Is June 2006 considered vintage? No? Okay, well this post from Seth Godin is still relevant and a good read for sales and marketing people. Because while the two jobs are closely related, we often work independently of each other—and when we come together, it can be a little terse.

I think the key to staying on the same page starts with understanding each other's roles and objectives. Here are two of my favorite bits from Godin's post:

[From the sales perspective]: Selling is interpersonal. I am not moving bits, I'm trying to change people's minds, one person at a time. So, no, I can't tell you when the sale will close. No one knows, especially the prospect.

[From the marketing perspective]: [...] If you're going to be in sales, you've got to be prepared to measure and predict and plan. You need to give me sales reports and call lists and summaries. It does neither of us any good to keep your day a secret. If you don't plan and organize, I can't do my job of marketing.

It all comes down to communication. Which is a lot easier said than done. But I like to believe the pre-school adage: sharing is caring. The more you share with each other, the greater success you will have. And who knows, you might start liking each other a whole lot more too. :)