The Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM) was founded in 1911 to “promote standards of excellence in sales and sales management and to enhance the status and profile of sales as a profession” in the UK. Located in Bedfordshire, the organisation is the leading voice of authority on practice and performance, ethics and expectations for sales professionals. Corporate members who validate the standards of practice set forth my ISMM include such notable organisations as Virgin Mobile, Microsoft and KPMG.
There are nineteen (19) levels of professional accreditation which can be earned from The Institute of Sales and Marketing Management. The level one award is equivalent to a certification at the GCSE (grades D-G) while the senior most accreditation levels are after completion of the Executive Diploma. Level six (6) of the Executive curriculum is understood to be closely equivalent to a Masters Degree. These qualifications are governed, regulated and peer reviewed to ensure relevancy of course content and core skills enhancement.
Benefits to ISMM Accreditation
Are there any benefits to hiring a sales professional who has attained ISMM Accreditation? Absolutely. The affiliation with ISMM provides a nationally recognised quality assurance check of the skills, enhancement and development of its members. In terms of recognition, all ISMM accredited members are permitted to use the ISMM logo on communications, business cards and other promotional or marketing materials. That privilege creates a profound benefit by establishing a sense of credibility and authority within the sales profession. A stamp of approval from a business authority that clients both recognise and value.
As with most professional occupations, there is an impetus for certified sales personnel to engage in continuing education that hones existing skills and develops new ones that help to keep him or her at pace with changes in methods and approach. Members of The Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM) are exposed to a structured curriculum of programs and courses which provide levels of advancement and instills an expectation of performance and continual professional development.
The Institute of Sales and Marketing Management hosts more than fifty events annually with keynote speakers including “Business Success Seminars” as well as the advanced level “Executive Forums” which provide not only learning but opportunities to network with other sales professionals. One of the most exciting events of the year for the profession is of course the British Excellence in Sales & Marketing Awards (BESMA).
There is a distinct advantage to hiring sales professionals who are ISMM members. The result is an engaged sales person who is well networked within the profession and in participating actively to convey the quality and ethics that are the new standard in Business to Business (B2B) marketing. While not every member of your sales team may be accredited you may consider it to be a definite advantage when recruiting new talented professionals for your staff. You may wish to encourage your existing sales force to seek out accreditation with The Institute of Sales and Marketing Management to further their skills and opportunities within the profession.