We believe that most people seek responsibility in their roles, particularly Salespeople. With responsibilty, however, must come accountability with the appropriate consequences for good, average or poor performance:
Salespeople work best when they have a say in their own destiny. Hold on you say what about targets? Yes we agree that targets are essential and performance against target should be monitored closely and regularly.
However, we’d say that the most important aspect of the Salesperson’s job is ownership of activity.
The Sales Manager’s goal for their salespeople is therefore:
“I want my people to act as though they were independent entrepreneurs” – Frank Pacetta
If the activity is right, outstanding results should follow. Consider this:
If you’re a Salesperson, everything you do is QDQ!
QUANTITY
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DIRECTION
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QUALITY
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- Obviously results are important, but it’s easy to get caught up in the maelstrom of ‘results, results, results’, and lose sight of how we find the best, most profitable (for you and for them), best fitting clients for your business.
- Defining your strategy and planning how you will deliver this strategy, constantly reviewing and refining it, to ensure that you stay on the right track.
- Focusing on the right activities will drive this strategy. The ‘how to’ deliver your strategy.
- Developing the Behaviours, Attitude, Skills and Knowledge of your Salespeople that lead to high performance in sales.
- Maintaining a high focus on best practice and the activities and behaviours that comprise high performance.
Sales Management Practices
High performing sales businesses identify the frequency and quality of sales & service and performance management activities. We believe this is the absolute key to high performance in sales.
‘The Management System’ |
“A set of clearly defined, measurable practices that managers at all levels commit to carrying out on a regular, disciplined, skilled and enthusiastic basis and without fail” |
These practices should be devised by the Senior Management Team and should be in line with the agreed vision to dribe sales and service behaviours at the front line.
Successful organisations are little more than the combined ability of their people to sell and service, and at the heart of great Sales and Service organisations are great Sales and Service coaches.