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Business to business refers to business that is conducted between companies, rather than between a company and individual consumers. Business to business stands in contrast to business to consumer B2C and business to government B2G transactions.
Finished products can then be sold to individuals via business-to-consumer transactions. In the context of communication, business to business refers to methods by which employees from different companies can connect with one another, such as through social media. This type of communication between the employees of two or more companies is called B2B communication. The internet provides a robust environment in which businesses can find out about products and services and lay the groundwork for future business-to-business transactions.
Company websites allow interested parties to learn about a business's products and services and initiate contact. Online product and supply exchange websites allow businesses to search for products and services and initiate procurement through e-procurement interfaces. Samsung, for example, is one of Apple's largest suppliers in the production of the iPhone. B2B transactions are also the backbone of the automobile industry. Many vehicle components are manufactured independently, and auto manufacturers purchase these parts to assemble automobiles.
Tires, batteries, electronics, hoses and door locks, for example, are usually manufactured by various companies and sold directly to automobile manufacturers.
Companies specializing in property management, housekeeping and industrial cleanup, for example, often sell these services exclusively to other businesses, rather than individual consumers. Business-to-business transactions require planning to be successful. Business-to-business relationships must also be nurtured, typically through professional interactions prior to sales, for successful transactions to take place.
Traditional marketing practices also help businesses connect with business clients. Instead, it needs to brand itself very broadly through email, corporate image and technical specifications to a very specific customer. Business marketers can develop and decide how to employ their B2B plan by identifying and understanding the importance of the following topics:.
A B2B career requires marketers to not only have a marketing background, but also a firm understanding of business. B2B marketers are often creative-minded individuals who are comfortable working with numbers, statistics, and outcomes.
Marketing managers have the knowledge and training to manage and effectively strategize a B2B campaign. They have gained the marketing knowledge and managerial skills needed to hone in on the specific needs of a niche or industry, and market their product or service effectively to fit those needs. Professionals in the marketing field should have strong communications skills, but in B2B positions, marketing managers also need a background in economics and business.
This way, they can more effectively market to experts in business and government. Most marketing managers hold at least a bachelor's degree in marketing or a related major like business, advertising, accounting, economics, mathematics, or statistics. Marketing managers generally begin in entry-level marketing positions and work their way up the career ladder. They are the ones who develop and maintain relationships with potential clients.
As such, a B2B sales rep should have strong communication skills and be able to connect with a variety of people. They need to have an interest and talent in sales, negotiation and decision making. Generally, it is a role that also requires years of experience in the B2B sales environment.
This position is usually in charge of communicating with a variety of people to set up tradeshows, webinars and other events, as well as help produce written marketing materials, client lists and email campaigns. Marketing coordinators need to feel comfortable with statistics, analytics and quality assurance since they are generally responsible for the behind-the-scenes organization of an entire B2B campaign.
They should also have good communication and writing skills, since they will be emailing and telephoning a variety of contacts to set up events and promotions. They should have excellent time management and organizational skills, and should be able to manage multiple projects on tight deadlines. A degree in marketing can lead you to a career in a variety of positions and fields, including B2B. Knowledgeable marketing experts are the key to developing a B2B strategy that fulfills the ultimate goal of getting the product or service sold to the right people.
See also B2B Product Manager. Earning a degree in marketing exposes students to the functions of advertising and selling, as well as background in strategic business function, statistics and analytics.
This gives students the expertise to figure out what consumers and businesses are looking for, and the skills to produce and deliver it to them in an efficient and pleasing manner. Marketing programs place importance on the four pieces critical for B2B success: They also generally impart skills in math, statistics, business and behavior, as well as advertising principles.
Students also learn more specific skills, like how to conduct market research and analyze consumer data. It is important to understand the broad business perspective required for success in the marketing field. Because B2B marketing is so closely integrated with the principles of business, it may be advisable to also earn a minor in business, or at least take some business courses as part of your marketing education. This extra experience with economics and business principles can better prepare you for building long-lasting relationships with other businesses.
If you want to learn more about how a marketing degree can help you build a successful B2B marketing career, request information from schools offering marketing degrees today. Home About Us Contact Us. B-to-B Marketing Guide In this article Who employs B2B Marketing? What kinds of customers are effectively marketed to with B2B Marketing? How is a B2B marketing plan developed and employed? What types of careers work with B2B Marketing strategies?