Is it possible to fix a motivation problem with a sales rep? Answer: Sometimes. First, it depends on if the motivation issue is due to an external factor, such as: unfair change in compensation, overbearing sales manager, poor customer service of products sold, etc. Too often, sales reps underperform due to factors like these which are outside of their control.
This is a follow-up article to 7 Qualities of a Great Sales Coach. 1. Great sales coaches know the value of incrementalism. Sales skills develop over time if they’re going to last. Great sales coaches work on techniques continually to make lasting changes. That means the sales process provides the structure and the reps’ skills within the process will improve
Coaching your reps is the primary function of your job. It’s the best pathway to achieving the sales quota. In this article, I list seven qualities I’ve experienced and observed of great sales coaches. 1. Great sales coaches do NOT speak in generalities, but specifics. Instead of saying, “You need to get your close ratio up”, ask “How many contacts
The late, great comedian, Jerry Lewis, sat for an interview in his 90’s with a staff member from The Hollywood Reporter. The interview is known as 7 Painfully Awkward Minutes with Jerry Lewis. Many people commenting on the interview blamed Jerry Lewis for the awkwardness. I didn’t see it that way. I believe the reason for Mr. Lewis’ short, clipped
A well-prepared sales rep always has a greater chance of landing a sale than those who aren’t. So, how should your sales reps prepare for a sales call? Start by asking them the right questions to get them thinking about their next appointment from a more strategic perspective. 1. How did you demonstrate credibility with the decision maker? What words and
1. You don’t get derailed by unknown decision-makers. Part of qualifying is finding out each of participants involved in the purchase decision. Fully qualifying means, you know who the influencers, gatekeepers, internal coaches, users and decision-makers are. Smart salespeople take the time to ask about the buying process, as well as all the participants in the buying decision. That way,
How often should you step in and save a sale when you’re out in the field with one of your sales reps? You need the revenue, so why not? As a sales coach, your goal is to develop your sales reps to drive and close sales on their own – not to save them every time they need you to
No experienced football coach would ever consider sending his team onto the field without being right there on the sidelines – observing their every move. The same applies to your sales team. Too many sales managers expect top producers to meet their sales goals without their observation, feedback and coaching. Instead, I encounter many sales managers expecting great results without
In some (rare) cases, you need to roll out the red carpet for a sales candidate. Yes, they are that good. And with the ever decreasing quality of candidates searching for jobs, you need to sell your job to a superstar candidate. One way is to ask great questions to find out exactly what they want and need in order
Want to improve your sales reps’ selling skills? Here are five things you can do to role-play effectively and get the results you want. For many salespeople, role-playing is not a priority. However, actors, athletes and musicians all practice their craft – a lot. The best one’s practice (role-play) constantly to improve their performance. Why shouldn’t salespeople? As a sales