Smith wins Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED) Outbound Sales Competition

One of Top Three Finishers to Represent Montana State University at National Competition in the Spring

Bozeman, Mont. - Oct. 2023- Kylie Smith, a senior Marketing Major from Spokane, Wash., won the Outbound Sales Competition, sponsored by Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED) and presented by the American Marketing Association at Montana State University on Thursday, Oct. 12th, in Jabs Hall.

“This was my first time competing in a sales competition so I was a little nervous going into it, but I was able to prepare myself well and answer all the client's objections confidently,” said Smith. “I was very excited to hear that I won. It was not something that I expected to win, but I am glad to have this opportunity to boost my knowledge and experience in sales.”

The day before the competition, all participants were given a sales call scenario in which they were a sales representative from Sherwin Williams. Over a three-minute call, participants attempted to secure an in-person sales meeting with a potential client. There were four judges on the panel, scoring participants on their approach, elevator pitch, handling of objectives, communication effectiveness, and closing to secure the appointment.

“We are always happy to sponsor and participate in the AMA Outbound Sales Competition,” said Frank Jacobs, General Manager at Consolidated Electrical Distributors. “Competitions like these help students with their overall sales confidence and problem-solving skills. It is amazing to see all the different approaches students take regarding the scenario.”

The top three finishers were :

● First Place - Kylie Smith

● Second Place - Deanna Dalton

● Third Place (tie) - Sophie Millington and Lucas Solanik

Smith will receive a $500 reward that will help fund her trip to the AMA International Collegiate

Conference in New Orleans from April 11-13th. Being the winner, Smith has the opportunity to compete in the first round of the AMA Collegiate National Outbound Sales Competition. During the first round of the competition, the participant makes an appointment-setting, 3-minute phone call attempting to secure an agreement for a follow-up conversation. In the Final (second) Round, participants compete in a discovery call via Zoom. In the Zoom call participants conduct a Needs Assessment attempting to secure a verbal commitment to a deal-closing meeting. 10-15% of participants will advance to the final round. The date for this competition is to be determined and the winners will be announced at the 2024 AMA International Collegiate Conference.

The American Marketing Association is the student-led chapter of the AMA at Montana State University. AMA’s mission is to prepare students for their professional careers through experiences that inspire students to cultivate strong networks, personal growth, and ethical leadership with a community-oriented focus. Membership is available to all students and majors.

For more information about AMA at Montana State University or membership please visit the following website: http://www.amamontanastate.org/

Montana State AMA Contacts:

Isabella Caputo

VP of Communications, AMA

communications.msu.ama@gmail.com

Dr. Eric Van Steenburg

Faculty Advisor, AMA

eric.vansteenburg@montana.edu

frank@cedbozeman.com