It can be challenging to keep up with the constant influx of new technologies that are being introduced into the market, each claiming to revolutionize the business landscape, and it can certainly be easy to become desensitized to these claims.
With 1.35 million tech startups around the world, technology is indeed a primary catalyst for change in this world.
That's why it's crucial, for tech sales representatives to keep up to date with the advancements and innovations in the tech industry through impactful training programs.
Although many tech sales organizations provide training a large portion of them lack interactivity making them dull and ineffective, for both the organization and the trainees.
In fact, just 12% of employees claim that they use the knowledge acquired through training to do their job.
So, how can tech sales organizations unlock value in their L&D programs and build their tech sales teams' skills over time?
What are the best tech sales training programs?
What’s in this post?
- What is tech sales?
- What skills do you need in tech sales?
- What are the best tech sales training programs?
What is tech sales?
Tech sales refers to the act of selling software or products related to technology to customers. This encompasses a range of items, including computer hardware, enterprise software cloud based services, mobile applications and more. Additionally tech sales also covers the sale of IT services, like consulting, implementation, support and maintenance.
There are companies that specialize in tech sales. They offer solutions tailored to meet customer needs.
- Asana: Asana is a B2B software as a service (SaaS) company that offers project management software as a subscription. This software platform helps teams collaborate, communicate, delegate tasks, create workflows, and stay on top of team to-dos.
- Zoom: Zoom Video Communications, is known for its video software that dominated the online video call industry during the pandemic. Even in post-pandemic times, it seems they haven’t let off the gas pedal, and users still cling to their platform.
- Workday: Workday offers one of the top solutions in human capital management and human resources. Their software platform provides clear-cut solutions for payroll, onboarding, training, financial management, and other facets of HR.
What skills do you need in tech sales?
Tech sales positions frequently entail identifying sales prospects and engaging in discussions, with clients regarding the challenges they encounter. How our product can provide assistance. This could involve activities such as reaching out to customers reconnecting with leads or establishing new connections through networking.
The daily responsibilities of a tech sales role may differ based on the position and level of seniority; however one thing is certain; possessing interpersonal skills is crucial for achieving success, in a tech sales career.
Some include:
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Communication |
Being able to clearly and effectively communicate the value of the products or services being sold to potential customers. |
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Negotiation |
Being able to effectively negotiate deals and close sales. |
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Relationship building |
Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers and other industry contacts. |
|
Presentation |
Being able to effectively present products or services to potential customers. |
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Problem-solving |
Being able to identify and solve customer problems with the products or services being sold. |
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Adaptability |
Being able to adapt to changes in the market and the industry, as well as to new products and technologies. |
What are the best tech sales training programs?
The rapid advancements, in technology and the changing work landscape have created a need for tech sales representatives to continuously enhance their skills in order to succeed in todays competitive environment.
Consequently technology organizations are prioritizing their sales training programs to maintain competitiveness. Are placing emphasis on fostering diversity within their teams to ensure continued value delivery for the business.
To achieve these goals tech organizations worldwide have invested in a range of elearning platforms. Have allocated larger budgets for training methods. However both approaches come with limitations. E learning programs tend to be lack interactivity, which can make it challenging to keep trainees engaged. On the hand traditional in person training can be costly. Relying on an annual coach visit does not cultivate an environment conducive to continuous growth.
So how do leading tech companies worldwide equip their tech sales representatives with the skills?
The solution lies in leveraging intelligence (AI) training software.
With the help of this software AI powered video simulations enable individuals to independently access the application and develop their skills at their pace and, within their preferred space.
That is why airline pilots, disaster response teams and various other industries extensively utilize video simulations. It enables trainees to create scenarios enhancing their skills in decision making—a task that poses challenges in passive training environments. The healthcare sector is also benefiting from the integration of video simulations, into their programs in cases where they face resource constraints in terms of personnel and physical space.
Want to test A.I.-powered training software for yourself and assess your soft skills?
FAQ
1. How to get into tech sales?
There is no easy answer to breaking into the tech sales industry, but there are factors that can increase your odds. For example:
- Leverage your sales experience
In tech sales, the focus is primarily on the sales process and the ability to effectively promote new products to companies. Therefore, it is not as crucial for hiring managers to see a deep understanding of the technical aspects of each product, as that can be learned on the job. Instead, it is more important to emphasize your previous sales experience and demonstrate your ability to sell effectively. - Network
Networking plays a crucial role in today's job market and is responsible for the majority of hires, 70% in fact. To increase your chances of landing a position in tech sales, it is essential to build connections with companies in the industry.
To start, ensure that your LinkedIn profile is current and professional. Then, reach out to individuals who hold the tech sales position you are interested in and inquire about their daily responsibilities. This will give you an understanding of the sales processes and strategies in the field, as well as the opportunity to develop relationships with individuals from various tech companies.
- Train your soft skills
Soft skills have always been a vital aspect of career growth, but their importance in the current job market is more pronounced than ever. These skills are now considered essential across all industries. As digital advancements continue to accelerate, it's essential to possess relevant soft skills that will make you stand out to potential employers. According to Deloitte Access Economics, jobs that require soft skills are projected to make up two-thirds of all employment opportunities by 2030.
2. Is tech sales a good career?
Tech sales can provide a career path, for individuals who have an interest in technology and enjoy the art of selling. It offers the chance to engage with state of the art technology while also potentially offering prospects.
The field of tech sales is known for its nature presenting both challenges and rewards. It involves adapting to changing advancements within the industry fostering connections, with clients comprehending their requirements and effectively aligning them with suitable products or services.
Additionally, the technology industry is a rapidly growing field, and the demand for tech sales professionals is expected to increase in the coming years. The technology industry has not just weathered the pandemic-driven disruptions of the past few years; it has flourished. Worldwide IT spending is projected to total $4.5 trillion in 2023, an increase of 2.4% from 2022.
