What do you do if your technical sales internship metrics aren't meeting expectations?

1 Assess Goals

When your metrics are not meeting expectations, the first step is to reassess your goals. You might discover that your targets were set too high without accounting for the learning curve associated with a new internship. Adjusting your goals to more realistic standards can provide a clearer path forward. It's essential to discuss this with your supervisor or mentor to ensure that your revised goals align with the company's expectations and to receive their support and guidance.

2 Identify Issues

Identifying the root cause of why you're not meeting metrics is crucial. Are you struggling to understand the technical aspects of the product? Or is it the sales techniques that are tripping you up? Once you pinpoint the issue, you can focus on developing that particular area. Engage with colleagues or your mentor for advice and take advantage of any training resources your internship provides. Remember, recognizing the problem is the first step toward improvement.

3 Adapt Strategy

Adapting your sales strategy may be necessary if you're not hitting your metrics. This could mean refining your pitch, learning more about your customers' needs, or being more proactive in following up on leads. It's about finding what works best in the context of technical sales—where understanding the product's technical features is as important as knowing how to sell it. Experiment with different approaches and track the outcomes to see what yields better results.

4 Seek Feedback

Feedback is a powerful tool for improvement, especially in technical sales where the combination of technical knowledge and sales skills can be complex. Don't hesitate to ask for feedback from your supervisor or customers after sales calls or presentations. This direct insight can highlight areas that you may not realize need improvement and offer a new perspective on your approach.

5 Enhance Skills

Enhancing your technical and sales skills is an ongoing process. If you're not meeting metrics, consider additional training or self-study to deepen your understanding of the products you're selling and improve your sales techniques. This could involve online courses, webinars, or shadowing experienced salespeople. Continuous learning shows initiative and can make a significant difference in performance.

6 Network Internally

Networking within your company can provide you with allies and mentors who can offer advice and support. Building relationships with colleagues from different departments can also give you a broader understanding of the business and help you identify new strategies for meeting your sales metrics. They may provide insights into aspects of the product or customer base that you hadn't considered before.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?