Two-thirds of organizations say that ramp-up takes seven to nine months at the very least, and a full third of those report it takes more than a year.* The same study reveals that “Harnessing process, technology and knowledge in a coordinated fashion can increase return on investment in new people,” so it is possible to shorten the time it takes to ramp up new sales hires to productivity.
The risks of not having strong new hire training are twofold: First, you risk an increase in failure rates. Second, you risk customer relationships. A new rep’s enthusiasm and confidence can lag when he is floundering, and this increases the likelihood that the new rep will never make it to full productivity.
How soon are your newly hired reps ready for face time with your customers? Are you sure? Do they know the sales process well enough to move the sale along? Consider the impressions your new hires make on prospects or clients. When sales reps are confident in their knowledge and skills, they transfer that confidence to their clients. When sales reps are unsure of themselves, clients are unsure too.
The resources you invest in your new hires are at risk if you utilize an on-boarding program that doesn’t include sales methodology training in addition to product and solution training. Monetarily, you’re investing recruitment costs; on-boarding costs that may include administration, travel or tech licenses; and the base salary that supports them in their probationary period. But what else is at stake?
Let’s face it, new hires are high maintenance. Compared to experienced sales reps, they require more time and attention from their sales manager, product managers and perhaps a mentor.
The good new is that it is possible to shorten the time it takes to ramp up new sales hires. Giving them support and well-designed training early on can ensure that you see ROI sooner. Leading sales operations experts suggest that several factors impact success:
Profiles Sales Solutions can create a ramp-up solution that meets your needs. We offer you the learning technology, sales curriculum and performance metrics to achieve a better – earlier – return on your investment in your new hires.
*Source: CSO Insights
To start, please click here to find the program that will best meet your needs.
Below is a partial list of the types of clients we work with. They all sell high-value products, services or solutions to sophisticated buyers and senior executives.
- Accountants
- Advertising Executives
- Auditors
- Actuaries
- Benefits Consultants
- Capital Equipment Sellers
- Commercial Bankers
- Compensation Consultants
- Computer Hardware sellers
- Consulting Engineers
- Corporate Financiers
- CPAs
- Creative Services
- Data Center Providers
- Design Engineers
- Direct Marketing Services
- Electronics Resellers
- HR Consultants
- HR Technology Providers
- Insurance Brokers
- Investment Bankers
- Management Consultants
- Marketing Consultants
- Market Research Providers
- Network and Security firms
- PR Consultants
- Private Equity Professionals
- Risk Consultants
- Sourcing Consultants
- Software Developers
- Supply Chain Consultants
- Systems Integrators
- Tax Advisors
- Technology VARS
- Telecom Providers
- Training Partners
- VC Professionals