ST. PETERSBURG – Sporting beach wear, tank tops and flip-flops, USF students in the Business Development Club took turns pitching the sale of surfboards and gift shop knick-knacks in a run-up to the collegiate sales competition season.
The “Selling by the Bay” event on Sept. 20 at the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance was a laid-back, beach-themed affair where students took turns playing the roles of buyer, seller, and judge in sales scenarios.
The one-day, student-led event gave new and experienced Muma College of Business students a chance to explore the fundamentals of sales in a hands-on environment.
“Students had the chance to learn how intercollegiate sales competitions work. The relaxed beach theme made the environment casual and comfortable for learning,” said Jay Civitillo, an assistant professor of instruction in the School of Marketing and Innovation and the club’s advisor.
Jay Civitillo
The role-playing event was held on the St. Petersburg campus. Students from the Tampa campus were bused in and after the activities, toured the campus. Nearly 40 students attended — more than three times the number from the previous year.
The laid-back, beach-themed atmosphere added to the event’s appeal. Rather than focusing on competition, Selling by the Bay emphasized learning and personal growth. Participants had the chance to develop their sales skills in a supportive setting, Civitillo said.
The sales scenarios reflected the local Tampa Bay culture, with students practicing how to sell beach-related products. Items like surfboards, beach clothing, and gift shop merchandise were at the center of the role-playing exercises.
Each participant was given one of three business cases to work on and had an hour to prepare. Students collaborated with peers selling similar products, helping each other practice and refine their sales pitches.
Once prepared, they took turns rotating through the different roles. As sellers, they presented their products; as buyers, they engaged in negotiations; and as judges, they provided feedback. This approach helped students understand all facets of the sales process, building both confidence and experience.
To further enhance the learning experience, representatives from KnowBe4, a leading cybersecurity company, provided coaching on sales techniques, helping students sharpen their approach to selling.
Selling by the Bay was designed to prepare students for future intercollegiate sales competitions. Students left with enhanced sales skills and a better understanding of the various roles involved in the sales process.
As the Business Development Club continues to grow, students can expect more opportunities to develop their skills in real-world scenarios, building a strong foundation for future success in sales and business development.