A sales strategy is a blueprint to success. It is a map of how a business can increase sales, revenue, and profits. An organization’s sales strategy defines who they are selling to, what needs to be communicated to them to increase sales, and what is being expected in terms of results.
Developing a sales strategy requires answering the following questions:-
- Who is part of the target market?
- Why should they buy from the organization?
- What are the unique selling points?
- How can value be communicated?
- What impact will the strategy have on revenue and profit margins?
- When are the results expected?
Steps for Developing a Successful Sales Strategy
Assess Your Current Status
Your present sales process needs to be assessed as a first step. This includes examining sales metrics like win pipeline coverage, sales velocity, attainment and activity levels of the sales team. Gauging your current position enables you to figure out where to go from here It also helps to set goals and draw a roadmap to reach there.
Study your Customer’s Profiles
Your customer’s profiles tell you who you’re targeting and how to best communicate with them. Profile details about your customers can be used to refine everything, from marketing campaigns and messaging, to your sales pitch and closing techniques.
SWOT Analysis
A thorough examination of the strengths and weaknesses of your business, sales process, and offering is the next step towards a successful sales strategy. An in-depth study of available opportunities to expand sales potential, the threats posed by competition or other environmental factors and dynamic market volatility, is required.
Market Strategy – Positioning
A strong sales strategy presents new ways to increase your share of the market. Which, in other words, means planning how the sales team can maximize revenue. Existing customers may represent opportunities for further sales. Exploring a better way to position your brand or communicate the benefits of your product or service would help in strengthening sales strategy.
Define Revenue Targets
Specific targets for your revenue need to be fixed along with the timelines. Past sales reports need to be reviewed to enable forecasting. Any changes, whether socio-political or environmental must be factored in.
Actionable Plan
With the starting point and the finish line in place, a clear road map detailing the journey needs to be devised. The sales process needs to be defined in detail, including the specific steps and action items that must be completed at each stage. Set targets for the team. Individual targets to motivate each team member need to be set. Realistic and achievable goals aligned with the overall strategy are required.
Track, Review and Improve
It is important to keep tabs on how well the strategy is doing. Monthly or weekly review sessions may be scheduled to assess if the strategy requires any tweaking.
Sales strategy courses help in defining a successful sales strategy. Both regular and online options are available. To ensure that your strategy becomes actionable, make sure that the goals and path are well defined, percolate it down to the last individual and make sure they BELIEVE in it.
