Remember a few months ago when you were on the doors with that sales rep who had the perfect comeback to a potential customer’s concern, but now you can’t remember what was said?
If you’re like me, throughout the course of a sales season, I learn several ways to improve techniques while interacting with potential customers and by observing other sales reps on the doors.
If you assist in developing your company’s sales training materials, retaining what you learn and incorporating these new ideas and techniques into your existing materials, are vital steps in improving your sales training program.
Below are 3 tips I use when updating and upgrading my company’s sales training materials:
TIP 1 – WRITE IT DOWN!
Get in the habit of writing down what you learn. Whether you’re in a sales training meeting, having a conversation with another sales rep, or even on the doors, take time after the experience to make a note of what you learned.
TIP 2 – DEVELOP VARIOUS TRAINING METHODS
People learn and retain information differently, so be sure to have a variety of sales training materials and methods of delivery. For my company, I’ve developed a written training manual, an online training course with audio and video samples, and I also conduct a series of in-person training events for my sales reps leading up to them knocking their first door.
TIP 3 – UPDATE SOONER THAN LATER
Don’t wait! When your off-season begins, immediately start the process of updating your sales training materials. What’s worked for me is dedicating a few hours a week for updating. The quicker you begin this process, the more likely you’ll be able to recall the specifics from your notes.
Following these tips will assist in the development of a killer sales training program. Your sales reps deserve THE BEST training materials and it’s up to you to make it happen!
For access to some of my sales training materials, visit:
This year was my company’s WORST recruiting year! But here comes the silver lining. By summer’s end, we will have our BEST sales per rep average in my company’s 16-year history! In fact, we will have 3 sales reps on our all-time serviced accounts record board, 1 of which will set a new company record for serviced accounts!
So, for all that went wrong with recruiting numbers, it seems everything went right with recruiting talent.
Don’t worry, this isn’t going to be another “quality versus quantity” post. On the contrary, the purpose of this article is to help recruiters ensure they are looking for the right fits for their company, and for sales reps to know if the company recruiting them is the right fit.
Having been in the door-to-door sales industry for over 20 years, I’ve seen both sides of this equation fail. Recruiters are anxious to get bodies on the doors and hire anybody willing, only to find out half of their recruits, just 2 days into the summer, can’t stand rejection and pack their bags for home.
And, sales reps enthusiastically show up day 1 to training meeting, seeing 30 other reps in the office with the manager promising, “I’ll definitely get on the doors to train with each of you at some point.” Two weeks later, with a few sales and hardly any attention from his manager, this sales rep heads back home vowing to never knock another door.
It’s too bad really, because some reps thrive in big offices, while others need an environment where they receive more attention. So if you’re recruiting a big team of reps, how do you know which reps would fit best in a big-office environment? Conversely, if you’re a sales rep wanting more personal attention, how do you know what company would provide you with the best experience?
The good news for sales reps is that there is an overabundance of companies employing door-to-door sales teams. There is a perfect fit out there for you, you just need to keep looking until you find it. And fortunately for companies that employ door-to-door sales reps, there are thousands looking to strike gold in the industry. By finding the right fits for your company, and by reps finding the right fit for them, the overall door-to-door experience is enhanced as attrition decreases and positive experiences increase.
I have no issues with sales reps choosing another company over my own. Although I am confident in the experience and opportunity my company provides, there are sales reps who will have a better experience elsewhere. The door-to-door sales industry is made up of a wide variety of fascinating people, this is not a “one size fits all” industry, and I’m glad it isn’t. It’s satisfying to witness good people find the right fit for them.
This year was my company’s WORST recruiting year! But here comes the silver lining. By summer’s end, we will have our BEST sales per rep average in my company’s 16-year history! In fact, we will have 3 sales reps on our all-time serviced accounts record board, 1 of which will set a new company record for serviced accounts!
So, for all that went wrong with recruiting numbers, it seems everything went right with recruiting talent.
Don’t worry, this isn’t going to be another “quality versus quantity” post. On the contrary, the purpose of this article is to help recruiters ensure they are looking for the right fits for their company, and for sales reps to know if the company recruiting them is the right fit.
Having been in the door-to-door sales industry for over 20 years, I’ve seen both sides of this equation fail. Recruiters are anxious to get bodies on the doors and hire anybody willing, only to find out half of their recruits, just 2 days into the summer, can’t stand rejection and pack their bags for home.
And, sales reps enthusiastically show up day 1 to training meeting, seeing 30 other reps in the office with the manager promising, “I’ll definitely get on the doors to train with each of you at some point.” Two weeks later, with a few sales and hardly any attention from his manager, this sales rep heads back home vowing to never knock another door.
It’s too bad really, because some reps thrive in big offices, while others need an environment where they receive more attention. So if you’re recruiting a big team of reps, how do you know which reps would fit best in a big-office environment? Conversely, if you’re a sales rep wanting more personal attention, how do you know what company would provide you with the best experience?
The good news for sales reps is that there is an overabundance of companies employing door-to-door sales teams. There is a perfect fit out there for you, you just need to keep looking until you find it. And fortunately for companies that employ door-to-door sales reps, there are thousands looking to strike gold in the industry. By finding the right fits for your company, and by reps finding the right fit for them, the overall door-to-door experience is enhanced as attrition decreases and positive experiences increase.
I have no issues with sales reps choosing another company over my own. Although I am confident in the experience and opportunity my company provides, there are sales reps who will have a better experience elsewhere. The door-to-door sales industry is made up of a wide variety of fascinating people, this is not a “one size fits all” industry, and I’m glad it isn’t. It’s satisfying to witness good people find the right fit for them.
“Leadership is not being in charge, it is about taking care of people in your charge.” Simon Sinek
Since starting Rove Pest Control in 2003, I’ve had a goal to knock doors with every sales rep we hire. I’ll reach this goal again, this year, by the end of the month.
Granted, we’ve never been the pest control company to hire thousands of reps each summer, and this is partially because I want the ability to provide personalized and customized training to every rep we hire.
In my 20+ years of experience in door-to-door sales, I’ve found that being on the doors with my sales reps has resulted in the following:
Sales reps put a lot of trust in the company they choose to work for, and they make a lot of sacrifices to knock doors during the summer (or throughout the year). There’s no question they deserve personal attention and customized training from the top of the organization.
For more info, click here: D2D Millionaire
“Leadership is not being in charge, it is about taking care of people in your charge.” Simon Sinek
Since starting Rove Pest Control in 2003, I’ve had a goal to knock doors with every sales rep we hire. I’ll reach this goal again, this year, by the end of the month.
Granted, we’ve never been the pest control company to hire thousands of reps each summer, and this is partially because I want the ability to provide personalized and customized training to every rep we hire.
In my 20+ years of experience in door-to-door sales, I’ve found that being on the doors with my sales reps has resulted in the following:
Sales reps put a lot of trust in the company they choose to work for, and they make a lot of sacrifices to knock doors during the summer (or throughout the year). There’s no question they deserve personal attention and customized training from the top of the organization.
For more info, click here: D2D Millionaire