Top Features of the Best Sales Training Programs

Have you read any articles lately about how the sales industry is becoming simpler and less competitive?

Not likely.

Competition in sales is fiercer than ever.

To stay ahead, salespeople need quick access to the best sales training programs available.  But with so many different programs on the market, it isn’t much fun deciding which one is right for you and your team. A bad sales training program isn’t always apparent from the start, and great ones aren’t always easy to find. How do you know you’ve picked a stud rather than a dud?

Let’s look at some of the best sales training programs currently available, plus some essential factors to consider when choosing. This is your launch point to more effective salespeople, more satisfied customers, and better sales outcomes. 

The Skinny on Sales Training Programs

Sales training programs generally fall into two categories: those that focus on product knowledge and those that focus on selling skills. Product-focused programs provide salespeople with in-depth information about the features and benefits of the products they are selling. Selling skills-focused programs teach salespeople how to identify potential customers, overcome objections, and close deals. 

The best sales training programs? They do it all, tailored to the company’s products, industry, and customers. 

Methods matter. What makes a sales training program work isn’t just the content, but the sales program delivery: the presenter, the way information is delivered, and more. The best sales programs are dynamic and built to serve a range of learning styles. Take the time to choose the right program, and you can give your salespeople the best chance of success.

Sales Processes

Sales processes are any tool to formalize and improve communication between a company and its customers. A company can develop an effective sales process that helps to increase close rates and improve customer relationships. The critical components of an effective sales process include customer segmentation, lead generation, lead nurturing, and closing techniques. 

By incorporating these elements into their sales strategy, businesses can create a repeatable process that leads to more consistent results. While every company’s needs are unique, the best sales processes share commonalities that can be adapted to fit any business. With an effective sales process, businesses can develop customized plans to succeed.

Sales Process Examples

Each company’s sales process will be different, but there are some common steps that most sales processes include: 

1. Prospecting: This is the stage where salespeople identify and qualify potential customers. 
2. Initial Contact: Salespeople reach out to potential customers to introduce themselves and their products or services. 
3. Needs Assessment: In this stage, salespeople try to understand the customer’s needs and see if there is a fit between those needs and what the company offers. 
4. Proposal/Presentation: If there is a good fit, the salesperson will create a proposal or presentation outlining how the company’s products or services can meet the customer’s needs. 
5. Negotiation: In this stage, the parties negotiate prices, terms, etc. 
6. Close: Finally, if all goes well, the deal is closed, and the sale is made. 

These are just some of the steps that are typically involved in a sales process. The best sales training programs will teach selling techniques at each stage of the process so that salespeople can more effectively close deals.

Sales Programs

Many organizations have programs in place to train their sales teams. These programs typically involve a series of classroom or online modules that cover topics such as customer service, product knowledge, and closing techniques. 

Some of the best sales training programs also include role-playing exercises, so that participants can practice what they have learned in a simulated sales environment. In addition, many programs now incorporate gamification elements, so participants can earn points and prizes as they progress through the course. 

By providing sales teams with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful, these programs can help organizations increase their revenue and market share.

Sales Program Examples

Some of the best sales training programs use a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on experience to teach salespeople the skills to succeed. 

Other programs focus exclusively on one aspect of the sales process, such as cold calling or closing techniques. 

Regardless of their approach, the best sales programs share some common features. They are typically led by experienced sales trainers who know how to engage and motivate their students. 

Great programs also use role-playing and other active learning methods to allow students to practice their learning. The best sales programs prepare students to succeed in any selling environment.

The Big Dogs: Top Sales Training Programs

While there are many different programs to choose from, the best sales training programs share some of the same good stuff. 

They should be comprehensive, offering a wide range of topics to cover the various aspects of selling. Interactivity lets salespeople practice their new skills in a safe and supportive environment. Finally, a great sales program should be customizable to meet the specific needs of each salesperson. 

Here are five of the best sales training programs available:

Salesforce Sales Cloud 

Salesforce Sales Cloud is a widely used sales training program that covers everything from prospecting and lead generation to closing deals and building relationships. It also offers a wide range of customization options, making it easy to tailor the program to each salesperson’s needs.

ASLAN’s Other-Centered® Selling Program

The ASLAN Selling System is a sales training program known for its comprehensive approach, covering everything from building rapport and establishing trust with prospects to closing deals and maintaining lasting connections with clients and customers. You can even customize the program based on the type of sales role that needs training. ASLAN’s approach is one of the most in-depth, comprehensive, and customizable sales training programs.

HubSpot Sales Academy (Training On-Demand)

The HubSpot Sales Academy has on-demand training options and certifications. Its wide-reaching program has content that covers all aspects of selling, from generating leads to closing deals. It also includes several interactive exercises and real-world scenarios, making it an excellent choice for salespeople who want hands-on experience with the material.

Sandler Selling System

Sandler Selling System is a well-rounded program that covers everything from effective communication and negotiation techniques to time management and goal setting. It also offers customization options to tailor the program to your specific needs.

SPIN Selling

SPIN Selling is an excellent choice for salespeople who want to learn how to sell high-ticket items effectively. The program is built around a bestselling book by Neil Rackham that covers everything from identifying prospective buyers to understanding their needs and objections. 

Best Sales Training Approach for YOUR Business

With so many different approaches to sales training available, it can be a challenge to know which one is best for your business. The fact is that what works best for someone else may not be best for you. Here are a few points to consider when choosing the best sales training approach for your needs:

1. What is the goal of the training? Whether you’re looking to improve close rates, increase average deal size, or shorten sales cycles, it’s important to choose a program that aligns with your desired outcome.
2. What is the level of experience of your sales team? Programs that are too basic will bore experienced reps, while those that are too advanced will overwhelm beginners. It’s important to find a happy medium.
3. What is your budget? Sales training programs can vary widely in price, so it’s important to find one that fits within your budget.
4. What is the format of the program? Some programs are conducted in person, while others are offered online. There are also hybrid options available that combine both formats. Consider what would work best for your team’s learning style and schedule.
5. What is the duration of the program? Sales training programs can range from a few hours to several weeks. Again, consider what would work best for your team’s learning style and schedule.

Take these points into account, and you’ll be better equipped to find the best sales training approach for your business needs.

ASLAN Sales Training

ASLAN provides some of the best sales training programs in the industry. Besides teaching essential sales skills, our programs also focus on helping participants build relationships with customers and create a positive customer experience from start to finish. 

But we also know that what matters most to you is results. Our sales training programs have been proven again and again to help participants close more deals and increase their earnings. 

Contact us today to learn more about our research-backed and proven sales training programs at ASLAN.