Douglas Hughes, Michigan State University (IMAGE) Michigan State University Caption 'Frankly, it's as important for salespeople to build internal contacts as it is for them to be effective in customer interaction,' said Douglas E. Hughes, Michigan State University associate professor of marketing. Credit Michigan State University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.