King of Spades: Pre-Call Strategic Planning: Prepare in Advance to Present a United Front With Management During Sales Calls

King of Spades: Pre-Call Strategic Planning: Prepare in Advance to Present a United Front With Management During Sales Calls

Harmonizing Sales and Management: A Prelude to Success

The intricate dance of a joint sales call, where the sales team and top management come together, can be likened to a finely tuned orchestra. Each member plays a distinct part, but harmony is only achieved when everyone is attuned to the same melody. As such, aligning the sales strategy with the expectations of top management is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Dissonance here can lead to a muddled message, undercutting the credibility your team brings to the table. Pre-call discussions are vital, ensuring that the sales narrative is cohesive and that everyone is equipped to sing from the same hymn sheet.

A pivotal aspect of preparing for a joint sales call is delineating the roles and responsibilities of each participant. This orchestration involves deciding who will spearhead the conversation, manage specific inquiries, and at what juncture management should step in to underscore critical points or provide reassurance. Will management act as a deal closer, an influencer, or a validator? Clarifying these roles in advance prevents the awkwardness and missteps derailing a call. It’s about creating a seamless interaction where each participant knows their cue, ensuring the call progresses with the grace and precision of a well-rehearsed performance.

Setting the Stage: Defining Meeting Objectives

Identifying the objectives of the call is like setting the destination for a journey. It guides the direction of the conversation, providing a roadmap for all involved. These objectives could be as varied as addressing client-specific concerns, advancing the sales process, or finalizing a deal. By establishing these goals upfront, you ensure that the call doesn’t devolve into a meandering dialogue but remains a focused and purposeful exchange.

Preparing an agenda for the call is analogous to writing a script for a play. It outlines the act sequence, prioritizing key discussion points and time-management effectively. This agenda should not be rigid but adaptable, allowing room to navigate unforeseen queries or shifts in discussion. Sharing this agenda with the client beforehand exhibits professionalism and enables them to prepare, setting the stage for a more engaged and productive interaction.

Anticipating the Unexpected: Preparing for Objections

A well-prepared team is one that has anticipated potential objections and crafted compelling counterarguments. In a scenario where top management is involved, the stakes are heightened. An unconvincing response to an objection can squander the unique opportunity to leverage the authority and credibility of the management team. Thus, a thorough rehearsal of potential objections and responses is critical to ensuring that the team is ready to turn challenges into opportunities for persuasion.

In-depth knowledge of the client forms the bedrock of an effective sales strategy. Before the call, compile a comprehensive profile of the client, encompassing industry trends, historical interactions, and key decision-makers. This information equips both the sales team and management with valuable insights, enabling them to tailor their approach and contribute meaningfully to the conversation.

Actionable Strategy: The Power of a Shared Agenda

A shared agenda is the cornerstone of a successful joint sales call. It’s not just a checklist of topics but a strategic tool that aligns the team’s collective effort. Developing this agenda collaboratively ensures that it reflects the collective wisdom and insights of the group. Once finalized, circulating it among all participants solidifies understanding and buy-in, minimizing confusion and reinforcing the agreed-upon roles and strategies.

A joint sales call with management is a high-stakes, high-reward scenario. It requires meticulous planning, clear communication, and a shared vision. By harmonizing the strategies of the sales team with management expectations, defining clear roles, setting focused objectives, preparing a structured agenda, anticipating objections, and understanding the client in-depth, you set the stage for not just a successful call but a demonstration of your organization’s cohesion and competence. This level of preparation and coordination is what transforms average sales teams into exceptional ones, paving the way for sustained success and growth.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – A Roadmap for Successful Sales: Strategy, Tactics and More – Episode 36

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – A Roadmap for Successful Sales: Strategy, Tactics and More – Episode 36

In this dynamic episode of the “Two Tall Guys Talking Sales” podcast, hosts Kevin Lawson and Sean O’Shaughnessey, delve into the importance of strategy in successful sales performance. Using a navigational analogy, the hosts discuss how just like using an app like Waze, successful sales also requires anticipation and understanding of the challenges on the way.

Drawing parallels between navigation and sales, Kevin and Sean underscore the value of proactive strategic planning. From the importance of mapping out the sales process akin to charting a route on a map to responding to unforeseen challenges, just like navigating detours on a road trip, they highlight how a robust strategy can guide salespeople from the starting point to their goals effectively.

Touching on subjects like the sales process, tactics, and mid-year sales strategy, the hosts shed light on the importance of a sales process, likening it to a paper map providing a general path. They discuss how technology today allows for more dynamic navigation, reflecting on how modern sales techniques can help efficiently reach sales targets.

Kevin shares the difference between strategy and tactics, comparing a sales strategy to a commander’s intent in the military, emphasizing that strategies are generally long-term. Sean continues the conversation, sharing how salespeople can be proactive in their strategy, planning in advance for predictable stages in the sales process.

On a practical note, the duo also discusses how sales leaders can help their teams distinguish between strategy, tactics, and to-do items, nurturing their understanding and development in the sales process. Lastly, the hosts touch on the importance of strategic planning for the coming year, even in the middle of the current one.

Listeners are sure to find actionable insights and practical advice in this episode that could help them to formulate effective sales strategies and tactics, streamline their sales processes, and drive their sales performance forward.

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Focus on One or Two Key Topics in Your Weekly Sales Meeting – Episode 22

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Focus on One or Two Key Topics in Your Weekly Sales Meeting – Episode 22

Your sales meeting should discuss the highest priority topics that require immediate attention. For broader issues, it is recommended to use other venues. To stay on point, it is important to control the agenda and flow of the meeting. Additionally, meeting minutes should be kept short and focused on action items to ensure that tasks are completed following the meeting.

Discussing one or two topics deeply rather than many topics lightly is recommended to promote growth. This will encourage open dialogue and feedback among team members, which can help to generate new ideas and insights. It is important not to play with new meeting tools until you are proficient to avoid wasting time.

Assigning specific tasks to individuals following each meeting is also essential to ensure that projects progress. Additionally, it is recommended to have a team member present at each meeting to learn leadership skills and be acknowledged for their contributions. Following these guidelines can make meetings more productive and focused, and the team can work together to achieve their goals.

Two Tall Guys Podcast – Be Respectful – Start Team Meetings on Time, End on Time- Episode 21

Two Tall Guys Podcast – Be Respectful – Start Team Meetings on Time, End on Time- Episode 21

Efficient and effective meetings are essential for the success of any business, and the EOS L10 meetings have become increasingly popular in recent times. It is important for all meetings to start and end on time, avoiding rewarding tardiness and respecting everyone’s schedule. It is crucial to address individuals who regularly arrive late in private. In addition, time management is key to ensuring that each topic is discussed within the allotted time frame, and sales meetings should be approached similarly to a sales call. By adhering to these guidelines, the sales department can increase productivity and achieve its goals promptly and efficiently.

20 Activities That a Virtual Assistant Can Perform To Help a Sales Leader Be More Effective

20 Activities That a Virtual Assistant Can Perform To Help a Sales Leader Be More Effective

A Vice President of Sales plays a critical role in the success of a business by overseeing and leading the sales team to achieve revenue targets. To be effective in their position, the VP of Sales must be able to focus on strategic decision-making and high-level planning while delegating operational tasks to a capable team. One way to facilitate this delegation is through a virtual assistant, who can perform various functions that support the VP of Sales and the sales team.

A virtual assistant is a professional who provides a range of administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely. Utilizing digital tools, they can handle tasks such as email and calendar management, data entry, event planning, and more complex tasks such as market research and report creation. This remote support allows business leaders and teams to delegate routine tasks, freeing them to focus on strategic responsibilities and higher-level work. Virtual assistants can work with individuals or organizations across various industries, offering flexibility and efficiency that can significantly contribute to productivity and business growth.

A virtual assistant can alleviate the routine tasks that often sidetrack a VP of Sales from their pivotal duties. Such an assistant could oversee the VP of Sales’ agenda, arrange meetings, and undertake administrative tasks like managing emails and inputting data. This delegation of duties allows the VP of Sales to concentrate on higher-level tasks, such as crafting sales tactics and nurturing relationships with critical clients.

Administrative and operational support to the sales team can also be delegated to a virtual assistant. They can contribute to tasks like lead generation, research, and qualification. They’re also capable of assisting with creating sales reports, managing the CRM, and conducting follow-up engagements with prospective clients post-sales meetings. By rendering these services, the virtual assistant permits the sales team to devote their efforts to their primary responsibilities, including fostering client relationships, closing sales, and driving revenue.

Virtual assistants can also be instrumental in helping VPs of Sales maintain organization and manage their responsibilities effectively. They can aid in preparing for meetings, orchestrating events, and arranging travel. They can also lend a hand in managing expenses and delegating tasks. This support enables the VP of Sales to remain on top of their obligations, leading to increased productivity and effectiveness.

VAs can inform the VP of Sales about industry trends and market intelligence. They can perform market research and competitor analysis, scrutinize sales performance metrics, and deliver insights to facilitate informed decision-making by the VP of Sales. By supplying this crucial information, the virtual assistant empowers the VP of Sales to make strategic decisions that bolster revenue growth.

Most importantly, a virtual assistant can assist the VP of Sales in fostering a robust sales culture. They can contribute to training the sales team on industry best practices, product knowledge, and sales techniques. They can also aid in organizing team-building activities and other initiatives to promote collaboration and teamwork. Through these efforts, the virtual assistant supports the VP of Sales in establishing a successful and efficient sales organization characterized by a powerful sales culture.

20 productivity-enhancing activities that a virtual assistant can perform to help a sales leader be:

  1. Scheduling and managing appointments: A virtual assistant can schedule appointments, manage calendars, and set reminders.
  2.  Lead generation and qualification: A virtual assistant can help with research and identify potential customers, contact them to qualify them, and keep a record of progress.
  3.  Data entry and management: A virtual assistant can manage and organize customer data and sales records, keeping them up-to-date and accurate.
  4.  Email management: A virtual assistant can manage and filter email correspondence, respond to routine inquiries, and forward important messages to the sales leader.
  5.  Social media management: A virtual assistant can manage social media accounts, create content, and monitor engagement.
  6.  Sales report creation: A virtual assistant can create reports on sales performance, market trends, and competitor analysis.
  7.  Proposal and contract drafting: A virtual assistant can help prepare client proposals and contracts.
  8.  Conducting market research: A virtual assistant can conduct market research on industry trends, competitor analysis, and customer preferences.
  9.  CRM management: A virtual assistant can manage the sales leader’s customer relationship management (CRM) system, update records, and track sales activities.
  10.  Call screening: A virtual assistant can screen incoming calls, filtering out cold calls and telemarketing solicitations.
  11.  Meeting preparation: A virtual assistant can prepare meeting materials, including agendas, presentations, and reports.
  12.  Client communication: A virtual assistant can communicate with clients, respond to inquiries, and provide updates on sales progress.
  13.  Sales follow-up: A virtual assistant can follow up with potential customers after sales meetings, and track leads through the sales funnel.
  14.  Sales training: A virtual assistant can help train sales teams on best practices, product knowledge, and sales techniques.
  15.  Event planning: A virtual assistant can assist with planning and coordinating sales events, such as trade shows or conferences.
  16.  Travel arrangements: A virtual assistant can assist with booking flights, hotels, and transportation for sales trips.
  17.  Expense management: A virtual assistant can help manage sales expenses, keep track of receipts, and create expense reports.
  18.  Task delegation: A virtual assistant can delegate tasks to sales team members, follow up on their progress, and ensure timely completion.
  19.  Lead nurturing: A virtual assistant can help nurture leads and build relationships with potential customers over time.
  20.  Analytics and performance tracking: A virtual assistant can help track sales performance metrics, analyze data, and provide insights to help the sales leader make more informed decisions.

A virtual assistant can add significant value to the role of VP of Sales by providing support and assistance that allows the VP of Sales to focus on their core responsibilities. From managing day-to-day tasks to supporting the sales team, providing market insights and analytics, and promoting a strong sales culture, a virtual assistant can help a VP of Sales build a successful and effective sales organization.

Photo by Kari Shea on Unsplash
Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Have a Reason To Hold a Sales Meeting- Episode 20

Two Tall Guys Talking Sales Podcast – Have a Reason To Hold a Sales Meeting- Episode 20

Regular sales team meetings are essential to keep salespeople informed, productive, and on the same page. Before scheduling a sales team meeting, ensure a good reason for doing so. Possible topics for sales team meetings could include reviewing sales goals and strategies, discussing new leads, customer information, and product updates, recognizing salespeople for their accomplishments, pinpointing any areas of improvement, and brainstorming solutions as a team. Finally, make sure to end the meeting on a positive note! If a meeting isn’t necessary or appropriate after all, consider other ways to communicate with your sales team, such as through email or hosting an online webinar.