OAG NEPAL

Being a top sales person can bring in real dollar income. Being a great sales team leader and manager can bring in an absolute windfall. These two positions often require specialist skills, and someone who is really talented can swap and move around industries. If you are at the top of your field, know that you will be in high demand, and you can practically write your own pay check. Many companies live or die on the ability of their sales team. There is rarely any product that completely sells itself and there is always another company snapping at your heels. A look at some of the issues and what it takes.

• Training The Trainer. Just because you are a good sales person, does not mean you will make a good manager. Understanding the difference will go a long way in you understanding what it takes. Once we know what we can’t do, we are half way to learning how to do it. Getting professional help on sales training, and how to encourage learning and not just teaching is a professional skill in itself.
• Efficiency. As a manager you will be given a set budget and limited resources. Knowing how to make the most out of that is crucial. Will you spend on software and equipment to improve communication and tracking? Is it better to have support staff so your top guns can be out there knocking them dead? Having the skills to analyse and make the right decisions that will make your team more effective, efficient and bring in the results is crucial – do you have what it takes?
• Ability to Listen. Managing feedback and criticism is also highly important. How you handle this personally and professionally is crucial. Remember those out there working for you should be some of the best and getting their feedback and ideas might be critical to your success. Managing our own ideas, our own ego, and that of others is important, on both personal and professional levels. Knowing when to stick with your own idea and when not to separates the best from the mediocre.
• Motivation. It is key. We all know the old saying “Money talks… something walks”, and there is nothing further from the truth. However, that does not mean that you are only limited to financial reward. Motivating people with emotion and pride in a social setting can do wonders for productivity. Understanding the psychology of competition and reward is more than blowing hot smoke. Invent creative corporate awards and trophies that really appeal will work well for pride and make significant statements for individuals and companies. You must look at all your options. Doing this poorly can have disastrous side effects. If you are insincere, expect that others will notice it.
• Dealing with Failure. More often than not, when we discuss matters of managing and sales, we forget to deal with the downside. How will you cope with people who are not performing, products and services that are not performing or even a market that is depressed? Knowing how to deal with failure and take the right actions is a crucial component of any sales team development. Working your way through case studies might prepare you for the worst. Looking for unique and creative ways to gain ground when you are in a situation that is out of your hands might be your saving grace. Dealing with termination is a nasty business at the best of times.

A career that is focused so highly on competition and success can lead to substantial excitement, self worth and financial benefit. How are you going to make yourself the best?