Technology has trained us so well in instant gratification that we sometimes forget that good things take time (even when using Salespod[Now Repsly]!). This can be especially true when hiring a sales team. You may know the scenario: You've taken so much care in developing an exciting product or service, and all you want to do is get it out into the world as quickly as possible. You put the call out for salespeople, sift through the resumes, and hold interviews. Logically, you probably hire based on those candidates' who are great-on-paper--excellent sales records and awe-inspriring numbers. After all, you're swamped and don't have time to hold a salesperson's hand. Trouble is, those great-on-paper candidates may not be the right personality fit for your products, services, or company. So what's a company to do?
Choose those candidates who have the traits of a great salesperson (more on this later) and are a great fit for your company and culture. Invest time on the front end in comprehensive training, and you will certainly reap the rewards of increased sales and lower employee turnover. The Harvard Business review blog had a great post on just this subject. Their advice? Hire for characteristics, not competencies in skills. As they point out:
You can develop competencies with the right training, mentoring, coaching, support, and motivation programs. But to get characteristics, you have to hire the right individuals. In the words of one sales leader, "You can't send a duck to eagle school." According to another, "Although you can teach a turkey to climb a tree, it's much easier to hire a squirrel."
You might be saying, "OK, that's all well and good, but I still need to write a job description, hold interviews, and hire this salesperson who possesses amazing characteristics. How do I do that?"
Glad you asked! The folks at Red Giraffe have you covered on the practicality front with a great checklist to get the best candidates through your door:
At Salespod[Now Repsly], we believe that great teams with the best teams is the key to strong sales!
Are you ready to start hiring? We'd love to hear if these tips have worked for you, or if you have any additional tips to share. And once you get that superstar team, don't forget to outfit them with the tools they'll need to succeed. Salespod[Now Repsly] has some amazing ones.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of the latest trends and challenges. Download our report today to see how more than 160+ CG executives and field leaders are strategizing for 2024.
In today’s high-stakes retail environment, software is a must-have for CPGs that want to optimize their retail execution, sales, processes, and retailer relationships. But is it better to build your..
Home improvement is one of the most highly competitive markets and any brand that has made its way into retailer giants such as Lowe’s and Home Depot knows that becoming a star in these stores is no..
This May, CPG and Retail Service leaders from around the world convened at the top of Boston’s Prudential Tower to discuss all things Image Recognition (IR) at our “Elevate Your Vision” roundtable.It..
