How can you develop sales prospecting skills outside of mentorship?

1 Read books and blogs

One of the easiest ways to learn sales prospecting skills is to read books and blogs from experts and practitioners who have proven results and insights. You can find a wealth of information and advice on topics such as how to research prospects, how to craft effective cold emails and calls, how to overcome objections, and how to follow up and nurture leads. Some examples of books and blogs you can check out are Fanatical Prospecting by Jeb Blount, Predictable Revenue by Aaron Ross, and The Sales Blog by Anthony Iannarino.

2 Listen to podcasts and webinars

Another way to learn sales prospecting skills is to listen to podcasts and webinars that feature interviews, stories, and tips from successful salespeople and leaders. You can gain valuable insights and inspiration from hearing how they approach sales prospecting, what challenges they face, and what strategies they use. You can also ask questions and interact with the speakers and other listeners. Some examples of podcasts and webinars you can tune in to are The Salesman Podcast by Will Barron, The Sales Hacker Podcast by Sam Jacobs, and HubSpot's Sales Enablement Webinar Series.

3 Join online communities and forums

A third way to learn sales prospecting skills is to join online communities and forums where you can network, share, and learn from other salespeople and professionals. You can find answers to your questions, get feedback on your ideas, and discover new resources and tools. You can also contribute your own knowledge and experience and help others. Some examples of online communities and forums you can join are Sales Hacker, r/sales on Reddit, and LinkedIn Sales Navigator Community.

4 Practice and experiment

A fourth way to learn sales prospecting skills is to practice and experiment with different methods and tactics. You can use tools such as email tracking, CRM, and social media to test and measure your results. You can also try different scripts, templates, and messages to see what works best for your prospects. You can also ask for feedback from your prospects, colleagues, and managers to improve your skills. The more you practice and experiment, the more you will learn what works and what doesn't.

5 Seek peer coaching and feedback

A fifth way to learn sales prospecting skills is to seek peer coaching and feedback from other salespeople who are at a similar or higher level than you. You can ask them to review your sales prospecting activities, such as your emails, calls, and proposals, and give you constructive criticism and suggestions. You can also ask them to share their best practices, tips, and tricks with you. You can also offer to do the same for them and create a mutually beneficial relationship. You can find peer coaches and feedback partners through your network, online communities, or platforms such as Bravado or CoachHub.