Latest insights

Technology has driven the sales industry to new heights. From landlines to cell phones, cold calling to data-driven leads, and manual data entry to automated CRMs, we’ve come a long way. Not only is technology playing a bigger role in every touchpoint of the sales process, but it has restructured the sales approach entirely. This is because sales technology allows reps to personalize their approach and close deals at the most opportune time. It minimizes time and resources wasted on poor leads. In this guide, we will analyze the impact of digitization on the industry by looking

To say that the pandemic caused a seismic shift in how the world does business is an understatement. In particular, the B2B market learned firsthand that surviving the COVID-19 landscape meant moving away from conventional field sales methods. This includes embracing eCommerce, even at the expense of in-person interactions. Surprisingly, B2B buyers made it clear they prefer to make deals digitally. What’s even more surprising is that

Mentorship could be the game-changer South African entrepreneurs need, especially as 70% of mentored businesses experience a five-year increase in survival rate. Sam Clarke, CEO of Skynamo, says entrepreneurs are needed now more than ever since they see opportunities, capitalise on these, and, in doing so, create the businesses of the future. But they urgently need support if they are to succeed. He explains that not only do entrepreneurs create jobs, but they also boost economic growth through the development of innovative technologies, products, and services. “Where

Customer relationship management (CRM) software and sales management software are two of the strongest tools a modern sales team should have. Both can drive sales and customer retention, but are they necessary if you already have a strong sales force? With information readily available on the internet, consumers do their own research instead of relying solely on salespeople to solve their problems. A recent study by Gartner shows 44% of buyers prefer a seller-free sales experience, with

In today’s digital-first economy, data is the new currency. This is why analyzing sales reports has become essential to modern companies’ business. Sales reports enable insight into how agents are performing and what aspects of their strategy need improvement. This allows them to make informed decisions on fine-tuning their processes and improving the overall customer journey. However, generating sales reports is only the first step in

Distributors, wholesalers, and manufacturers rely on numbers to run their businesses. From receivable accounts to inventory counts, data collection and analysis is both crucial and tedious. Even if sales are streaming in, do you understand the impact that sales performance has on your business? If not, sales metrics can clue you in on what is working and what isn’t—and how you can navigate these obstacles to sustainably grow your business. Why’s

The presence or absence of customers often determines the success of a company. While having more customers doesn’t necessarily equal success, customer loyalty does. Customer loyalty is a hallmark of successful customer relationship management (CRM). Staying on top of the success of your business requires knowing everything about your customers’ wants and needs. Because of this, you need a CRM database to manage this treasure trove of information. What does a CRM database do, exactly? A CRM database is a tool you can use to store

When it comes to B2B sales, information is king. However, the information needed isn’t about your products or services. Successful sales come from using data analytics to learn more about your customers and current market trends. For example, let’s look at how Netflix uses data to enhance its customer experience. Netflix collects subscriber viewing information to create personalized

Micromanagement is something many do, but few admit. It’s one of the foremost examples of good intentions with often negative consequences. Especially in field sales management, micromanaging is rarely necessary. Despite its overwhelmingly negative press, micromanagement remains an uncomfortable reality in many organizations. Managers tend to gravitate to a micromanagement style when they’re under pressure to deliver results or to follow exact procedures. When this management style does deliver the expected results, everybody can tolerate it a bit more. After all,

Industries and big companies aren’t the only ones that can profit from mobile apps; small businesses and niche markets like the wine industry are benefitting in a big way. Mobile sales apps account for 86% of smartphone use. These compact platforms give wineries a virtual version of their cellar and storefront that can increase their customer numbers and drive sales.