NO, I don not agree with this quote..

It is true that field sales gives a real time experience of the market and the ups and downs of the same, but it is not the necessary criteria for becoming a good sales guy, if if you have that experience with you, then it is like an additional benefit cause you know how to survive when you are provided with a market to map and pin out the prospects from it to convert them as your clients.

More over it also helps in building a strong relationship with people.. but due to this we cannot say that those who haven't done that don't know anything about sales.. It is a legendary thing according to me to convince a client, to introduce him about the services, to show him the benefits and make him believe in you.. WITHOUT EVEN MEETING PERSONALLY..

CHEERS

To a great extent i would agree Field sales experience is necessary to become a true sales professional because sales is a relationship oriented job and best relationship are built when you meet people personally and pursue them to use your products and services. In inside sales since you have to talk on phone and email..some times you loose on that extra warmth.

One more advantage of field sales is you have tremendous market knowledge which helps in beating competition. In field sales you develop a very special attribute which is very successful in Indian context which is "jugad".

These are some of the reasons why Field sales people have edge over inside sales.

I heard people saying- you are not a true sales professional unless you have a field sales experience , Do you agree with this statement. If no why?