Moody College of Business Hosts 9th Annual Sales Competition

B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration hosted its 9th Annual Sales Competition. Undergraduate students from the business colleges at UL Lafayette, Louisiana State University, Nicholls State University, and Southeastern Louisiana participated in the professional selling role-play competition held in the Moody College of Business Northwestern Mutual Sales and Research Lab.

Christopher Reggie, a marketing major from UL Lafayette, placed first. Lauren Olivier, a marketing major from Louisiana State University, placed second. Austin Wade, a marketing major from UL Lafayette, placed third. First place university sales team was UL Lafayette.

Students were given a sales scenario and had to present themselves and a software product to representatives from local companies who posed as potential customers. The students had to listen to the customer’s needs, address questions, overcome objections, and ultimately complete the sale within a 20 minute time limit. More than 45 local sales professionals observed and judged participants on over two dozen sales technique factors including effective communication and use of visual aids. The sales presentations were watched by judges and the general audience via live video feed.

“Hosting the annual sales competition provides a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their talents,” said Dr. Brent Baker, Assistant Professor of Marketing and coordinator of the Northwestern Mutual Sales and Research Lab. “Professional selling programs at the collegiate level are a community and we look forward to continued collaboration with other universities.”

The event also featured a networking hour where students met with local sales professionals.

Event sponsors included Stuller, KLFY TV 10, Louisiana Association of Broadcasters, Northwestern Mutual, Cintas, Home Furniture, Paycom, and Fastenal.

UL Lafayette Moody College of Business offers a minor and a concentration in Professional Sales. Courses include sales management, business to business, personal selling, and advanced professional selling. Students utilize the Northwestern Mutual Sales and Research Lab to develop their presentation, negotiation, and relationship management skills.

(l-r) Lauren Olivier, Christopher Reggie, Austin Wade

UL Lafayette B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration, LSU, Nicholls State University, and Southeastern State University sales teams