Sales training is a vital part of any salesperson's career, but it can also be challenging to find the right resources, methods, and motivation to keep learning and improving. How can you find inspiration and learning for sales training? Here are some tips to help you.
Top experts in this article
Selected by the community from 45 contributions. Learn more
One of the easiest and most accessible ways to learn from experts and peers is to read books and blogs on sales topics. You can find a wealth of information, insights, and advice on various aspects of sales, such as prospecting, closing, negotiation, storytelling, psychology, and more. Reading books and blogs can also expose you to different perspectives, styles, and techniques that you can adapt to your own situation and goals.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
In sales, the knowledge you assemble is your toolbox. If you only have a hammer available, everything will look like a nail. Broaden your learning to include items you may only use occasionally but would be essential to have available in that critical moment of win or learn. This can make the difference in your personal success.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
Before getting into specific resources, it's essential to identify the goals for sales training. The "extra" time you have as a sales professional, is limited, and upskilling can be an incredible time stuck.
Get specific:
- Improve discovery
- Prospecting
- Negotiating
Then, be intentional about what resources you choose to learn from.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
I have realised from my extensive experience in sales that we need to explore a compatible process that we can replicate and monetise and also enhance as and when we grow. Training the elements of sales is another challenge that needs real insights as well as process with replicable results. Measurable outcomes, task oriented break ups if deliverables, custom made deviations, reporting, and the whole sales cycle coverage are essential points to be covered. Supportive elements like consistency, approach, rapport building, softskills, negotiations, intuit, presentability or image, etc also play vital roles in sales training syllabi. Sales training with case studies, activities and live projects work wonders too! I get inspired by daily sales.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
Sales training is a cornerstone of a successful sales career. Yet, finding the right resources and staying motivated can be a challenge. So, where do you find the inspiration to keep learning and improving in sales?
Online, there's a wealth of webinars, podcasts, and courses at your disposal. Dive into this treasure trove of sales wisdom.
Connect with fellow salespeople on platforms like LinkedIn. Share experiences, learn from their success stories, and find that spark to keep going.
Consider seeking a mentorâsomeone seasoned in the field. Their guidance can be invaluable as you navigate the ups and downs of your sales career.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
Keep in mind, not all sales environments are the same. Are you selling high value, long cycle products or are you selling low value, high volume products?
Also consider if you are a "hunter" searching for new logo customers or a "farmer" creating new revenue from an existing customer base.
Books and blogs will offer insights on the strategies and skills that are right for the type of sale your are pursuing.
Your time is the most precious commodity a sales person has at their disposal. Use it wisely and ensure you are spending time on resources best suited for you.
Another way to learn from the best is to listen to podcasts and audiobooks on sales. Podcasts and audiobooks are convenient and engaging ways to consume content, especially when you are on the go, driving, or exercising. You can find podcasts and audiobooks that cover a wide range of sales topics, from interviews with successful salespeople and leaders, to case studies, tips, and trends. Listening to podcasts and audiobooks can also help you improve your listening and communication skills, as well as inspire you with stories and examples.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
I have found that listening to podcasts or audiobooks (On Spotify) to be very beneficial. It's super convenient and efficient.
Podcasts and audiobooks allow you to learn while you are doing other things so that you can incorporate continuing education into your daily routine. Like when you are walking the dog, in the shower, or driving.
Some of My Favorites Are:
-The Brutal Truth about Sales w/Brian Burns
-The Sales Evangelist w/Donald C. Kelly
-Hey Sales People w/Jeremy Donovan
-The Cargo Margo Show w/Margo Waldie
-Hi-Tech Freedom Podcast w/Chris Freeman
Give these podcasts a listen. The most important thing is that you continue to invest in your sales education regardless of how long you have been "Carrying A Bag".
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
next step in creating a client-focused culture is effective communication. Keep it clear, consistent, and respectful through channels your clients prefer. Build trust by being transparent, honest, and empathetic. Always listen, understand, and address their concerns professionally
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
Sales trainings (plural) are indispensable for starters as well as for experienced sales people. If one wants to be a top sales person, there are so many aspects be an expert at. Overview:
-making a clear overview of your current customers and important prospects you need to visit, setting goals for retention visits and prospection visits. This is already an important part of preparation.
-Making SWOT analysis of your company and products. SWOT of your most important competitors.
-Account management
-Make your sales pitch on basis of your products
-Learning as much Sales Techniques as possible (Intro, questions , listening, closing, NLP)
-Follow up
-Follow your market
-Networking
..........
A third way to learn from the best is to watch videos and webinars on sales. Videos and webinars are visual and interactive ways to learn, especially when you want to see demonstrations, examples, and feedback. You can find videos and webinars that cover a wide range of sales topics, from skills, strategies, and tools, to challenges, solutions, and best practices. Watching videos and webinars can also help you improve your presentation and persuasion skills, as well as motivate you with results and testimonials.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
Watching bite-sized videos on sales can be a good start. Not only does it fit in a salesperson's usually packed schedules, it is good for triggering thoughts and different perspectives which are essential to help a salesperson to level up and stand out.
A fourth way to learn from the best is to join online communities and forums on sales. Online communities and forums are social and collaborative ways to learn, especially when you want to ask questions, share experiences, and network with other salespeople. You can find online communities and forums that cover a wide range of sales topics, from industry, niche, and role-specific, to general, cross-functional, and global. Joining online communities and forums can also help you improve your problem-solving and relationship-building skills, as well as support you with feedback and encouragement.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
Online sales communities are incredible places to upskill because they provide access to peers who are both a few steps ahead and behind you. That means you can learn from others, and give back by teaching the lessons you earned from your own experiences.
Some great communities include RevGenius, RevOps Co-Op, and Sales Rebels.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
Joining a Mastermind would help salespeople to level up their perspectives, skills, morale and personal confidence. While consuming materials are great, one can never eliminate the importance of social influence and support which in this case, a Mastermind can actually help to achieve. It's also great to draw inspiration and practical real-life learnings from other top salespeople which a Mastermind allows. Besides, being able to get direct honest feedback from peers in the Mastermind that want to see you do well really helps and nothing hardly beats the valuable 1-1 interaction.
A fifth way to learn from the best is to take courses and certifications on sales. Courses and certifications are formal and structured ways to learn, especially when you want to acquire new knowledge, skills, and credentials. You can find courses and certifications that cover a wide range of sales topics, from fundamentals, processes, and models, to advanced, specialized, and customized. Taking courses and certifications can also help you improve your performance and credibility, as well as challenge you with assessments and projects.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
Formalized learning sessions can provide you an opportunity to dedicate time to immerse yourself for a day or two. However, too often, participants are distracted by the "real work" they left behind.
Do yourself a favor and clear your calendar and your mind when you attend a dedicated learning event. Let co-workers and clients know you will be unavailable for a day or two and can engage them during specific breaks.
You will be surprised to see how many "problems" and "emergencies" disappear on their own when you set the right expectations.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
Always be on the lookout for new online courses and certifications especially! There are tons of highly accredited universities that offer free virtual classes and certifications that pack a ton of value.
Just to name a few:
â> Coding & web design
â> Anatomy for medical device sales
â> Microsoft programs & platforms expertise
â> Financial and investment resources
Take 30-60min on the weekends to put into your self development. The skills you can learn are so invaluable.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
Make learning as your annual goal. Join 1 course a year or even better 2 courses a year. This encourages us to stay alert on what's happening in the market. Pick up new skills and network with others.
A sixth way to learn from the best is to seek mentors and coaches on sales. Mentors and coaches are personal and professional ways to learn, especially when you want to get guidance, advice, and feedback from someone who has been there and done that. You can find mentors and coaches who can help you with various aspects of sales, such as goal-setting, planning, execution, evaluation, and improvement. Seeking mentors and coaches can also help you improve your mindset and attitude, as well as empower you with confidence and accountability.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
* Find someone youâd like to be your mentor.
* Just ask via direct message (which can be included in your connection request): âWill you consider being my new mentor? Iâll share whichever details you need from me to help you make this decision. Thank you!â
The worst outcome is they say no or ignore you. If so, youâre status quo.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
Mentors are more available than you realize, especially on LinkedIn. Try out these steps to finding a mentor:
1. Engage (write meaningful comments that are additive to their content) with people on LinkedIn whom you'd consider good mentors.
2. For those who respond, ask them for a coffee chat. This is a good first step to see if there's alignment.
3. If there is, offer to cover coffee once a month for a chance to learn and be mentored.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
We all have different ways of learning. Some may be visual learners who need to watch you complete the task, and others more hands on, needing to go through the motions. With that comes different teaching methods to accommodate.
As a former sales coach, what I have learned is that trainees will gravitate towards coaches who see those unique learning abilities and are willing to work with them as seen fit. Trainees and mentees should also seek out a mentor or coach who reciprocates this. This results in a productive learning environment.
When this environment is formed, a mentor or coach can provide you with beneficial resources and confidence in communication when goal-setting, planning, in execution, evaluation, and improvement.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
LinkedIn is a great place to find a mentor or coach who is genuinely interested in helping young sales professionals get better at their craft.
If you find someone whose content and profile resonate with you by all means reach out to them.
Don't be shy.....
Zig Ziglar said, "Timid Sales People Have Skinny Kids".
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
One of the best pieces of advice I received when I started my own training company was that âtrainers need to be trained.â Iâve always kept that in mind. By staying grounded, remaining humble, and being open to new learning experiences, I believe I can continually improve my deliveries. As a result, I actively seek out opportunities to expand my knowledge. When youâre receptive to these opportunities, youâll find that many of them present themselves to you.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
Hands down, LinkedIn is my current favorite resource for upping my learning, educating and insights:
The platform was up 20% in member growth in 2023. With so many new creators offering up value across so many different industries, my LinkedIn feed is a gold mine for strategies, advice and social proof success stories.
Mindless scrolling is gone - This is the platform to scroll with intent, youâll learn something!
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
Another great one is role-playing with a peer. I have found that you can read a lot of books and listen to a lot of podcasts, but there is nothing better than practicing it. Grab a co-worker and they will be tougher on you than any real-world sales call.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
Das besten Inspirationen für Trainings im Verkauf finde ich in der Praxis.
Wo tun sich die Verkäufer schwer?
Welche Best Practice Ansätze funktionieren wirklich?
Was sind die häufigsten Gründe, warum der Kunde nicht kauft?
Aus diesen Punkten kann ich ein Training kreieren, welches wirkliches praxisnah ist.
Erst danach würde ich die möglichen Methoden überlegen, die ich einsetze.
Thanks for letting us know! You'll no longer see this contribution
One of the best places lately that Iâve found both inspiration and learning as a sales trainer has been social media. And LinkedIn specifically is at the top of my list of great resources.
From the information I get from reading collaborative articles like this, to the content being posted - there is so much for us to consume across the platform.
Itâs especially beneficial to be able to see how different industries train their sales teams. I look for inspiration, then try to take the pieces I like most and apply them to my own courses.