The Elon Sales Team competed in the speed selling and role-play events during Florida State University’s competition.
Sales team members Joseph Byrd ’23, Bennett Flynn ’23, Ben Morreale ’23 and Jack St. Pierre ’22 represented Elon in the 2021 International Collegiate Sales Competition (ICSC) hosted by Florida State University.
More than 80 students from universities around the world participated in this year’s competition, held virtually Nov. 9 through Nov. 13.
Byrd, a finance and marketing double major, and St. Pierre, a marketing major, competed in the role-play event, which simulated a sales meeting with Virgin Voyages about the ReliaQuest platform.
During the speed spelling event, Flynn, a finance major, and Morreale, an economic consulting major, pitched to five companies to get an appointment for a job or internship. Their elevator speeches included what skills and knowledge they can bring to each company.
“I was glad to refine my sales skills, but what impressed me most was the connections I was able to make,” Morreale said about his ICSC experience. “Joining the Elon Sales Team gave me a lot more confidence as I near my professional career after college. Seeing the kind of people these companies want helps me understand what the best version of myself can be.”
“Being a part of this experience allows you to connect with some of the biggest Fortune names in the industry,” St. Pierre added. “As a senior seeking post-graduation employment, the sales team has not only allowed me to become more professional and skilled in this field but also put my foot in the door in multiple companies I’m still in contact with since the competition.”
The Elon Sales Team received support from the Chandler Family Professional Sales Center and coaching by marketing professors Chris Nelson, George Talbert and Rob Elbitar.
“Before joining the sales team and competing at ICSC my understanding of sales was average at best,” Byrd explained. “My experience over the past months has shown me how interactive, personal and adaptive sales really is. A good salesperson is not a pushy peddler who loves commission, but rather someone who genuinely loves people. I’m grateful to be at a university that prizes this definition of sales and provides opportunities like ICSC to see it in action.”