What is the distinction in terms of roles, between the internal sales force and the external sales force?

Traditionally, inside sales only involved those made over the telephone — telesales. But thanks to the Internet, inside sales now encompass those made via Skype, email, or any other cyber-communication methodology – as long as the salesperson is working from behind a desk. Forbes contributor Ken Krogue provides an updated term for it: remote sales.

Outside sales, meanwhile, are the exact opposite. The Department of Labor considers an employee an ‘outside salesperson’ if he or she makes sales outside the office, usually through face-to-face meetups with clients.