Pitch Perfect - 7th Edition: 5 Keys to Engagement

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to the 7th edition of Pitch Perfect.

In the 5th edition we discussed how to find the right sales training partner. Once the decision to invest in a new sales approach has been made and the right partner selected, how can you ensure that your new program is a success?

Having helped numerous cross-industry sales organizations modify their sales approach over the years, we thought we’d share some of our experiences.

So in this edition of Pitch Perfect, we look at 5 keys to audience engagement when implementing a new sales approach.

5 Keys to Engagement

Investing in the development of your sales team is more critical than ever. Research from Korn Ferry highlights the direct correlation between investment in sales enablement and win rates. Organizations that demonstrate investment in developing capability see significantly higher rates of success.

So, the decision to invest in a new sales approach has been made, budgets allocated, and a training provider selected. Everything is in place for success, right? Not necessarily. Without a robust engagement strategy, the journey to implementing your new sales approach could hit the rocks very quickly.

Investing in sales enablement isn't just about boosting numbers. It's about fostering employee engagement. According to the LinkedIn Learning Skills Advantage Report 2022, learning is key to driving employee engagement. Investing in sales enablement not only enhances sales performance but also strengthens employee loyalty, with 76% of employees more likely to stay with a company that offers continuous training and development.

Without full buy-in from your team, even the most innovative and dynamic program can falter. That's why we've identified five key strategies to ensure the successful implementation of your new sales approach:

1.?Community

Encourage a sense of belonging and teamwork by engaging all relevant departments in the new approach, not just the sales team. These could include Marketing, Sales Support etc. Make it part of everyone's everyday language and activities.?

2.?Application

Ensure that training isn't a one-time event but an ongoing process. Provide tools and opportunities for participants to practice and apply their learning to real-life scenarios.?

3. Coaching & Accountability

Sales Leaders should lead by example by attending training sessions along with their teams. They should also be equipped with the necessary skills and tools to coach and support their teams during and after implementation.

4.?Digitization

Where appropriate embrace technology to deliver flexible, accessible learning experiences. A digital platform can monitor learner progress, facilitate collaboration, and enhance reporting.?

5.?Gamification

Make learning fun and interactive with challenges and games. Reward ‘winners’ with prizes. Incorporate program branding to increase engagement and invest in merchandise to reinforce the program's theme.?

Implementing a new sales approach requires more than just simple training. It demands a comprehensive engagement strategy. Deliver on that and you will win the hearts and minds of your people, creating a community that lives and breathes a new way of talking, thinking and doing.

To find out more, visit our website...

If you're considering a new sales approach or want to discuss strategies to maximize successful implementation, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you navigate the journey to sales excellence. Get in touch!