Digital marketing outreach might help your organization attain its sales goals. A good digital presence is crucial since 78% of internet users investigate products online. Companies would do almost everything to gain a competitive edge. Now, lawmakers are imposing strict online advertising and sales regulations on corporations. You can hire LinkedIn Marketing Agency to help you in this matter. The GDPR is the latest example. Don't worry—this guide will explain how GDPR affects B2B marketing and sales. Read on for more. 

What is GDPR?

On May 25, 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) took effect, affecting businesses and organizations in EU member states and the European Economic Area. 

 Data privacy laws like the GDPR can benefit B2B and B2C interactions. Being trustworthy, respectful of privacy, and focused on customers' and partners' needs is always a competitive advantage. 

The GDPR protects what? 

GDPR's main purpose is to protect EU residents' data and give them more control over it. Extraterritorial GDPR applies to any organization that processes EU residents' data, regardless of location. 

The regulation covers personal data gathering and use on websites, mobile apps, and other properties. It covers corporations doing business with each other and consumers. Do GDPR rules safeguard B2B data? Absolutely. Organizations must secure and comply with personal data regardless of business relationship or data use.

GDPR noncompliance: what happens?

GDPR compliance is essential if you do business in the EU. GDPR violations carry hefty fines. 

The worst GDPR violations can result in fines of: 

20M Euros 

4% of firm global turnover 

We'll punish minor offenses sternly. These will cost the greater of: 

ten million euros 

2% of firm global turnover 

GDPR noncompliance costs reputation. Corporations' data collection practices are becoming more visible to consumers. Businesses could swiftly lose customers and reputations if they violate consumer protection rules.

Why B2B Sales Matter for GDPR Compliance for Your Business?

Understanding how the GDPR affects B2B sales is vital. GDPR violations can lead to fines and reputational harm.

1. Define Personal Data 

GDPR relates to B2B personal data processing. Personal data includes any information that identifies an individual. This includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, job titles, and other personal data. 

2. Legal Basis for Processing: 

Personal data processing by B2B enterprises must comply with GDPR. B2B sales require justifiable interest, contractual need, and consent. Legitimate interest allows corporate use of personal data without violating rights. 

3. Disclosure, Consent: 

Transparency is key in B2B transactions without consent. Inform prospects and clients of how you will use their data and rights. Please supply details when asked. 

GDPR B2B sales compliance

1. Teach your team. 

Make sure salespeople understand GDPR. Train extensively on the regulation's core principles, such as legitimate processing, data minimization, and individual rights. Let your team understand and manage personal data with authorization and security.

2. Evaluate Data Collection and Processing: 

Check your data collection and processing. Discover where your B2B sales processes collect, store, and share personal data. GDPR requires changes to privacy policies, authorization forms, and data protection agreements. Clearly explain how we'll use, store, and share personal data. 

3. DPIA. 

A DPIA can discover privacy problems for sophisticated or risky processing procedures. This assessment reduces risks, follows GDPR, and promotes B2B sales responsibility. Present and document DPIA findings and actions. 

4. Secure networks and IT systems: 

Technical and organizational approaches protect personal data from unauthorized access, loss, and destruction. Examples include encryption, access controls, firewalls, and security audits. You should constantly upgrade and patch software and systems to fix vulnerabilities. Hire a data protection officer or cybersecurity expert to protect your IT. 

5 B2B Sales Customer Data Storage and Security Tips

The digital age requires B2B sales organizations to preserve and secure customer data appropriately. It ensures data, develops trust, respects rules, and boosts corporate credibility. B2B sales organizations may protect customer data using these methods. 

1. Strengthen Data Security: 

B2B sales organizations must prioritize data security with encryption, privacy, firewalls, and secure servers. This safeguards client data from cyberattacks. To remain ahead of security threats, conduct frequent security audits and updates. 

2. Teach Workers: 

Employees are vital to data security. B2B salespeople should learn about strong passwords, phishing, and data handling. Regular reminders and updates should encourage these habits. 

3. Control access and use role-based permissions: 

B2B sales organizations should use role-based permissions and access controls to prevent unauthorized access. 

Workers should only use job-related data. Access should be based on need. This prevents unauthorized data access and manipulation. 

4. Use safe cloud storage 

Using secure cloud storage can protect consumer data. B2B sales organizations should use cloud service providers with strong security features, including encryption and multi-factor authentication. 

Regular backups ensure you can readily restore data after a breach or loss. 

5. Update and patch software regularly: 

Cybercriminals can exploit flaws in outdated software. B2B sales organizations should routinely update and patch their software and systems to fix known vulnerabilities. 

This includes operating systems, apps, and third-party plugins. 

Conclusion:

B2B sales organizations must prioritize data security to secure customer data and avoid cyberattacks. Businesses might use encryption, firewalls, and secure servers to maintain data privacy. Training employees on data protection best practices and limiting access with role-based permissions can boost security. Using safe online storage and updating software also reduces dangers. If you want to know more, you can contact the LinkedIn Outreach Agency.