Responsibilities As an IT sales professional, you'll need to: • speak to customers, either face to face or over the phone • gain an understanding of customers' diverse and specific business needs and apply product knowledge to meet them • ensure quality of service by developing a thorough and detailed knowledge of technical specifications and other features of employers' systems and processes, and then documenting them • carry out cold-calling in order to create interest in products and services, generate new business leads and arrange meetings • identify and develop new business through networking and follow-up courtesy calls • prepare and deliver presentations and demonstrations of software to customers • market and promote a portfolio of products by writing and designing sales literature and attending industry events • maintain awareness and keep abreast of constantly changing software and hardware systems and peripherals (e.g. keyboard and mouse) • develop effective sales plans using sales methodology • provide technical advice to customers on all aspects of the installation and use of computer systems and networks, both before and after the sale • advise on software features and how they can be applied to assist in a variety of contexts such as accounting, manufacturing or other specialist areas • meet sales targets set by managers and contribute to team targets • network with existing customers in order to maintain links and promote additional products and upgrades • handle hardware or software problems and faults, referring on to specialist technical colleagues where appropriate • respond to tender documents, proposals, reports and supporting literature • manage workload in order to organise and prioritise daily and weekly goals • contribute to team or progress meetings to update and inform colleagues.