Posted by Dave Kurlan
This is the 1st in the series of the Top 10 Sales Management Functions.
#1 - COACHING
In its simplest form, sales coaching consists of the following two activities:
- Pre-Call Strategizing - coaching prior to selected calls to make sure that the salesperson has a good reason for having the upcoming call, a desired outcome, a game plan or strategy, and the appropriate questions/dialog to achieve the desired outcome.
- Post-Call Debriefing - coaching after selected calls to discover the true outcome of the call, why the salesperson got that outcome, and what they could have done differently or more effectively
Coaching should be performed on the following time line:
- daily
- 10-15 minutes
- with each salesperson
- pro-actively not passively
Coaching has the following hierarchy:
- facts
- strategy
- role-play
- lesson-learned
- action plan
Here's a video of me discussing coaching....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=94lP8vsos_I
The most important tools for effectively coaching salespeople are:
- standardized formal sales process so we can talk specifically about where we are in the process with this specific opportunity;
- world-class listening and questioning skills so that we can ask the questions to go deeper and wider in role-plays;
- the ability to role-play the salesperson's part of the sales call - no matter where it is or what it is;
- the ability to poke holes and question everything you hear;
- the ability to remain in the moment and not become emotionally involved;
- No Need for Approval so that you can say, ask or do whatever is necessary to get your salesperson to the next level;
- Patience - you can only take baby steps;
- Experience - you need to have been there;
- Wisdom - you have to just know;
- Sense of Humor - keep it light;
- Respect of your Salespeople;
- Trust of your Salespeople;
- Relationship with your Salespeople.
If your sales aren’t where you want them to be and you think you could use a better game plan for your salespeople and sales managers, we have one. Once you understand where the gaps are, our customized sales training for not only your salespeople but your sales managers will take you the rest of the way to creating a high achieving sales force.
