How Customer-Facing Roles Can Harness the Power of AI and Generative AI

Reps and other customer-facing roles are constantly seeking ways to improve their efficiency and productivity.

Enter AI and Generative AI.

AI empowers sales reps, account managers, customer success teams, and presales in their day-to-day work, leading to better customer interactions and improved business outcomes.

But let’s first define AI and generative AI before diving into how they can help customer-facing teams be more productive and effective.

Understanding AI and generative AI

Artificial Intelligence refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, natural language processing, and decision-making. Generative AI, a subset of AI, focuses on generating new content or data that possess similar characteristics to existing data sets, enabling creative and adaptive problem-solving.

Practical AI applications for customer-facing roles

Artificial intelligence is transforming customer-facing positions in various sectors. Chatbots and virtual assistants are elevating customer support through rapid and personalized responses. AI-driven sentiment analysis aids in assessing customer emotions, facilitating deeper comprehension and customized engagements. Recommender systems suggest products or services aligned with customer preferences, fostering opportunities for upselling and cross-selling. Additionally, AI streamlines mundane tasks, allowing sales representatives to concentrate on relationship-building. AI-powered customer analytics delivers valuable insights for precision-targeted marketing campaigns. These are just a few examples of how AI is revolutionizing the operations of revenue teams.

AI-powered tools can analyze customer data, previous interactions, and publicly available information to provide sales reps with valuable insights before making a call. By leveraging AI, reps can better understand customer needs, preferences, and pain points, enabling them to tailor their approach and deliver a personalized pitch that resonates with prospects.

Following up with customers is critical to maintaining relationships and moving deals forward. AI can streamline this process by automating personalized follow-up emails or messages based on previous interactions. By analyzing the content and context of previous conversations, AI can suggest appropriate responses, saving time and ensuring consistent communication.

Researching customers and prospects can be time-consuming. AI-powered algorithms can swiftly gather and analyze vast amounts of data from various sources, including social media profiles, company websites, and news articles. This information can provide sales reps with a comprehensive understanding of the customer’s industry, recent developments, and pain points, enabling them to have more informed and meaningful conversations.

Generating customized content for each prospect can be challenging and resource-intensive. AI and Generative AI can assist by analyzing customer data and preferences to create personalized proposals, presentations, and marketing collateral. This technology can help sales reps deliver compelling and tailored content that addresses the specific needs of each prospect, enhancing their chances of closing deals.

AI can also benefit customer success teams by helping them prepare for upsell and renewal conversations. By analyzing customer usage patterns, buying behavior, and satisfaction metrics, AI can provide insights into potential upsell opportunities or churn risk. Armed with this information, customer success teams can proactively address customer needs, offer relevant solutions, and nurture long-term relationships.

AI can also help practice pitches for upsell and renewals prior to calls with customers. By using AI roleplay capabilities, CSMs can give their pitch and get instant feedback from AI on how to improve and land the upsell opportunity.

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) like presales and technical resources can practice new demo flows and technical or security conversations prior to their pitch and get AI-powered feedback on how to improve. Giving the opportunity to practice before conversations with customers and prospects ensures SMEs are prepped and ready to deliver their best messaging for every call.

Crafting effective messaging is crucial for sales reps. AI can assist in testing different messaging strategies by analyzing customer responses and engagement data. By leveraging AI algorithms, reps can identify the most resonant messages, optimize their approach, and increase the likelihood of capturing customer interest and closing deals.

 

Security and compliance considerations

AI tools offer significant benefits to sales reps and customer-facing roles, but it’s crucial to address security and compliance concerns to protect sensitive customer data and adhere to regulations. Here are key considerations:

  • Data privacy: Ensure compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR and CCPA. Implement encryption, access controls, and anonymization techniques to safeguard customer data.
  • Data security: AI platforms handle sensitive customer data, so work with IT and security teams to ensure strong security measures like encryption, secure storage, and access controls. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
  • Ethical use of AI: Use AI tools ethically and transparently. Remember that AI algorithms have limitations and should augment human capabilities, not replace them. Apply critical thinking and human judgment.
  • Training and awareness: Provide training to sales reps and customer-facing teams about AI risks and best practices. Educate them on data privacy, security protocols, and ethical considerations. Ensure they understand the AI tools they use.
  • Vendor due diligence: Conduct due diligence for third-party AI vendors. Evaluate their data handling practices, security measures, and compliance commitments. Establish contractual agreements for data ownership and protection.
  • Transparent communication: Maintain open communication with customers regarding AI use. Inform them about data usage, AI-driven insights, and privacy implications. Obtain customer consent for data processing.

By addressing these considerations, organizations can harness AI’s benefits while protecting customer data, complying with regulations, and upholding ethical standards in sales and customer-facing roles.

The rise of AI and Generative AI has brought about remarkable advancements in sales, customer success, and presales roles. By leveraging these technologies, professionals in customer-facing positions can enhance their call preparation, provide faster and more contextual follow-ups, conduct thorough customer research, create custom content, optimize upsell and renewal conversations, and test new messaging strategies. By embracing AI as a powerful ally, sales reps and customer-facing teams can unlock their full potential, drive customer satisfaction, and achieve impressive business results in today’s competitive landscape.

Interested in how to harness the power of AI for your customer-facing roles? Register for our live demo webinar of Mindtickle’s generative AI capabilities.

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A Q&A on Data-Driven Enablement and the Power of AI

In a recent Q&A session with Teri Long, VP of Revenue Enablement at Mindtickle, we talked sales enablement, onboarding, and the power of AI in shaping the future of the industry. With 17 years of experience as an enablement leader, Teri shared valuable insights on the challenges faced by organizations in 2023, the importance of data-driven views in sales, and her passion for creating impactful onboarding programs.

Q: Tell us a little about your background before you got into an enablement role.

Teri shared that she spent years as a quota-carrying representative and how it’s shaped her perspective on sales enablement.

“I was in the trenches as a BDR, AE, and a CS rep. It has given me a unique perspective when it comes to how we enable the field,” Teri explained. “In a leadership role, I have incredible empathy and conviction for our sellers having walked in their shoes. That drives credibility with the field. I am thrilled to apply my expertise here at Mindtickle, which takes enablement to the next level for me, being at the epicenter of enablement.”

“I was in the trenches as a BDR, AE, and a CS rep. It has given me a unique perspective when it comes to how we enable the field."
Teri-long
Teri Long
VP of Revenue Enablement, Mindtickle

 

Q: What are the biggest challenges faced by sales enablement and revenue leaders and their teams in 2023?

Teri said one of the most significant challenges in 2023 is the lack of a data-driven view of what makes sellers successful and what doesn’t. Organizations struggle to predict each seller’s performance and maximize their potential for driving revenue growth.

“Not having a data-driven view or having the ability to maximize seller performance to drive revenue growth is the most important conversation that’s taking place right now. [Leaders] are concerned about not having the ability to predict every seller’s performance and being able to maximize the potential so that we drive revenue growth.”

The absence of an integrated platform to provide actionable insights creates difficulties in extracting and using valuable data effectively.

“Many organizations today have multiple platforms that live in disparate locations managed by various teams, or people, and the ability to consolidate the data in a meaningful and actionable way is incredibly difficult,” Teri said. 

“When you look at what Mindtickle brings to the market, having a fully integrated revenue productivity platform that can optimize all of those data inputs, and provide actionable insights you can act on to drive predictability – it’s a whole new game. That puts enablement and anybody in the suite C-suite in a position to drive predictable conversations.”

Q: Everyone is talking about generative AI and how it’s impacting their work. How do you see it impacting the enablement function?

“Coming out of Forrester B2B Summit, we spent a lot of time actually listening to the analysts talk about AI,” Teri said. One of the biggest takeaways is being aware of the security elements of AI and making sure to take a security-first approach. That’s going to be key.”

Teri then talked about four immediate impacts of generative AI on enablement. Here’s how she sees it changing the way work gets done:

Streamlined program operationalization, offering specific guidance to sales reps and optimizing enablement content

Enhanced selling efficiency by aiding meeting preparation, deal navigation, and pipeline prioritization, leading to higher-quality engagements.

Optimizing deal management by providing valuable team insights and improving coaching conversations, driving higher quota achievement.

Playing a vital role in forecasting, helping to identify risks, making adjustments, and providing more accurate revenue predictions, addressing a major challenge faced by C-suite executives

 

Q: What is the most prominent “sin” committed by leaders in onboarding, and how can they prevent it?

“Onboarding is often confused with orientation,” Teri explained. “Orientation is absolutely necessary, the paperwork, some of the routine tasks, Teri explained. “But onboarding is a comprehensive, integrated process to enable new hires with the knowledge, skills, product, process, and tools necessary to be successful. Time to productivity can vary greatly based on the organization, industry, and role. In some cases, we’ve seen programs running for up to 12 months.”

"Onboarding is a comprehensive, integrated process to enable new hires with the knowledge, skills, product, process, and tools necessary to be successful."
Teri-long
Teri Long
VP of Revenue Enablement, Mindtickle

Teri continued to explain that in order to understand if your program is successful, you need to determine success metrics.

“Measuring the success of the onboarding program can be incredibly ambiguous without the right systems and data,” she explained. “It requires determining your success metrics for the program. What – as an organization – indicates that your seller is successful by X time?”

Teri also emphasized that another common mistake is the belief that there’s only one Ideal Rep Profile (IRP) for all selling roles within an organization. This misconception can lead to hiring the wrong people for specific roles and negatively impact performance.

To prevent this, organizations must establish unique competencies for each selling role, allowing for targeted onboarding and hiring strategies. By defining and following IRPs, companies can drive more predictable revenue outcomes.

Q: What are the key metrics for evaluating a rep’s onboarding progress and performance?

Teri said that quota attainment comes first but there are other metrics that can indicate if a rep’s onboarding is complete.

“Ramp time, time to first deal closed, time to 4X pipe coverage, deal size, conversion rates, to name a few,” Teri explained. “Onboarding is a great opportunity for leaders to partner with enablement. We can help us drive different or correct behaviors that are impacting a seller’s ability to exceed productivity expectations.”

She continued to explain that various organizations have a wide range of success metrics and data points to measure their performance against, and these metrics may vary depending on one’s job title and the specific programs being implemented. However, some fundamental metrics remain crucial across the board. These include quota attainment, win rates, sales velocity, and conversion rates, which are vital in today’s market.

For teams working with segmented customer bases, cross-selling, upselling, and renewal rates, Teri said NPS scores play a significant role. They involve not only acquiring new customers but also expanding and retaining existing ones by introducing additional products or upselling to larger packages.

Q+A recap

In this Q&A, Teri shed light on the current challenges faced by sales enablement teams and shared actionable strategies to overcome them. Emphasizing the importance of data-driven views, strategic enablement, and personalized onboarding programs, Teri demonstrated how organizations can unlock their sales team’s full potential for driving revenue growth. As AI continues to evolve, it promises to revolutionize the sales enablement landscape, creating more efficient and successful sales teams.

Want more expert advice?

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Take Me There

Video: Emphasizing Usability and Customization at Okta

 

Video summary

In Okta’s search for a sales tool, they quickly realized that it wasn’t just the sales features that mattered; usability was equally crucial. The ability to have visibility into the backend operations, monitor user activities, and have control over features and functionality became paramount for Ariel Elliott and the Okta team. They found value in seemingly simple aspects like the ability to modify completion criteria and customize quizzes and assessments, which are often overlooked but are essential for optimizing the learning experience.

This focus on usability and customization set Mindtickle apart from typical solutions. Ariel adapts and tailors the tool to meet their specific needs and has been a key differentiator. The team tracks completion metrics and closely monitors the time it takes for users to complete the sales onboarding process and subsequently ramp up their performance. By analyzing these metrics, Okta gains valuable insights into user engagement and the effectiveness of the tool.

Since migrating from older platforms, Okta observed a significant increase in tool adoption. This migration has not only improved their ability to track and control sales activities but has also resulted in higher user acceptance and utilization. The positive response from the Okta team reinforces the value of their emphasis on usability and customization.


Key highlights

  • Usability is a crucial factor: Ariel said their choice of sales tool was not solely based on its sales features, but also on its usability. She highlighted the importance of being able to easily navigate the backend, track user activities, and have control over features and functionality.
  • Attention to learner needs: Okta modifies quizzes and assessments to cater to the needs of learners. They acknowledge that these aspects are sometimes overlooked but consider them essential for effective learning experiences.
  • Focus on completion and adoption:  Okta’s current focus is on completion metrics, particularly the time it takes for users to complete onboarding and ramp up afterward. They also note that since migrating from older platforms, they have observed a higher adoption rate of the tool.

Video transcription


For us, it wasn’t just the sales features. It was the usability. The ability to see what’s going on in the backend, see who’s doing what, when they’re doing it being able to control those features and functionality.

The simple things like changing completion. Being able to kind of modify the quizzes and the assessments, those learner things that are sometimes overlooked. And the control of that I think, is really what differentiates Mindtickle.

I can say, right now we’re really just looking at completion, more than anything, how long it takes for them to complete onboarding, how long it takes them to ramp after onboarding. Those are the biggest things that we are looking at. We’re definitely seeing higher adoption of the tool since we migrated from older platforms.

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Podcast: How American Express Builds Long-Term Selling Skills

 

Episode summary

In this re-airing of an episode of Ready Set Sell, Hannah interviews Jeffrey D. Hatchell, an accomplished author and the Vice President of U.S. Sales Enablement & Global Leadership at American Express. With extensive experience as both a sales leader and a performance coach, Jeffrey brings valuable insights to the table. He is also the author of the highly regarded book, The Inspired Career, which focuses on inspirational leadership. Currently, Jeffrey leads a sales enablement organization dedicated to equipping salespeople and their leaders with the necessary skills to enhance their effectiveness with customers and prospects.

During their conversation, Hannah and Jeffrey delve into the concept of leading an inspired career. They explore how sales professionals can develop a deeper awareness of their own potential and discuss practical steps individuals can take to improve their leadership abilities. Jeffrey emphasizes the significance of transforming followers into leaders and cultivating leaders who can drive positive change within their organizations. He also sheds light on his role as an advocate for the Black community in the business world.

Overall, this engaging episode provides valuable insights into the pursuit of an inspired career, the importance of self-awareness for sales professionals, and the initiation of leadership skill enhancement. Furthermore, it highlights Jeffrey’s commitment to empowering individuals and fostering positive change within the business community, particularly in support of the Black community.

Keep checking back here to see more videos of our podcast.

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Deal Coaching vs. Skill Coaching: What’s the Difference? (It’s Big and it Impacts Revenue)

Managing your sales team involves a lot of responsibilities: from initial onboarding for new hires, to ongoing training and coaching, to regular performance assessments.

Both deal coaching and skill coaching are strategic techniques for guiding sales reps, each with its own goals and procedures. Effective coaching can improve win rates by 27% or more — but which approach will help you hit that potential? 

Win rate improvement with effective coaching
0 %

Say you are an experienced rock climber, and you’re teaching a newbie the basics. In this scenario:

 

Deal coaching

Skill coaching

Deal coaching would be teaching this person exactly how to tackle the formation in front of them. You go through each foothold and each hand placement so they know exactly what lies ahead of them.

Skill coaching would involve going over a foothold that lies ahead, but also providing different scenarios you may encounter in the future and how to approach them.

 

Sales managers typically coach sellers through individual deals. While that’s important, skill coaching is imperative to building a coaching culture and preparing sellers for consistent quota attainment. Continue reading to discover the distinctions between the two and which will be more lucrative for your organization.

Deal coaching: Working through the pipeline

Deal coaching focuses on buyers and what resources are needed to engage them and move them further along the sales funnel. While typically unstructured, these sessions help reps work through specific deals in their pipeline for more immediate impact.

The goal of deal coaching is to remove stalled or unqualified deals, adjust effort toward real opportunities, and strategize how to tackle those opportunities. In deal coaching sessions, managers ask questions like:

  • What is this buyer’s business need?
  • What unique value does our solution bring to this buyer?
  • Who are the decision-makers?
  • What objections (if any) have there been thus far?
  • Who are we competing against for this buyer’s business?

By answering these questions together, manager and rep can together come up with the best plan of attack, determining what content and approach will be most relevant and drive the deal to close. And while this method may improve a single interaction with a buyer, its benefits tend to be temporary.

Skill coaching: Polishing the competencies that matter most

Skill coaching, on the other hand, focuses on the sellers themselves. Rather than walking through individual deals, its objective is to develop the knowledge and behaviors most critical to success. These may differ from one organization to another, but the following are the most common skills we see amongst top-performing salespeople:

Assessing tasks and prioritizing them

Capturing buyers’ attention and keeping them engaged throughout the sales cycle

Effectively express the business value to address buyer needs

Tuning into buyer challenges to adequately address them

Managing and mitigating buyer hesitation and/or doubts

Understanding customer pain points and how your solution helps to solve them

 

Skill coaching is an ongoing effort, promoting professional development, learning reinforcement, and evaluation. To contribute to their team’s growth, managers can send them to a class or seminar or assign them a book to read. Managers also assess reps’ training completion and performance for further insight into knowledge and skill improvement. Leveraging data, managers are empowered to have more personalized and relevant one-on-one coaching sessions with their reps.

Which coaching style drives results?

Managers have limited time with each rep, and coaching conversations often become deal reviews — with only 5% of time being spent giving useful feedback on next steps.

Deal coaching is advantageous in the short term; for instance, when a buyer has an immediate need or request. In this case, giving the rep training materials will not help; you’ve got to offer specific and timely advice that helps the seller quickly and competently resolve the problem.

But the most effective sales coaching should identify individual areas for improvement for each rep, then provide content and regular guidance to develop skills – in other words, skill coaching.

If you are teaching someone to rock climb, you need to prepare them for more than just what is in front of them. Teaching and mastering the basics will ensure they can tackle more difficult walls and structures in the future.

It’s a longer game, but working on the high-level abilities that lead to success pays off. Coaching sellers through skill gaps better positions them down the road so they’re able to navigate deals more effectively and, ultimately, close them.

Managers who use skill coaching also stand to be trusted mentors to the members of their teams. Investing time and effort into building a seller’s personal and professional growth earns their respect and loyalty.

Digital tools for successful skill coaching

While deal coaching has its benefits for short-term needs, skill coaching delivers results that generate long-term revenue growth. Using data to inform one-on-one sessions, providing the right learning content at the right time, and ultimately cultivating the behaviors and knowledge of top-performing sellers, your team will achieve peak productivity and revenue growth.

With data at the heart of skill coaching, leadership needs the right tools to administer learning materials and track both individual completion and performance. A revenue productivity platform automates onboarding and training so managers can focus on what’s important: giving sales reps what they need to reach success.

Mindtickle enables front-line sales managers to collaborate with sales reps to close knowledge gaps and achieve higher quota attainment. Kickstart a culture of coaching with tools that make sales readiness a reality for your team.


This post originally published in March 2021 and was updated in July 2023. 

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Video: Becoming a Great Sales Storyteller

 

Episode summary

In this episode, Hannah and Tony delve into the importance of being both a skilled salesperson and a captivating storyteller. They have a conversation with Nick Capozzi, the Head of Storytelling at Demostack, who is an expert in creating compelling video content that enhances sales and strengthens a brand’s narrative.

Nick’s background in sales, starting from his time on cruise ships, gives him a profound understanding of the power of storytelling and the essential elements of exceptional content. He shares intriguing anecdotes about his career journey and reveals some of his well-guarded secrets for using storytelling as an effective sales tool. Additionally, Nick provides valuable insights on crafting a demo that could rival an Oscar-worthy performance. If you’re eager to elevate your brand storytelling, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on this episode.

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How Fastmarkets Won Over Sellers with Mindtickle

 

Episode summary

In this video, Fastmarkets’ Anusha Purkins, Head of Sales Enablement, talks about how they’re using Mindtickle to roll out its first-ever certified sales enablement program. One of the main goals was to standardize the onboarding process and improve the efficiency of the go-to-market approach. They also aimed to provide sales managers with effective coaching tools to drive sales performance.

Mindtickle’s most valuable products included a digitized competency framework that allows salespeople to self-review and identify areas for development. The platform also incorporates a learning management system (LMS) for building and assigning coaching programs. Another crucial aspect is the call AI feature, which initially faced skepticism from salespeople but eventually proved valuable for self-assessment and immediate application of learnings. The speaker highlights the positive impact of Mindtickle, such as sharing best practices, improving average order value, and aligning messaging with marketing efforts. The implementation of Mindtickle contributed to a significant improvement in the company’s internal EPS score for sales.

Key highlights

  • Fastmarkets built and digitized its competency framework using Mindtickle which means they’re able to identify key development areas that managers can coach on.
  • Rolled out first-ever certified sales enablement program. All sellers now use a consistent sales methodology.
  • Fastmarkets now shares best pratices across teams so they’re able to ramp reps faster and shrink the learning curve for new sellers.
  • Starting to leverage Mindtickle’s Call AI, allowing sellers to self-assess immediately and then apply those learnings and those corrections in those next calls immediately.

Transcription

We’re essentially leveraging my Mindtickle for a number of initiatives. One was to try and standardize our onboarding process to make our go-to-market approach much more efficient. But also give our sales managers the right tools to coach effectively, and really move the needle with their sales reps where we can see value from that.

The most valuable products have been in helping us build our competency framework that’s now been digitized. It allows our salespeople to go online self-review, as long as we as long as we’re the managers as well. And that helps identify key development areas that managers can coach and can focus on.

We’re also starting to leverage, of course, the LMS, in terms of building those programs. It can be prescriptive that way. So once we’ve identified the areas to coach, we can assign the right coaching programs, and make sure that they are interactive, we’re using various modalities to do that. And then the final piece around that is the call AI. So that’s been instrumental in making sure the adoption is there.

I think that’s really important to bring us 360 Make sure that not only we do, do we have clarity on what we’re focused on, but also make sure that we’re moving the needle with our salespeople to make sure they can execute that as well.

[There’s] been a huge impact from Mindtickle. So it was the first time that we’ve rolled out any kind of certified sales enablement program. It ensured that everyone was working to a consistent methodology and process but also we’ve been able to ensure we can measure the progression of individuals within the business.

The other part that has been really important is sharing the best practices across teams. The creation of best practice libraries, adoption of new insights -- particularly for new starters. We've lost that learning curve, or it's definitely slowed over time as a result of remote working. Bringing in resources like Mindtickle allows us to accelerate the ramp-up time for for sale starters.
Anusha Purkins
Head of Sales Enablement

Another big one was the average order value. So we wanted to look at how can we ensure salespeople were achieving maximum value from each and every client interaction, extract the most amount of value in terms of customer renewal contract values, but make sure we weren’t cannibalizing on price. So it’s about doing the right things at the right time with clients. So we saw those two major KPIs.

And then the final one was go-to-market approach. So how do we ensure that when we launch a new product, our salespeople are positioning, the messaging is going out, and it’s aligned with what our marketing teams are sending out to market as well.

So one of the key statistics that I’m probably quite proud of was our internal EPS score for sales. So prior to sales enablement and Mindtickle coming into play, we had a -16 EPS score, it’s now gone to + 22. Some of that can definitely be attributed to salespeople feeling that they’ve been invested in and that there are clear programs around their advancement and their development and their trading needs. And those coaching needs are being met as well.

We’re in the preliminary stages of the adoption of Call AI. It’s an exceptionally powerful tool. So we’re starting to see that there are some advocates. And I think the biggest piece was there was some trepidation by salespeople who saw that it was a little bit of a big brother tool. They were worried about people overseeing their calls, they’re actually starting to see the value in being able to self-assess really quickly and then apply those learnings and those corrections in those next calls immediately as opposed to waiting for a weekly or BI monthly training session where the adoption of those learnings take much longer.

One of your differentiating factors – actually one of the reasons I chose to move forward with Mindtickle – I actually reviewed a number of your LMS counterparts. Two people stood out for me Absolutely. One was my account manager, Tom, whose discovery was so rigorous. I felt reassured that he understood the challenges and also built a business case that reflected that. And then coming into the actual fold of utilizing Jessica has been incredibly responsive. She’s very knowledgeable about her space. She also understands what her customers need, and she has a great balance between probing discovery versus delivering on results. Both of those Mindtickle employees were incredible in the process.


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Video: Scaling Individualized Onboarding and Training

 

The Ready, Set, Sell Podcast from Mindtickle

If you’re looking for a podcast to give tips and advice for how to build a successful revenue enablement program, Ready, Set, Sell is for you. 

In each episode, we sit down with industry thought leaders in providing listeners with smart insights, tangible advice, and actionable tips they can apply to the work they do in their own roles.

In this episode, Amy Lord, a Global Sales Enablement Manager, sits down with our team to talk onboarding, continuous learning, and coaching programs.

Keep checking back here to see more videos of our podcast. 

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The Best Sales Glossary for Sellers

In the world of sales, effective communication is the cornerstone of success. Whether you’re a seasoned sales pro or just starting your journey, understanding and speaking the language of sales is essential to connect with prospects, build relationships, and close deals.

But let’s face it, the sales landscape is riddled with jargon and specialized terminology that can be overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve created our comprehensive sales glossary, designed specifically for sellers like you. This invaluable resource will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate sales conversations with ease, impress prospects, and elevate your selling game.

A strategic approach to sales that focuses on targeting and engaging specific high-value accounts with personalized and tailored messaging. It involves identifying key decision-makers within a target account, understanding their unique needs and challenges, and crafting customized solutions to address those needs. ABS aims to build strong relationships with individual accounts and deliver a personalized buying experience to drive higher conversion rates and revenue growth.

An account executive in sales is a professional responsible for managing and nurturing relationships with existing clients or prospective customers on behalf of a company. Their primary role is to drive sales by understanding the needs of clients, presenting products or services, negotiating contracts, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Account executives typically serve as the main point of contact, working closely with clients to identify opportunities, address concerns, and provide ongoing support to maximize revenue and maintain long-term partnerships.

Annual Customer Value (ACV) is a metric used in business to calculate the average revenue or value generated by a customer over a one-year period. It takes into account factors such as recurring purchases, subscriptions, and contract renewals to determine the total value a customer brings to a company on an annual basis. ACV helps organizations assess the profitability and long-term worth of their customer relationships, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding customer acquisition, retention strategies, and resource allocation.

A Business Development Representative (BDR) is a sales professional responsible for prospecting, qualifying, and generating new business opportunities for a company. BDRs typically work closely with marketing and sales teams to identify potential leads, engage with prospects through various channels, and schedule meetings or demos for account executives or sales representatives. Their primary objective is to generate a pipeline of qualified leads and initiate the early stages of the sales process by nurturing relationships, conducting outreach, and gathering valuable market intelligence to support the company’s growth objectives.

B2B stands for “Business-to-Business” and refers to transactions, interactions, or relationships that occur between two or more businesses. It involves the exchange of products, services, or information between companies rather than between a business and individual consumers. B2B activities can include selling goods to other businesses, providing services, forming partnerships, or collaborating on projects. B2B transactions often involve larger quantities, specialized products or services, and negotiations tailored to the unique needs of the business customers involved.

B2C stands for “Business-to-Consumer” and refers to transactions, interactions, or relationships that occur between a business and individual consumers. It involves the sale of products, services, or information directly to end-users or customers for their personal use or consumption. B2C transactions typically occur through various channels such as online platforms, retail stores, or direct sales, and focus on meeting the specific needs and preferences of individual consumers. B2C businesses often employ marketing and advertising strategies to attract and engage with a wide range of consumers to drive sales and build customer loyalty.

BANT is an acronym commonly used in sales to qualify and assess potential leads or prospects. It stands for Budget, Authority, Need, and Timeline. Here’s a brief definition for each component:

  • Budget: Refers to the financial resources or funding that a prospect has allocated or is willing to allocate for a particular product or solution.
  • Authority: Indicates whether the prospect has the decision-making power or authority within their organization to make purchasing decisions.
  • Need: Determines the specific pain points, challenges, or requirements that the prospect has, which the product or solution can address and fulfill.
  • Timeline: Refers to the timeframe or urgency within which the prospect intends to implement or solve the identified need.

BANT serves as a framework for sales representatives to evaluate the viability of a lead, qualify them as a potential customer, and prioritize their efforts based on the prospect’s budget, decision-making authority, identified needs, and timeline for action

The Bottom of the Funnel (BOFU) represents the final stage in the buyer’s journey, where leads have progressed through the awareness and consideration stages and are now poised to make a purchasing decision. At this stage, prospects have a clear understanding of their problem, have evaluated various solutions, and are actively comparing options. Marketers and sales teams focus on providing detailed product information, addressing specific objections, and offering tailored solutions.

Tactics employed include personalized demos, free trials, case studies, pricing discussions, and contract negotiations. The primary goal is to convert qualified leads into customers by showcasing the value proposition, highlighting ROI, and addressing any remaining concerns, ultimately driving them toward a successful purchase.

Sales certification refers to a formal recognition or credential that validates an individual’s proficiency and expertise in sales-related knowledge and skills. It is typically offered by professional organizations, industry associations, or training institutions.

Sales certification programs assess and verify a sales professional’s understanding of sales concepts, techniques, best practices, and industry-specific knowledge. These programs often include comprehensive training, educational materials, assessments, and examinations to ensure that individuals meet the established standards for competence in the sales field. Sales certifications can cover a wide range of areas, such as consultative selling, sales management, relationship building, objection handling, negotiation, and ethical sales practices. Obtaining a sales certification demonstrates a commitment to professional development, enhances credibility, and may provide individuals with a competitive advantage in the job market or within their organizations.

Churn rate refers to the rate at which customers or subscribers discontinue or cancel their relationship with a company or cease using its products or services over a specific period. It is a key metric used to measure customer attrition or turnover and is typically expressed as a percentage. A high churn rate indicates a higher rate of customer loss, which can have negative implications for a company’s revenue and growth. Managing and reducing churn rate is an important focus for businesses as it impacts customer retention, profitability, and overall business success.

Closed rate, also known as the “closing rate” or “conversion rate,” is a sales metric that measures the percentage of successfully closed deals or sales opportunities out of the total number of qualified leads or opportunities. It represents the effectiveness of a sales team or individual in converting prospects into customers. A high closed rate indicates a higher success rate in closing deals, while a low closed rate may indicate areas for improvement in the sales process, such as lead qualification, objection handling, or negotiation skills. The closed rate is an essential metric for evaluating sales performance and optimizing sales strategies to maximize revenue and business growth.

In sales, “closed-won” refers to a status or outcome assigned to a sales opportunity when it has been successfully closed and resulted in a sale or a won deal. It signifies that a prospect has made the decision to purchase the product or service being offered, and all necessary agreements, negotiations, and contracts have been finalized. The closed-won status indicates a successful outcome for the salesperson or sales team, as they have successfully converted the opportunity into a customer and achieved their sales objective.

Conversation intelligence refers to the practice of capturing, analyzing, and deriving insights from sales and customer conversations. It involves leveraging advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and natural language processing, to automatically transcribe and analyze conversations between sales representatives and prospects or customers.

Conversation intelligence platforms enable organizations to extract valuable data and insights from these interactions, such as key talking points, sentiment analysis, objection handling, and competitive intelligence. By applying conversation intelligence, sales teams can gain a deeper understanding of customer needs, improve sales effectiveness, and enhance coaching and training efforts. It serves as a powerful tool for optimizing sales strategies, improving customer interactions, and driving overall sales performance.

A Digital Sales Room, commonly referred to as a DSR, is a single platform for deal planning, communication, and content sharing. A digital sales room refers to a virtual or online platform where sales professionals can engage with potential customers, share information, and facilitate sales interactions in a digital environment. It serves as a centralized hub where sales representatives can showcase products or services, provide demonstrations, share presentations, and address customer inquiries or objections.

Digital sales rooms often leverage technology such as video conferencing, screen sharing, document sharing, and real-time messaging to create an interactive and immersive sales experience. These platforms enable sales teams to collaborate with prospects remotely, deliver personalized sales pitches, and guide customers through the sales process, replicating many aspects of a traditional face-to-face sales meeting. Digital sales rooms offer convenience, flexibility, and accessibility, allowing sales professionals to connect with customers from anywhere and at any time, improving efficiency and expanding sales opportunities in a digital sales environment.

A Front Line Manager, also known as a First-Line Manager or Supervisor, is an essential position within an organization responsible for overseeing a team of employees at the operational level. They are typically responsible for ensuring the smooth execution of day-to-day activities, managing workflow, and maintaining productivity within their department or team.

Front Line Managers play a vital role in implementing organizational policies and procedures, providing guidance and support to team members, monitoring performance, and addressing any issues or challenges that may arise. Their strong leadership skills, effective communication, and ability to motivate and develop their team contribute to the overall success and efficiency of the organization.

Field sales, also known as outside sales, refers to a sales approach where sales representatives or account executives meet and interact with prospects or customers in person, typically outside the office or at the client’s location. Instead of conducting sales remotely or through digital means, field sales professionals actively travel to meet with clients, conduct sales presentations, demonstrate products, negotiate deals, and build relationships face-to-face. Field sales is often employed in industries or situations where personal interaction, relationship-building, and customized sales approaches are essential for driving business growth and closing deals successfully.

 

A profile of a rep that’s likely to succeed at a given organization. Much like an ICP includes characteristics that make the customer “ideal,” an IRP defines the competencies and skills a rep must have to regularly close deals and meet (or even surpass) quota. 

Learning that takes place where one or more educators, either virtually or in a classroom, teach skills through presentations, demonstrations, and discussions.

A lead in sales refers to an individual or business entity that has shown interest in a company’s products or services and has the potential to become a customer. It is typically a person or organization that has provided their contact information or engaged with the company through various channels, such as filling out a form, subscribing to a newsletter, attending an event, or expressing interest in a product demonstration. Leads are often considered as potential opportunities for sales teams to pursue and convert into paying customers through further engagement, nurturing, and the sales process.

Lead qualification is the process of assessing and evaluating potential leads or prospects to determine their suitability, readiness, and likelihood of becoming a customer. It involves gathering information, analyzing data, and applying specific criteria to determine whether a lead meets the requirements and characteristics of an ideal customer for a particular product or service. Lead qualification helps sales and marketing teams focus their efforts on leads that are most likely to convert, ensuring that resources and time are allocated effectively. It typically involves evaluating factors such as the lead’s budget, needs, timeline, decision-making authority, and fit with the company’s target market or buyer persona. The goal of lead qualification is to identify and prioritize high-quality leads that have the potential to drive successful sales outcomes.

Lead scoring is a methodology used in sales and marketing to assess and rank the quality or readiness of a lead based on predetermined criteria. It involves assigning numerical values or scores to leads based on factors such as demographic information, lead source, engagement level, behavior, and characteristics that indicate their likelihood of becoming a customer. Lead scoring helps prioritize and focus efforts on leads with higher potential or readiness, enabling sales and marketing teams to allocate resources effectively and prioritize follow-up activities. By using lead scoring, organizations can streamline their lead qualification process, improve lead-to-customer conversion rates, and optimize sales and marketing efforts.

A Learning Management System (LMS) is a software application or platform designed to facilitate the administration, delivery, and tracking of educational or training programs. It provides a centralized hub for managing and delivering various types of learning content, such as online courses, training modules, assessments, and resources. LMS platforms typically offer features such as user management, course enrollment, content creation and management, progress tracking, assessments, and reporting. They allow organizations, educational institutions, or trainers to create, organize, and deliver learning materials, track learner progress, and assess their performance.

LMS platforms can be used for a wide range of learning purposes, including employee training, professional development, compliance training, onboarding, and academic courses. They provide a scalable and efficient way to deliver and manage learning experiences, foster engagement and collaboration, and track the effectiveness of training initiatives.

Microlearning in sales training is an approach that delivers small, bite-sized units of targeted and focused learning content to sales professionals. It involves breaking down training materials into brief, easily consumable modules, typically ranging from a few minutes to 10-15 minutes in length. These modules are designed to address specific topics, skills, or knowledge gaps relevant to sales performance improvement.

Microlearning can take the form of short videos, quizzes, interactive exercises, or concise text-based lessons. By providing quick and easily accessible learning resources, microlearning allows sales professionals to engage in continuous learning and development on-demand, fitting into their busy schedules and facilitating knowledge retention and application.

MQL stands for Marketing Qualified Lead and refers to a lead or prospect that has been deemed as having a higher potential to become a customer based on their engagement with marketing efforts and meeting certain predefined criteria. MQLs are typically identified and qualified by the marketing team using a combination of factors such as specific actions taken by the lead (e.g., downloading a whitepaper, attending a webinar), their level of interest or engagement, and their fit with the target market or buyer persona. MQLs are then passed on to the sales team for further nurturing and conversion into customers through personalized sales efforts and follow-up activities.

The Middle of the Funnel (MOFU) refers to the second stage in the buyer’s journey, where potential customers have already shown interest in a product or service and are actively considering their options. At this stage, prospects are transitioning from the initial awareness stage to evaluating different solutions. Marketers and sales teams focus on nurturing leads, providing targeted and relevant information, and building trust and credibility.

MOFU involves tactics such as lead scoring, lead nurturing campaigns, personalized content, and engaging with prospects through channels like email, webinars, and demos. The goal is to educate and guide prospects toward making a purchase decision, ultimately moving them closer to becoming qualified opportunities for sales.

 

Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a widely used metric that measures the loyalty and satisfaction of customers towards a company or brand. It is based on a simple survey question: “On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend our company/brand/product/service to a friend or colleague?” Respondents are categorized into three groups: Promoters (score 9-10), Passives (score 7-8), and Detractors (score 0-6). The NPS is calculated by subtracting the percentage of Detractors from the percentage of Promoters, resulting in a score that ranges from -100 to +100.

A higher NPS indicates higher customer loyalty and advocacy, while a lower score suggests areas for improvement. The Net Promoter Score provides valuable insights into customer sentiment and can guide businesses in enhancing customer experience and driving growth.

A pain point refers to a specific problem, challenge, or frustration that a business or individual within a target company is experiencing. It is a source of dissatisfaction or unmet need that creates a sense of urgency or motivation for the business to seek a solution. Pain points can arise from various aspects of the company’s operations, such as inefficiencies, high costs, lack of productivity, compliance issues, or competitive disadvantages. Identifying and addressing these pain points is a critical aspect of B2B selling, as it allows sales professionals to position their products or services as a solution that can alleviate the customer’s pain and provide tangible benefits or improvements.

Prospecting in sales refers to the proactive and systematic process of identifying and qualifying potential leads or prospects who have the potential to become customers. It involves searching for and evaluating individuals or businesses that fit the company’s target market or buyer persona. Sales professionals engage in prospecting activities to initiate contact, gather relevant information, and assess the viability and potential value of the leads for the sales pipeline.

Prospectors may utilize various strategies and techniques, such as cold calling, email outreach, networking, social media research, and attending industry events, to identify and connect with potential prospects. The goal of prospecting is to generate a pool of qualified leads that can be further pursued and nurtured through the sales process with the aim of converting them into customers.

A qualified lead, also known as a sales-qualified lead (SQL), is a potential customer who has been assessed and determined to have a higher likelihood of converting into a sale based on predefined criteria. These criteria may include factors such as their level of interest, fit with the target market or buyer persona, budget, authority to make purchasing decisions, and specific needs or pain points that align with the company’s products or services. A qualified lead has shown a certain level of engagement and meets the necessary requirements to move forward in the sales process. Sales teams prioritize qualified leads for further nurturing and active sales efforts to convert them into customers.

A sales quota is a predetermined sales target or goal set for an individual salesperson or a sales team within a specific time period. It represents the desired level of sales performance that the individual or team is expected to achieve. Sales quotas are typically established based on factors such as revenue, units sold, profit margin, or other key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the organization’s sales objectives.

Quotas serve as a means to motivate and incentivize sales professionals, providing a clear benchmark for performance evaluation and measuring the success of sales efforts. Meeting or exceeding sales quotas is often tied to rewards, commissions, bonuses, or other forms of recognition within the sales compensation structure.

Revenue enablement refers to the strategic process of equipping sales teams and other revenue-generating functions within an organization with the necessary tools, resources, and support to maximize their effectiveness in driving revenue growth. It encompasses a range of activities aimed at empowering sales professionals to perform at their best and achieve their revenue targets.

Revenue enablement involves providing comprehensive training, access to relevant information and data, sales tools and technologies, streamlined processes, and effective collaboration between sales, marketing, and other departments. The goal of revenue enablement is to optimize sales productivity, improve customer engagement, and ultimately increase revenue generation across the organization.

Revenue intelligence refers to the practice of capturing, analyzing, and leveraging data and insights related to revenue-generating activities within an organization. It involves using advanced analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to gather and interpret data from various sources, such as customer interactions, sales pipelines, marketing campaigns, and financial systems.

Revenue intelligence provides a holistic view of the customer journey, sales performance, and revenue generation processes, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions and optimize their revenue strategies. It helps organizations identify patterns, trends, and opportunities to improve sales effectiveness, customer engagement, and overall revenue growth. Revenue intelligence tools and platforms can provide valuable insights into customer preferences, buying behavior, market trends, and competitive landscapes, empowering businesses to align their sales and marketing efforts, improve forecasting accuracy, optimize pricing strategies, and drive revenue optimization across the organization.

Revenue productivity is a set of processes, strategies, and technologies used to enhance sales performance by utilizing seller data, revenue analytics, sales enablement, and front-line sales coaching.

 

Revenue Operations, commonly known as RevOps, refers to the strategic alignment and integration of sales, marketing, and customer success operations within an organization. It focuses on optimizing revenue generation by streamlining processes, leveraging technology, and fostering collaboration across departments.

Revenue Operations brings together data, analytics, and insights to drive informed decision-making and improve overall operational efficiency. By breaking down silos and creating a unified approach to revenue management, RevOps aims to enhance customer experience, increase sales effectiveness, and maximize revenue growth. It serves as a bridge between different teams, aligning their goals and strategies to drive holistic revenue optimization and organizational success.

Sales coaching refers to the process of providing guidance, support, and feedback to sales professionals with the aim of improving their selling skills, performance, and overall effectiveness. Sales coaching involves a collaborative approach where a sales manager or experienced salesperson works closely with the sales representative to enhance their knowledge, abilities, and techniques in various aspects of the sales process. It may include activities such as role-playing, analyzing sales calls, reviewing sales metrics, offering constructive feedback, providing training on sales strategies, and setting performance goals.

The goal of sales coaching is to help sales professionals develop their strengths, overcome challenges, and achieve their sales targets by continuously improving their sales techniques, communication skills, relationship-building abilities, and overall sales effectiveness.

Sales content management refers to the strategic process of organizing, storing, and distributing sales-related content in a structured and efficient manner. It involves the systematic management of various types of content, including sales collateral, presentations, case studies, product information, and more. The primary goal of sales content management is to enable sales teams to easily access and utilize relevant and up-to-date content during customer interactions, thereby enhancing their effectiveness and improving the overall sales process. Effective sales content management ensures that sales representatives have the right information at their fingertips, empowering them to engage prospects, address their needs, and drive successful sales outcomes.

 

Sales enablement refers to the strategic approach of equipping sales teams with the resources, tools, and knowledge they need to effectively engage with prospects, close deals, and drive revenue. It involves the alignment of marketing, training, and sales efforts to enhance the overall sales process.

Sales enablement encompasses the development and delivery of training programs, creation of sales collateral and playbooks, provision of relevant and up-to-date product information, implementation of technology solutions, and ongoing coaching and support. By focusing on sales enablement, organizations empower their sales teams to deliver consistent messaging, address customer needs, overcome objections, and ultimately achieve their sales targets.

Sales onboarding refers to the process of integrating and orienting newly hired sales professionals into an organization, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to succeed in their role. Sales onboarding typically involves training on product knowledge, sales techniques, company policies, and procedures, as well as providing access to tools and systems used in the sales process. The goal of sales onboarding is to accelerate the time it takes for new sales representatives to become productive and contribute to the organization’s sales goals.

Sales forecasting is the process of estimating or predicting future sales performance based on historical data, market trends, and other relevant factors. It involves analyzing past sales patterns, market conditions, customer behavior, and internal data to make informed projections about future sales revenue, unit sales, or customer acquisition. Sales forecasting helps businesses plan and make strategic decisions, such as budgeting, resource allocation, inventory management, and goal setting. It serves as a valuable tool for sales teams, executives, and stakeholders to anticipate and prepare for future sales outcomes and optimize business operations.

Sales force refers to the collective group of individuals within an organization who are responsible for selling its products or services. They are the front-line representatives of the company, engaging with customers, building relationships, and ultimately driving sales revenue. The sales force typically includes sales representatives, account managers, sales managers, and other supporting roles involved in the sales process. They are responsible for prospecting, qualifying leads, making sales presentations, negotiating deals, and maintaining ongoing customer relationships. The sales force plays a crucial role in driving business growth and achieving sales targets.

A Sales Kickoff (SKO) is an annual or periodic event held by an organization to energize, align, and equip its sales teams for success in the upcoming period. It serves as a launchpad to set sales goals, introduce new strategies, and foster team unity.

The Sales Kickoff brings together sales professionals, leaders, and executives to share insights, best practices, and industry trends. It typically includes engaging keynote speeches, workshops, training sessions, and team-building activities. The event aims to inspire and motivate sales teams, enhance their product knowledge, refine selling techniques, and strengthen collaboration, ultimately driving sales growth and fostering a positive sales culture within the organization.

Sales onboarding refers to the process of integrating and training new sales team members to equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to succeed in their role. It involves providing comprehensive training and support during the initial stages of their employment to help them understand the company’s products or services, sales processes, target market, value proposition, and sales strategies.

Sales onboarding programs typically cover various aspects, including product training, sales methodologies, CRM usage, objection handling, and role-specific responsibilities. The goal of sales onboarding is to accelerate the ramp-up time of new sales hires, increase their productivity, and ensure they are equipped to effectively engage with prospects, close deals, and contribute to the overall sales goals of the organization.

Sales readiness refers to the state of preparedness and competency of sales teams to effectively engage with customers and close deals. It encompasses the knowledge, skills, and resources required for sales professionals to perform their roles successfully.

Sales readiness involves ongoing training, coaching, and enablement activities that ensure sales representatives have the necessary product knowledge, selling techniques, and understanding of the buyer’s journey. It also includes providing access to relevant sales tools, resources, and sales collateral. By focusing on sales readiness, organizations can equip their sales teams with the right capabilities to confidently engage with prospects, overcome challenges, and drive successful sales outcomes.

Sales training refers to the process of equipping sales professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to effectively perform their sales roles. It involves structured learning activities and programs designed to enhance the sales team’s capabilities, improve their understanding of sales strategies and techniques, and strengthen their overall sales performance.

Sales training may cover various areas, including product knowledge, sales methodologies, prospecting, lead generation, effective communication and listening skills, negotiation tactics, objection handling, closing techniques, and customer relationship management. The training can be delivered through workshops, seminars, online courses, role-playing exercises, mentoring, and on-the-job training. The objective of sales training is to empower sales professionals with the necessary skills and confidence to build relationships, address customer needs, overcome challenges, and ultimately drive sales success for the organization.

“Top of the funnel” refers to the initial stage of the sales and marketing process, where potential customers are first introduced to a company, product, or service. It represents the broadest part of the customer acquisition journey, encompassing the awareness and lead generation phase. At the top of the funnel, the focus is on capturing the attention and interest of a large audience and turning them into leads or prospects. Various marketing tactics, such as content marketing, social media campaigns, advertising, and events, are employed to attract and engage potential customers. The goal at this stage is to generate a pool of qualified leads who can then be further nurtured and guided through the subsequent stages of the sales funnel.

Upselling is a sales technique where a seller encourages a customer to purchase a higher-priced or more advanced product or service than the one originally intended or considered. It involves offering additional features, upgrades, or premium options that enhance the customer’s experience or provide added value. The objective of upselling is to increase the overall purchase value and maximize revenue by convincing customers to opt for a higher-priced option that better meets their needs or desires. Effective upselling requires understanding the customer’s preferences, identifying opportunities where a higher-priced offering aligns with their interests, and presenting persuasive arguments to encourage the upgrade.

A value proposition refers to a concise and compelling statement that communicates the unique value and benefits that a product, service, or solution offers to a business customer. It outlines the specific reasons why a customer should choose a particular offering over competing alternatives. A value proposition in B2B sales typically addresses the key pain points, challenges, or goals of the target customer and highlights how the product or service can address those needs effectively. It emphasizes the value, differentiation, and competitive advantage that the offering brings to the customer’s business, such as increased efficiency, cost savings, improved productivity, or competitive edge. A strong value proposition is critical for capturing the attention of B2B buyers and differentiating oneself from competitors in the marketplace.

Sales velocity refers to the speed or rate at which sales opportunities move through the sales pipeline and result in closed deals. It is a metric that quantifies the efficiency and effectiveness of the sales process. Sales velocity takes into account factors such as the number of deals in progress, the average deal size, the win rate, and the length of the sales cycle. By measuring and analyzing sales velocity, organizations can gain insights into the overall health of their sales pipeline and identify areas for improvement. Increasing sales velocity can lead to faster revenue generation and improved sales performance.

Virtual sales training refers to the delivery of sales training programs and resources through online platforms and virtual technology rather than in-person settings. It allows sales professionals to access training content, interact with instructors, and participate in learning activities remotely, regardless of their geographical location.

Virtual sales training utilizes various tools and methods, such as webinars, virtual classrooms, video conferencing, online modules, interactive exercises, and assessments, to provide sales training and development opportunities. Participants can engage in real-time discussions, receive instruction and feedback, collaborate with peers, and access training materials conveniently from their own devices. Virtual sales training offers flexibility in terms of timing and accessibility, enabling sales teams to receive training without the constraints of travel or scheduling conflicts. It can be an effective and efficient way to enhance sales skills, knowledge, and performance in a remote or distributed sales environment.

Voice of the Customer (VoC) refers to the insights and feedback collected from customers to understand their preferences, needs, and expectations regarding products, services, and experiences. It involves actively listening to and capturing customer opinions, perceptions, and sentiments through various channels such as surveys, interviews, reviews, and social media.

The Voice of the Customer provides valuable qualitative and quantitative data that organizations can analyze to gain a deeper understanding of their target audience, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions. By incorporating the Voice of the Customer into their business strategies, companies can enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention, ultimately driving long-term success.

 

As the sales landscape evolves, new concepts and buzzwords emerge. Our sales glossary is regularly updated to reflect the latest trends and industry developments, ensuring that you stay up-to-date with the ever-changing sales landscape. Consider it your trusted companion for continuous learning and professional growth. 

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7 Takeaways from the 2023 Forrester B2B Summit

Last week’s Forrester B2B Summit in Austin, Texas brought together revenue leaders, Forrester analysts, and rev-tech vendors to share their insights and strategies for revenue excellence. From discussions on sales competencies to aligning sales and marketing, the sessions offered valuable takeaways for businesses looking to thrive in the dynamic B2B landscape.

In this blog post, we’ll share key highlights and actionable tips from the sessions we attended and led as well as conversations we had throughout the event. You can also check out a mini photo gallery of some of our team at the event. 

This post is for anyone who didn’t attend the Summit and wants to know our biggest learnings or for those who joined us in Austin and need a recap to reference as you start thinking about how to bring these learnings to your own revenue organization. 

The booth troop!

Packed house

80s theme night

Another great session

One of the essential ingredients for sales success is having a clear understanding of your sales competencies. Before seeking a vendor or investing in tools, it’s crucial to evaluate and define your sales capabilities. By identifying your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, you can make informed decisions that align with your specific needs.

Measuring the success of your revenue enablement programs can be challenging, especially as they evolve over time. While initial indicators like adoption or consumption can be helpful, it’s essential to go beyond surface-level metrics. Gathering feedback on program quality and data on actual impact can provide valuable insights for continuous improvement. Measure how your programs are impacting field behaviors and how those behaviors are contributing to core revenue outcomes.

Revenue leaders and managers recognize the value of training coaches to be effective mentors. However, finding the time for sales coaching is often a challenge. To maximize impact, it’s crucial to prioritize coaching and invest in the development of your sales coaches. By equipping them with the necessary skills and tools, you empower them to guide and support your revenue generators effectively.

Forrester’s Phyllis Davidson and Peter Ostrow taught us how to avoid “sales content purgatory,” where reps have access to tons of content but can’t find what they need or figure out how to use it. This aligns with what we found in our 2023 State of Sales Productivity Report. The vast majority of content engagement comes from a small percentage of the content to which reps have access. To stay out of “purgatory” focus on quality over quantity. Prioritize high-value content and make derivatives of that content that apply to specific audiences, personas, and selling scenarios.

Continuing the motif of “quality over quantity,” Forrester’s Amy Bills and Jennifer Bullock applied this to the creation of customer case studies. Instead of producing a case study with every available customer, focus on creating a few high-quality stories that address common customer questions and concerns. Furthermore, involving the sales organization in the creation process ensures that case studies align with their specific sales motions. Remember, having case studies alone isn’t the solution; enabling sellers to effectively utilize them is key.

In a standing-room-only session, Kathleen Pierce proposed a shift toward mapping content to buyer questions as an effective structure for sales content. By aligning content with specific buyer questions, it becomes easier for reps to search for and find relevant content for the selling situations they encounter. It also maximizes content’s impact on buyer decisions. Work with your field teams to understand key questions and friction points, and implement a question-answer framework within your sales content management system.

Pierce and Anne Slough explored the challenges and potential of Digital Sales Rooms. While DSRs have promising benefits, widespread adoption struggles remain. Mutual action plans, real-time insights, and buyer collaboration are key value drivers for DSRs. Sales leaders should assign DSRs to solve problems such as substandard buying experiences, inefficient sales processes, and longer buying cycles. Communication of GDPR compliance and mapping DSRs to selling and buying processes are crucial for success.

Making these learnings a reality at your selling org

The Forrester B2B Summit delivered valuable insights and actionable strategies for businesses aiming to enhance their sales performance. Keep these takeaways in mind as you’re building out your revenue productivity strategy for the rest of the year.  

Want to see how Mindtickle can help make these learnings a reality at your selling organization?P