Before the advent of sales automation, sales teams relied on manual processes and a more traditional approach. Sales representatives had to research and source leads using printed business and association directories, attend trade shows, make cold phone or in-person calls, or purchase lead lists. The sales process was time-consuming, offered limited targeting options, and often resulted in lower lead quality.

To be competitive, sales teams must be more than skilled. They must continuously improve and find new ways to connect to customers. Effective sales teams constantly evaluate and enhance their performance, adapt to changing circumstances, and focus on delivering value to customers. Sales coaching software can be transformational for a sales team, leading to a more results-driven and adaptable sales force. 

"Good salespeople are not born, they are trained," according to 35-year sales development industry veteran Dave Kurlan.

There is data to back this up. Studies have shown that companies with a formal sales coaching and training process reach 91.2% of their sales quota. Also, organizations with a coaching program see 7% greater revenue year over year.  

Approximately a quarter of sales are B2B. This is a significant portion of the sales landscape, and one worth paying attention to. In this guide, we’ll explore B2B sales basics, including what “B2B” means, what makes B2B sales unique, and more. Let’s jump in:

In the dynamic landscape of sales, where customer interactions and relationships are pivotal, conversational analytics has revolutionized how sales teams understand, evaluate, and enhance their processes. Why? Because customer service is critical to success. According to a study by Microsoft, 90% of Americans use customer service as a factor in deciding whether to do business with a company. 58% will change companies due to poor customer service.

A recent Harvard Business Review article reported that while lagging behind other business functions incorporating digital technology, "Sales is primed to quickly become a leading adopter of generative AI… AI-powered systems are on the way to becoming every salesperson's (and every sales manager's) indispensable digital assistant."

More impatient, more demanding, and more informed.

Sound familiar?

With attributes like that, it can seem impossible to please today’s consumers let alone increase your sales.

This post is brought to you by a guest contributor Susan Gaytan, Director of Dealer Engagement and Training  with Alan Ram's Proactive Training Solutions. Susan brings over twenty years of automotive experience and dealership management expertise.  She is responsible for integrating training solutions and helping dealerships maximize the effectiveness of training.  You can learn more about Alan Ram's Proactive Training Solutions here.

Did you know that your online reputation can affect your bottom line? It’s true.  Online reviews are essential to every modern sales process. According to recent survey statistics, 95% of consumers read reviews before they buy a product. This is true for all kinds of products.92.4% of survey respondents say reading a trusted review makes them more likely to buy a B2B product. In this article, we’ll offer six best practices for improving your online reviews.