Growth Dynamics Get Down

Recently, I had the opportunity to assist a client in the search for a new sales manager for their team. This role required a seasoned professional with years of experience in sales management to provide strong leadership. As I began interviewing candidates, I added two new questions to our standard set: 1. Why did you become a manager? and 2. What training did you receive when you became a manager?

To my surprise, many candidates became managers simply because they had reached the peak of their current roles or were promoted internally without much consideration for their managerial capabilities. Furthermore, most of them had received little to no formal training in management, relying instead on self-initiated professional development or trial and error to navigate their new responsibilities.

This lack of investment in managerial training is concerning, considering the critical role that sales managers play within a company. Without proper support and training, new managers may struggle to meet the expectations of their roles, leading to potential performance issues and turnover.

Investing in manager training not only benefits the individual but also the company as a whole. Proper training can help new managers transition successfully into their roles, improve communication skills, understand the expectations of their positions, make effective decisions that consider both individuals and the team, and navigate organizational changes smoothly.

Recognizing the importance of manager training, we are excited to announce the launch of a Sales Manager training program starting on March 13. This program includes monthly remote classes from March to August, online supplemental classes, and one-on-one coaching sessions with our expert, Charlie. If you are interested in enrolling your managers in this program, please contact Sarah Waple to schedule a fact-finding call.

By investing in the development of your managers, you can help cultivate strong leaders who will contribute to the success and growth of your organization.

Symptoms:
Valentine looked at his schedule and realized he is set to go visit a favorite client, or maybe a prospect, or maybe even still a suspect, this week. He absolutely loved spending time with this person and company.

Time for another Fast Tip Friday! This one's pretty quick! There are a lot of athletic events on TV every night and you see people and teams doing their best and trying to do whatever it takes to win a game, and every now and then you'll hear a commentator talk about this....

The economy is not something that can be ignored. Perhaps on the personal side, people can ignore the bigger concept of the economy, but maybe not their own budget needs. On the business side, the economy is always in the picture. Let’s take a few minutes to review what might be impacting longer sales cycles and how strong business development professionals make the most of it.

Hey everybody,  a couple of weeks ago, I talked to you about turning goals into reality. Actually having those goals accomplished and seeing how the goal, the plan, the strategy, the tactics all connected in a process so that you get more predictably realize the success that you dream about.

Hiring the right talent is crucial for the success of any organization. However, the process of bringing in new employees comes with inherent risks. From cultural fit to skill misalignment, companies face numerous challenges when it comes to making the right hiring decisions. In this article, we will explore a comprehensive approach to mitigating these risks, focusing on the use of assessments, market research for pay and benefits, and understanding the hiring company's needs.

Symptoms:

Cody knew that the firm he represented was considered the best in class by the other major players in the market. As far as technical competency, customer service and the ability to deliver more than clients expected, Cody's firm always scored extremely high. With that ace to play whenever he needed to, he was sure that this new position as a Business Development Specialist would soon prove to be the road to riches. After his first 90 days Cody and his manager met to review his progress, and the picture was not pretty.

One of the things that in my over 36 years being in the training and consulting business when I'm working with business development professionals, I always want to ask people:

“What's the basis of your success so far in your career?”

In this week's Monday morning manager message, we delved into the art of prospecting and the crucial task of auditioning prospects to determine their suitability for your business. If you haven't had a chance to listen, take a moment to do so for valuable insights. Our discussions with clients regarding Monday morning manager responses sparked intriguing ideas for this article. Let's explore the world of prospecting, a vital aspect of business development that demands attention.

During our high-performance sales program, a common question arises: How long does prospecting take? Experienced sales and business development professionals provide varied answers, ranging from 5 minutes to a full conversation. This perception aligns with numerous articles online emphasizing the time and research involved in effective prospecting. However, what if we challenge the notion that prospecting needs to be complex and time-consuming?

Let's reconsider the time invested in prospecting. Rather than viewing it as an extensive process, what if prospecting could be as brief as 5-10, or maybe 30 seconds of a conversation? This perspective challenges the traditional mindset and prompts us to explore a more streamlined approach to get more done in less time.

Simplifying Your Prospecting Process:

Prospect Where You're Already Doing Business:
Explore untapped opportunities with existing clients.
Overcome self-limiting beliefs and inquire about additional business possibilities.