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Sales Process Is A Big Deal!
Blog / Sales Management / Jan 4, 2018 / Posted by Lisa Magnuson / 6587

Sales Process Is A Big Deal!

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Most sellers don’t want to think about their sales process. After all, it’s more ‘Art’ than ‘Science’, comes naturally and every sales situation is unique. Let the sales leaders think about it, the sellers just want to sell.

So, what are the benefits of a Clearly Defined and Adhered to Sales Process?

  • A baseline, representing best practices from which improvements and adjustments can be made.
  • Clarity for sales people, sales leaders and stakeholders.
  • Common terminology to enable clear communication.
  • Quantifiable and repeatable.
  • Identified sales pitfalls means a ‘Heads up’ to avoid.
  • A framework to identify triggers or ‘Sales accelerators’ (i.e. those activities that accelerate the sales process).
  • Basis for automation. (the sales process should drive sales force automation, not visa versa)
  • Improved close ratios by following a success template.
  • Predictable sales results – a ‘System’ that produces results.

Before we go any further, let’s get on the same page by defining a sales process. A sales process is a step by step approach to selling designed for salespeople. It should represent best practices, not ‘What is.’ It covers initial contact with a prospect through contract and beyond.

It sounds as if there is no downside (but lots of upside) to putting a sales process into place for your sales organization. Here’s how to start.

Step One: Build the Framework

  • Phases or stages
  • Phase components
  • Phase characteristics
  • Pipeline ratios

Step Two: Fill in the Details

  • Best practice activities associated with each phase
  • Mark trigger or sales accelerator actions
  • Consider and note common sales pitfalls for each phase
  • Include sales resources and tools for each phase

Step Three: Identify your Customer’s Typical Buying Cycle

  • Customer buying steps
  • Customer activities
  • Characteristics of each stage from the customer’s perspective
  • Customer expectations

Step Four: Measure, Socialize, Train, Refine

  • Test for quality and quantity
  • Add number of prospects needed at each phase
  • Test pipeline ratios
  • Socialize within your sales organization. Include all stakeholders
  • Conduct comprehensive training to ‘Install’ the new sales process
  • Refine

Step Five: Automate

  • Integrate into existing or new sales automation system (CRM)

Good luck. You will ‘Ring the Bell’ more often when your sellers follow a customized sales process build on best practices.

Executive Engagement is a Key Part of the Sales Process:

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About Author

Lisa Magnuson is an expert in corporate strategic sales and TOP Line Account™ revenue building. As a respected sales consultant and author, she works with clients to build successful strategic sales programs that drive revenue from large new accounts and enable growth from existing high value customers.

Author's Publications on Amazon

This eBook reveals a proven strategic approach you can use with your current customers to increase your sales and create a long-term positive relationship.
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Are you looking for an edge to land that big contract or keep your largest customers secure? Discover proven techniques from sales leadership veteran, Lisa D. Magnuson, to cultivate executive relationships that will pay big dividends. Pair this with exclusive C-suite executive contributions that provide…
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This invaluable Playbook was designed for modern sales leaders who want to win big. Based on extensive research and interviews with 41 Sales VPs from various industries, it contains 16 key ‘Plays’ to exponentially grow revenues and drive leadership success.
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