to Elon, sales talent from Baylor University, Central Michigan University, Purdue University, Illinois State University, University of Cincinnati, Middle Tennessee State University, Indiana University, Youngstown State University and Ball State University participated in the competition.

“Sales competitions provide a unique opportunity to obtain simulated real-world sales experience while still an undergraduate student, which is incredibly valuable as it allows you to be one step ahead in preparation for a career in sales,” said Fletcher, a broadcast and new media major and professional sales and statistics double minor.

Fletcher hopes to combine her interests in media, technology, business and sales in her future professional career. She has previously served as an inside sales intern for EMC Corporation, a fellow with the International Radio and Television Society Foundation and an ad sales intern for NBC Universal. In 2014, she was named the first runner-up in the Great Northwoods Sales Warm-Up Challenge.