You're aiming to stand out in the sales field. Which advanced technical skills can help you achieve that?

We are living in a world of constant information overload. Edges are obtained by organizing and filtering that info into actionable intelligence. A good CRM can help to organize that info. That is a start. But remember: information overload. If you just type some information in a CRM without considering what you are trying to achieve - that is to say, intelligence - you may create a mess that is both expensive to maintain and not particularly useful. So, by all means, think about what needs to be captured and how. Ensure these processes are as lightweight and efficient as can be to minimize the cost of capture. Then, fully leverage the "slice-and-dice" capabilities you have access to find the insights that will give you an edge.

To stand out in sales, develop advanced skills in data analytics, CRM software, and AI-driven sales tools. Mastering cybersecurity basics and cloud computing can also give you an edge. Stay updated on emerging technologies and continuously refine your technical knowledge to offer innovative solutions to clients.

To truly shine in sales, mastering advanced technical skills is crucial. Proficiency in CRM software and data analytics tools allows for efficient lead management and the ability to glean valuable insights from customer data. Familiarity with marketing automation platforms can streamline campaigns and personalize outreach. Additionally, social selling expertise and digital communication prowess are essential for building relationships and closing deals in today's connected world. These skills, combined with a strong sales foundation, will set you apart and propel your success in the competitive sales landscape.

I remember, keeping track of every call, email, meeting etc. and thought I was doing a great job! That was not going to work. The real magic happened when CRM integrate with all those other systems. All of a sudden I could see up-for-renewal, end-of-life, and perfect-up-selling-moments products. The more user-friendly the CRM, the better. Systems are clunky and I've seen teams struggle leading to incomplete data. I also see tremendous value in connecting our CRM with tools like LinkedIn Navigator. The result, a much deeper insight into my clients and their businesses. Instead of being just that place where I keep data, it rested as my ace up the sleeve to move those sales strategies and glide clients through a journey.

Data analysis: Identify trends, segment customers, predict behavior. Pipeline management: Visualize, identify bottlenecks, optimize conversion. Personalized experiences: Tailor communication, offer relevant content, track interactions. Automation and integration: Streamline processes, integrate with other tools. Benefits: Save time, gain insights, provide personalized experiences, increase sales. By leveraging advanced features and analyzing data, you can position yourself as a valuable asset to your sales team and drive success.

Data Analytics With the shift to data-driven selling, understanding how to extract insights from customer data is crucial. Top salespeople: Analyze data to identify mutual fit between buyer needs and solutions Leverage public data (financial reports, news) to understand strategic priorities Combine internal and external data sources to personalize messaging

Using a CRM, especially for pipeline forecasting has helped me to make better and quicker decisions and has absolutely improved my sales performance. I use my CRM to track deal progress and predict deal size accurately, it also helps me monitor deals closely to identify and resolve bottlenecks and analyze customer interactions and sales activities for valuable insights. I can allocate my seniors and colleagues to high-priority deals, and share updates and information among my team members, it helps me identify trends to refine sales strategies and stay updated on deal status in real-time.

It is key to validate your sales pipeline and opportunities with facts. I found that one of my most important thing, was getting a total 360 view of my customer. Understand a client as they grow and evolve, knowing their buying journey, where their pain points are and what areas of growth that you can most help with allows for your approach be centralized one around them. Spreadsheets, good old spreadsheets are the way for short quick analyses — at least personally. However, for more complex analysis, using tools like Tableau or Power BI. And naturally, Salesforce CRM for keeping customer details up-to-date and pipeline progress. Important: Know what you do with all of this data — inputting it into actionable sales playbooks.

Think of data analysis as your secret weapon in technical sales. It's like having a crystal ball that can predict the future of your sales pipeline. By understanding how to interpret complex data sets, you can: Uncover hidden patterns: Find trends that others might miss. Identify correlations: See how different factors are connected. Gain valuable insights: Make data-driven decisions that boost your sales. With a firm grasp of data analysis, you'll be able to: Tailor your pitch: Speak directly to your customer's needs. Anticipate customer needs: Stay ahead of the curve. Justify your product's value: Back up your claims with hard evidence and the answers might be hiding right there in your data.

As a learning content curator, I've observed how critical tech fluency is for success in technical sales. In my experience, having a deep understanding of technology allows you to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable benefits for clients. This ability not only enhances communication but also builds stronger, trust-based relationships. For those looking to quickly enhance their tech fluency, I recommend exploring microlearning courses like the ones offered by Rekindle Learning. They offer targeted, bite-sized learning opportunities that can help you stay current and effectively bridge the gap between intricate technology and client communication.

AI & Machine Learning Learning AI skills can help salespeople streamline numerous tasks and drive better results. AI can positively impact: Sales process effectiveness by automating lead qualification, opportunity scoring, and data-driven insights Administrative efficiency by handling routine tasks like data entry, scheduling, report generation etc. Customer interactions by providing real-time insights to personalize engagements Learning to leverage AI writing assistants and generative AI can make you more productive. Sales teams are already using generative AI for content creation, value messaging, and automated proposal generation.

In my industry (Software), here are the types of salespeople that my clients do not like to meet: people who feel that they should not speak tech at all. Either because they fear getting it wrong or they are above it. No one expects traditional salespeople to start coding. And you do not need to know how to hack your software to be good at sales. But do you need to understand tech at a certain level and be curious about tech? Absolutely! How are you supposed to engage in solutions selling otherwise? Make no mistake. From the newest graduate recruit all the way to the C-Suite office, clients are chock-full of people that need solutions. Not a blind sales pitch. And in order to do this, some fluency is required. Even with an SE in tow.

Key aspects of tech fluency: Understanding product specifications: Be knowledgeable about the technical details of your products or services. Explaining complex concepts: Clearly communicate technical features to non-technical customers. Bridging the gap: Translate technical jargon into benefits that resonate with your audience. By becoming tech-fluent, you can position yourself as a trusted advisor and build stronger relationships with your customers.

Solution engineering is key in my years as a sales professional. It requires flexing a creative mind around where to apply product knowledge in a solution. Value to customer: Define clear, relevant KPIs and understand what it means to succeed. Try to set quantitative goals at the beginning, can saved you from potential miscommunications later. Know your clients/stakeholders and understand what "value" means to them. Transparency: Also note possible risks in the solutions. Ironically, this makes me more credible, not less. From my perspective, the art of solution engineering is more than just winning deals; it's about fostering relationships as visionary partners founded in trust and empathy — with actual results to prove that.

Solution engineering is about tailoring your offerings to meet the specific needs of each client. It requires: Deep product knowledge: A thorough understanding of your product's capabilities. Creativity: The ability to apply your product to various scenarios. Customer-centric thinking: Considering the client's perspective while addressing technical aspects. By presenting customized solutions, you demonstrate: Commitment: Dedication to meeting the client's unique needs. Trustworthiness: A reliable partner who understands their challenges. Solution engineering is a valuable skill that can set you apart in technical sales.