I hope the series of Sales Predictions for 2010 that wraps up today has given you some ammunition on actions, strategy and maybe a boost of hope and confidence that THIS year can be whatever you want it to be. As we wrap up the first full work week of 2010, I share my predictions for sales leaders and sales professionals. 
I am optimistic about this year – with a caution. The business landscape is different. There is hesitation on ‘is it over yet?’ and maybe a lack of commitment to MOVE. This leads all of us in sales – really the driver of our economy in so many ways – to need to think differently, find different paths and collaborate more consciously. And it will be worth it because there is a LOT of opportunity to ‘light up the sky’ with and for our customers!
My specific predictions:
Sales Leaders
Leaders at all levels will continue to have to do more with less. Problem solving and finding proactive activities to equip and engage their sales team will be critical. Retaining top and average performers will need attention as the markets start to show signs of strengthening and sellers realize there are new opportunities.
Sales Reps:
The gap between high performers and mediocre performers will widen. Top performers will seek skills, habits and tools to sell even more. The ‘noise’ of social media and the internet will become louder. Filtering to find the right tools and right information will be key to focus on what sales people need to do: get in front of prospective buyers to determine how they can provide value with and for them. Collaborative approaches in marketing, nurturing, selling and account management will reign.
And there you have it. A full week of 2010 sales predictions from credible sales expertise sources – Jill Konrath, Nancy Nardin, Jonathan Farrington, Jeb Blount, Anne Miller and Alice Kemper. What they’ve learned from their contacts with many companies and sales reps globally, and their attention to the economy allowed all of us a glimpse into what we can focus on this year to capture more sales. If you’d like to have all the predictions in one, easy to access document for your review, click here.
Now what? Well, that’s up to you! Your focus on setting your targets and goals for this year and then acting to achieve them is critical. That’s why these next sales resources might be very helpful!
Timely Tips to Achieve Your Goals – a new ebook I’ve written with a turn-by-turn route for you to set and achieve goals. It even includes an effective Goal Planner!
I’ve put all the best tips I have shared over the last 18 months into one easy to follow document. I’m putting the final touches on Timely Tips to Achieve Your Goals and it will be available next Tuesday FREE! Come back for the link.
The eBook will be ready in time to be a companion to the upcoming Top Sales Expert Roundtable on Tuesday, January 12th on Time to Get Into Gear Early! (This roundtable can be free if you are a VIP member – only $25 a year! for dozens of sales sessions and tools.) Plus, as a presenter, I have a free seats to offer you today! (Who says the holiday gift-giving is over?) Click here to be a part of this roundtable that is sure to be helpful and entertaining.
One final FREEbie today, a FREE Ready-to-go sales training booster kit for you now. Sharpenz…Half Hour of Power boosters were designed to help EVERYONE in the sales profession efficiently stay at the top of their game! And YOU can get a free booster to equip, engage and energize your sales team! Visit theSharpenz site for the FREE booster.
