How Communication Plays a Role in Sales

I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Communications from Texas Tech University in 2013. I originally planned on a marketing career path, but sometimes the good Lord has a different plan for your life.

I worked as a marketing intern at a local nonprofit organization, then got my first job out of college as the Director of Marketing at Chick-fil-A. I realized within my first post-graduate year that marketing wasn’t quite the career path to take. I left Chick-fil-A and worked for the College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources at Texas Tech University in the Development & Alumni Relations department. I then worked in nonprofit again after CASNR and realized nonprofit wasn’t quite my niche.

During those times at CASNR and the Ronald McDonald House Charities, I made contacts through business in which led me to the position I hold as a professional today. I had several people tell me, “Katy, you need to do sales! You would do so well at that!” In fact, ever since I was a kid, people always told me I was a great communicator and sales would be the perfect fit for me. So I stumbled across a sales position at PPS-Plains Presort Services and was offered a position as a Sales Representative. I have always been scared of sales because a typical sales job is commission-based only, so I took a leap of faith and accepted the position at Plains Presort Services.

Plains Presort Services is a printing and mailing company. We work closely with marketing departments to produce and process bulk mail and direct mail campaigns, so having my communications and marketing background helps when I meet with marketing representatives. I brainstorm ideas and put my ideas into words using unique marketing techniques. Communication plays a huge role in sales when you’re pitching a sales pitch with a warm lead. The key to success is relationships; communicate with everyone as if you’re meeting a new friend or treat them as if they are a longtime friend if they’re current customers.

Since May 2017, I joined AWC as a member and this year I will be serving as the Vice President of Programs for our Lubbock Chapter. This professional women’s group has been very beneficial for my growth in business and communication skills. I look forward to serving next to our President this upcoming term to bring in influential speakers that will bring in a fresh perspective on other aspects of communications in different industries.  AWC has been a major impact for my career. I’ve met some amazing mentors from this group of women who have guided me as a young professional to teach me ways to improve my communication skills in life and in my profession.

About the Author

Katy Jo McCasland is a Sales Representative for Plains Presort Services since 2017 in Lubbock, TX. She builds relationships with existing clients and creates new relationships while networking and being involved with the community in addition to selling her PPS services. She serves as a Lubbock Chamber Ambassador and Vice President of Programs in AWC.  She has previously worked in marketing, nonprofit and development assisting in fundraising events for donor relations. Katy Jo earned a degree in Agricultural Communications from Texas Tech University, graduating in 2013. Her given nickname by her mother and friends is “Miss Brightside” because she is always positive and happy. She enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, family, friends and her golden-doodle named Layla Belle. She also enjoys journaling, collecting antique teacups, baking, fishing, traveling and volunteering at her church.