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South African women still face tremendous challenges in their daily lives. From personal safety to access to education and work opportunities and appropriate healthcare. Women are still more likely than men to be unemployed. According to Statistics South Africa, 31 percent of men are unemployed. Compared to 34 percent of women, with black women by far the most vulnerable, with an unemployment rate of 38 percent. These are structural issues, backed up by some troubling attitudes. Only 56 percent of men believe earning an income is the best way for women to be truly independent. And nearly two-thirds of South Africans

Dietary supplement manufacturers and distributors share which new product ranges they are exploring and what role outside sales reps play in their order-taking process in 2021. Polling data taken during the live Dietary Supplement Trends for 2021 webinar presented by the Natural Marketing Institute draws attention to emerging industry trends. Manufacturers and distributors share what they consider to be the biggest challenges and opportunities in the year ahead. Gummy-type supplements becoming increasingly popular Dietary supplements in capsule form remain the most produced form among participants (29%). Due to its

You’d be forgiven for being a little confused. Many other business decision-makers are left scratching their heads when they’re pressured to choose between different sales technologies. But we’re here to help clear this up for you. Understanding CRM vs SFA: How Customer Relationship Management Boosts Sales Customer relationship management (CRM) is a process that businesses use to manage interactions with customers through data analysis. CRM systems compile information from a variety of communication channels, including websites, phone calls, email, live chat, marketing materials, and social media. The primary goal of

The sales game has changed significantly over the past few decades. Gone are the days of cold calls and unannounced visits attempting to hook prospects with flashy pitches. As it is, customers are already bombarded with ads, mailers, and pop-ups that encroach on their privacy and overwhelm them with information. The last thing they want is a field sales rep trying to force a conversion at an inconvenient time. While being absolutely clueless as to their pain points and their actual needs. Instead of alienating customers through antiquated sales techniques, businesses should focus on empowering their sales reps to

It’s safe to say that no one in the world is having an easy time of it at the moment. Between a pandemic that has ripped through companies and communities, uncertainty created by political factors such as Brexit and the US elections last year, and political instability all over the world – including in South Africa, where our head office is – life is challenging, and businesses have been hard hit. So how businesses can support each other in troubled times? Many of these factors have been beyond our control. But in difficult times, all we can do is focus on the things we can control – and support each other wherever

There isn’t only one type of sales technology. Figuring out which software is the best fit for your business is a difficult process. We’ve put together this simple guide to help you distinguish between the confusing terminology involved in choosing the right sales technology. These are common types of software terms you might come across when looking at sales technology best suited to your unique business needs: Customer Relationship Management Marketing Automation Sales Intelligence solutions Sales Force Automation Field Sales Automation Below are clarifications on what tasks each of these types of software perform,

The Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the B2B sales and marketing space. Most B2B interactions have now moved online and field sales have taken a back seat. However, nothing can replace the value of motivated sales reps in the field. If small businesses are the heart of a country’s economy, then field reps represent the legs that drive it forward. Enforced restrictions that affected normal face-to-face meetings have spawned an inaccessible customer base. But perceptive leaders have spotted gaps and created new possibilities through personalized sales calls. Apart from generating sales, field reps can offer

The field sales terrain is a fierce battleground where productive sales reps vie for customers’ minds and money amid stiff competition. Despite the difficulties, face-to-face sales is an avenue that businesses cannot afford to overlook, with research showing that face-to-face interaction is 34 times more effective than interaction via email. Field sales is a high-risk, high-reward manoeuvre. In order to succeed in this space, you need to use field sales tools and techniques that empower your salespeople to increase their productivity and reach their potential. Set actionable goals and metrics Push beyond your

Consumers across the globe are prone to moments of indulgence, turning to snacks all throughout the day. Many consumers look to snack purely to satisfy hunger, however more and more consumers are now looking to get more than just a quick bite, but are now actively seeking snacking products that can offer functional and nutritional benefits. This desire has led to a growing number of consumers turning to high-protein snacking products. So, what exactly are consumers looking to get from their snacks? Snacking Habits In 2021 consumers have been turning to more and more snacking products throughout the day. Consumer

In today’s fast-paced world, the automation of manufacturing and industrial processes is accelerating. Businesses that fail to digitize their sales operations risk falling behind competitors—and, more importantly, compromising their customer relationships. We go through the Dire Consequences of Not Adopting Sales Technology in this blog. Why Technology Matters for Customer Relationships Healthy customer relationships are critical to sales success. Yet many business leaders are unsure how technology can enhance these relationships. It’s understandable—some digital tools meant to connect us have actually isolated us.