This programme has a simple objective: to help a sales team create and implementa comprehensive account development plan. If you want to earn strategic partner or preferred supplier status with your clients and customers then you need to add value to their business, consistently, and you can only do this if you have a plan - a key account management plan. This programme will help participants: Discover opportunities - through a deeper understanding of the customer's business Develop partnership - through a better 'value proposition' for the customer Increase repeat business - based on higher customer satisfaction Improve synergy - by getting everyone to 'sing from the same hymn sheet' Develop a collaborative account plan - validated by the customer and their own management Secure resources - management will align resources to execute soundly based account plans Win an increased share of 'customer wallet' - through systematic account development 1 The six principles of strategic account development Introduction to the PROFIT account development model:- Performance- Relationships- Objectives and goals- Feedback- Integration- Teamwork Practical account development strategies: overview and case studies 2 Performance Use practical tools to help you manage and measure account performance and success Design and build a monthly account dashboard for all sizes of account Prioritise and manage accounts and customers pro-actively and successfully, using proven planning tools Develop a cross-selling strategy to integrate products or solutions into the customer's business as closely as possible 3 Relationships How to build and manage key relationships within an account Qualifying and managing key influencers accurately Producing a 'relationship matrix' for each account quickly and easily Approaching and developing new contacts strategically Tools and techniques for successful tracking of contacts and call-backs Developing a coach or advocate in every customer organisation pro-actively 4 Objectives and goals Where are you now? - how to establish your competitive position within an account Know how to set, monitor and track key objectives for accounts over the short, medium and long term Selling against the competition - developing both long- and short-term sales strategies 5 Feedback - building loyal and satisfied customers The correct way to manage customer expectations and create listening loops within an account How to monitor and track your customer's perception and satisfaction with your organisation Building a personalised satisfaction matrix for each account Customer review meetings - best practice in building loyalty by regular joint planning events Understanding the concept of long-term customer value and the importance of adapting a customer-focused attitude 6 Integration How to integrate your products or solutions with the customer's business needs and processes Spot and react to early warning signals that may cause an account's loyalty to fade, reduce revenue or switch to a competitor Developing a loyalty strategy for key accounts or groups of smaller accounts Getting your message and strategy across to C-level contacts 7 Teamwork Working with others to achieve your account goals Gaining internal commitment from your organisation Managing and working with a virtual team Creating cross-departmental communication loops 8 Putting it all together Personal account reviews Personal learning summary and action plans
The Art of Negotiation: In-House Training Confidence, rapport, curiosity, and patience are essential ingredients to successfully handling a difficult conversation and negotiation. In this course, you will learn to identify and manage aspects of a negotiation, distinguish needs from wants, and manage expectations. The course will cover communication best practices, strategies for handling difficult conversations, and the basics of the art of negotiation. What you Will Learn Master the different ways to say 'no' Determine negotiation strategies based on typical client strategies Develop solutions to break deadlocks Getting Started Introductions Course structure Course goals and objectives Establishing personal learning objectives Foundation Concepts Exercise: Most Challenging Scenarios and Outcomes Debrief: Impact versus intent Addressing customer expectations Needs versus wants Key skills for managing customer relationships Elicitation (requirements gathering) Communication and active listening Sensitivity and empathy Handling Difficult Conversations Saying 'no' The Ladder of Inference 4-Step approach for handling difficult conversations Characteristics of a trusted advisor Communication Best Practices Attunement and active listening Exercise: Identifying Effective Techniques Communication pitfalls and best practices Building rapport and influence Words of wisdom Exercise: Reflection on Challenges Negotiation Strategies Negotiation basics Five phases of negotiation Identifying different strategies Traditional versus Progressive Hard - Soft - Principled Exercise: Your Preferred Techniques Selecting appropriate strategy for project negotiations Common pitfalls to avoid The impact of culture on negotiation Looking at conflict through the lens of negotiation Exercise: Mapping a Resolution
The Sales Accelerator programme is a fresh approach to improving business development productivity. It focuses on identifying and using a series of business productivity metrics in order to build a clear action plan for improving sales results - typically within 90 days. The metrics are grouped under three headings: The basic principle is that a small improvement in each area can lead to a significant increase in sales results and productivity. And the object of the programme is to show how best to achieve that. The programme therefore looks at each of these three areas in turn, spending a day on each. Suitable for any and all businesses and all levels of experience and expertise, this is a remarkably practical and hands-on programme. During the workshop, participants discuss, review and apply many proven sales and marketing techniques and personal selling ideas. The goal is to generate and commit to changes and actions that can lead to a 10-30% increase in the next three to six months. There's also a consultancy option, rather than the workshop-based programme. See below for details. Day one - Activity Key objective This first module introduces the Sales Accelerator model. The goal here is to show participants how to increase their pro-active activity levels by around 10%. It covers all aspects of creating new business opportunities, from existing customers and non-customers alike, and is linked to personal activity improvement goals. Main elements Improve the productivity, accuracy and effectiveness of your business approach by using new and unique models and techniques. Different methods of creating and generating new business opportunities in the short, medium and long term. This includes sourcing new business, up-selling, cross-selling, warm calling and gaining referrals. Using organised persistence to track and build new customer revenue. Managing your sales time effectively. Key learning points Sales productivity - understand the dynamics of increasing the combination of activity levels, deal value and conversion rate of proposals/quotations to orders and implement an improvement plan. Sales goal setting: setting business development objectives for quantity and quality - plus tips and tricks of top performers. Maintain a peak activity level, on a consistent basis using 'organised persistence' and structured business development tracking methodology. How to prioritise opportunities and manage your time when sourcing new business. Identify potential new customers - and particularly the decision-makers and influencers - with greater accuracy. Make outbound business or appointment calls with improved confidence, control and results. Day two - Value Key objective To be able to better anticipate, identify, create, and develop business opportunities using a customer / client-focused communication-based business model and consultative skills. Main elements How to develop sales more effectively from new and existing customers; and managing the first appointment with a new customer. Use structured and assertive drawing-out skills to identify, develop and formalise business opportunities and to gain commitment. How to better position your company and your products and services against your main competitors. Create and deliver persuasive business messages based on specific need areas, criteria and value. Key learning points Advanced consultative selling - use a variety of structured and advanced questioning techniques to confidently and efficiently uncover opportunities, need areas and business criteria - confidently and efficiently. Involve the customer/client at all times, and to a far greater degree, and keep better control of business development process. Value message - differentiate your solutions clearly and accurately with customer/client-matched value statements. Presenting the right USPs, features and benefits and making them relevant and real to the customer. Qualification and reading buying signals. Day three (held around four weeks after the first module) - Conversion Key objective This module looks at how to improve the final qualification, progression and conversion of opportunities in your sales pipeline. Also includes price negotiation, overcoming objections and obstacles to gaining agreement. The module begins with a learning review, sharing participants' experiences over the last four weeks in applying the new techniques and skills acquired during the first two modules. This is an opportunity to revisit particularly challenging areas as well as to share and celebrate successes. Main elements Structuring and preparing for negotiating a deal and knowing when and how to move into the 'end-game' mode. Anticipate and answer customer objections and questions more confidently. Build more credibility and proof into your business process to reduce 'buyer's remorse' and speed-up decision-making. Being more assertive and developing better instincts and strategic thinking in progressing quotations and proposals. Key learning points Smart ways to position price, emphasise value and be a strong player without being the cheapest. Becoming more assertive in closing deals, and the importance of organised follow-up on the telephone. Qualify pipeline opportunities with more accuracy, using a proven check-list. Use an 'option generator' to simplify complex proposals, increase business value and close business faster. Writing more effective sales proposal documents and quotations. How best to draw-out, understand, isolate and answer customer objections, negotiate points and concerns. Practical methods of asking for agreement and closing a sale
The market for professional services is becoming increasingly competitive, with some firms and individuals becoming very effective at winning new work, leaving others lagging way behind. Given the choice between spending time on client work and business development work, we all tend to choose that which we feel to be easier, more attractive and more aligned with our image of ourselves. We stay within our comfort zones, we focus on client work, and we only resort to business development work when we have to, which can also lead to 'feast or famine' syndrome. The programme will help participants: Understand the professional business development approach and the style that is appropriate for their business and their clients Follow a process to guide their conversations and business development meetings Prepare thoroughly for a business development meeting/contact with a client to ensure they use their time efficiently and maximise results Create a great first impression and professional opening to a conversation Ask open questions and listen effectively in order to spot opportunities, understand needs and progress the opportunity Identify and understand buying and decision-making processes and criteria Skilfully and confidently handle questions and objections Sell the benefits of their services and approach over those of their competitors Progress the sale by agreeing next steps and gaining commitment appropriately 1 Introduction Aims and objectives of the programme Personal introductions and objectives Workshop overview 2 An introduction to business development and selling for professionals What is selling? Who are you selling to? The buying experience What clients want The four-step business development process The business development cycle and pipeline management Upselling and cross-selling as well as winning new clients 3 Networking and generating leads What is networking? Networking objectives It's not what you know but who you know Asking for referrals and introductions Making appointments from networking activity 4 Opening the sales relationship/sales meeting What potential customers are thinking Judging first impressions Creating positive first impressions Building rapport and creating interest and impact Earning the right 5 Core communication skills for professional selling Overcoming barriers to listening The art of listening Questioning refresher Types of questions Questioning funnel 6 Understanding and identifying needs and opportunities Identifying the questions to ask to identify needs and opportunities Questions to move us through the buying and selling process Understanding their buying processes Asking questions that position you as a 'trusted adviser' The questions that give you a competitive advantage Knowing when you have asked enough questions 7 Introducing solutions Tailoring your 'pitch' to the client Speaking the client's language Using features and benefits Applying the benefit cycle 8 Handling objections and concerns Identifying the typical objections and concerns Understanding why clients raise objections and concerns Following a structure for handling objections Handling the price objection 9 Gaining commitment Knowing when to close The art of checking Recognising buying signals Small c and big C 10 Putting it all together Personal learning summary and action plans
How to be a Great Executive Sponsor: In-House Training This three-hour course provides key tips and techniques for becoming an actively engaged, and impactful, Executive Sponsor of projects and programs. It will explain not just what your role is, but the very specific actions you can, and must, take to increase your project's probability of success. This three-hour course provides key tips and techniques for becoming an actively engaged, and impactful, Executive Sponsor of projects and programs. It will explain not just what your role is, but the very specific actions you can, and must, take to increase your project's probability of success. And, it will highlight the key personality and other traits that are found in successful Sponsors. Regardless if you're sponsoring an Agile software development project, a construction megaproject, or any other type of project in between, this course will help get you 'hit the ground running' and being an 'impact player' on day one. Various activities and discussions will acquaint you with this important role and what you need to do to become a great executive sponsor. What you Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Define project success so everyone is 'singing from the same sheet of music' Immediately apply the ten key attributes of a great sponsor on your project Recognize great sponsorship and determine if you're the right fit for the role Practice Sponsorship over the course of the project life cycle by engaging in very specific actions and activities Be a better investment manager by analyzing the behaviors of successful activist investors Foundation Concepts The quantifiable benefits of being an actively engaged Sponsor Sponsor defined Clarence Kelly Johnson and the SR-71 Blackbird: An example of the power of Sponsorship Defining Project Success Project success: More than meeting the triple constraints Benefits management: The Sponsor's focus The Investment - Life-cycle vs. the Project Life-cycle The three questions Sponsors need to ask to define project success 10 Key Attributes of a Great Sponsor 10 Key Attributes of a Great Sponsor The Makings of a Great Sponsor The most important skills and competencies of an executive sponsor What great Sponsors do and when Four Things a Great Sponsor Can Learn from an Activist Investor The story of Outerwall, Inc. and Glen Welling of Engaged Capital, LLC Sponsors and Activist Investors Sponsorship of the 2nd Avenue Subway in Manhattan: A classic textbook example
How to be a Great Executive Sponsor This three-hour course provides key tips and techniques for becoming an actively engaged, and impactful, Executive Sponsor of projects and programs. It will explain not just what your role is, but the very specific actions you can, and must, take to increase your project's probability of success. This three-hour course provides key tips and techniques for becoming an actively engaged, and impactful, Executive Sponsor of projects and programs. It will explain not just what your role is, but the very specific actions you can, and must, take to increase your project's probability of success. And, it will highlight the key personality and other traits that are found in successful Sponsors. Regardless if you're sponsoring an Agile software development project, a construction megaproject, or any other type of project in between, this course will help get you 'hit the ground running' and being an 'impact player' on day one. Various activities and discussions will acquaint you with this important role and what you need to do to become a great executive sponsor. What you Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Define project success so everyone is 'singing from the same sheet of music' Immediately apply the ten key attributes of a great sponsor on your project Recognize great sponsorship and determine if you're the right fit for the role Practice Sponsorship over the course of the project life cycle by engaging in very specific actions and activities Be a better investment manager by analyzing the behaviors of successful activist investors Foundation Concepts The quantifiable benefits of being an actively engaged Sponsor Sponsor defined Clarence Kelly Johnson and the SR-71 Blackbird: An example of the power of Sponsorship Defining Project Success Project success: More than meeting the triple constraints Benefits management: The Sponsor's focus The Investment - Life-cycle vs. the Project Life-cycle The three questions Sponsors need to ask to define project success 10 Key Attributes of a Great Sponsor 10 Key Attributes of a Great Sponsor The Makings of a Great Sponsor The most important skills and competencies of an executive sponsor What great Sponsors do and when Four Things a Great Sponsor Can Learn from an Activist Investor The story of Outerwall, Inc. and Glen Welling of Engaged Capital, LLC Sponsors and Activist Investors Sponsorship of the 2nd Avenue Subway in Manhattan: A classic textbook example
Introduction to Agile and Scrum This half-day course provides an overview of Agile principles and mindset, and the Scrum framework as a key Agile approach. It will provide you with the key benefits of an Agile approach, and its differences with the traditional Waterfall method. Lastly, as Agile is looked upon more frequently as an alternative delivery method, you will review situations where Agile can be adapted outside of software development, where it is most commonly used. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Explain the basics and benefits of using an Agile approach Describe the Scrum framework, its events, artifacts and roles and responsibilities Illustrate Agile approaches outside of Software Development Getting Started Introduction Course structure Course goals and objectives Agile Introduction What is Agile? Agile Benefits Agile Methods Overview of Scrum Scrum Overview Scrum Events Scrum Artifacts Scrum Roles Definition of Done Agile Approaches Outside of Software Development Agile in other environments Product Development Course Development Marketing Agile Project Candidates Summary What Agile is not... Concerns and Pitfalls
Introduction to Agile for Executives: In-House Training This session provides executives with an overview of Agile values and principles, the key benefits of an Agile approach, and its differences with the traditional Waterfall method. During the session, we compare and contrast the major Agile methods, with an emphasis on Scrum, as the most popular in the market. And most importantly, we present some criteria for Agile Transformation, possible certifications to pursue, and what is needed at the senior leadership level to achieve the best business results. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Explain the basics and benefits of using an Agile approach Describe the Scrum framework, its events, artifacts, and roles and responsibilities Illustrate an Agile approach outside of Software Development Define Scaled Agile Determine how to support an Agile transformation for your organization Getting Started Introduction Course structure Course goals and objectives Agile Introduction What is Agile? Agile benefits Agile myths and realities Overview of Agile Methods Overview of Agile methods Scrum method Lean and Kanban methods Criteria and certifications What Executives Need to Know About Agile Agile is not just for IT Agile can be scaled Agile transformation needs your support Summary and Next Steps Review Personal Action Plan
Introduction to Agile for Executives This session provides executives with an overview of Agile values and principles, the key benefits of an Agile approach, and its differences with the traditional Waterfall method. During the session, we compare and contrast the major Agile methods, with an emphasis on Scrum, as the most popular in the market. And most importantly, we present some criteria for Agile Transformation, possible certifications to pursue, and what is needed at the senior leadership level to achieve the best business results. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Explain the basics and benefits of using an Agile approach Describe the Scrum framework, its events, artifacts, and roles and responsibilities Illustrate an Agile approach outside of Software Development Define Scaled Agile Determine how to support an Agile transformation for your organization Getting Started Introduction Course structure Course goals and objectives Agile Introduction What is Agile? Agile benefits Agile myths and realities Overview of Agile Methods Overview of Agile methods Scrum method Lean and Kanban methods Criteria and certifications What Executives Need to Know About Agile Agile is not just for IT Agile can be scaled Agile transformation needs your support Summary and Next Steps Review Personal Action Plan
This course has a simple objective: to help gain appointments with potential clients. In most consultative selling situations clients won't commit to purchases over the telephone. This means setting up a meeting to discuss the options with them face-to-face. But getting 'face time' can be tricky. This practical workshop can help. Participants will acquire essential tools, skills and methods; discuss specific organisational issues; and identify areas for improvement. They will discover how to: Increase their effectiveness through proper preparation Construct attention-grabbing opening statements Help potential clients feel comfortable agreeing to a meeting Develop tactics for responding to difficult excuses and objections Stress the benefits of a face-to-face consultation Develop and enhance their questioning and listening skills Prevent customers cancelling booked appointments 1 Introduction to appointment setting Key trends that have changed the way people buy today - and will buy tomorrow Why many sales people avoid picking up the phone The difference that makes a difference - what makes a good appointment-maker? 2 Before you pick up the telephone It all starts with a plan... Who and what to focus our attention How much research should we undertake and why? Setting primary and secondary objectives 3 Making your approach Key considerations Every call is an opportunity - creating a positive mind-set Using a structured approach Using partnership language 4 Gaining an insight into the customer's needs How to quickly 'tune in' to your customers, so that you can serve them more easily Developing speech patterns that put customers at their ease Using effective questioning and listening skills Finding and building pain points 5 Dealing with excuses and objections Pre-empting potential excuses Developing techniques for responding to client objections Keeping the door open for future contact 6 Securing the appointment Selling the benefits of a consultancy meeting Techniques for avoiding cancelled appointments Gaining commitment 7 Action plans Course summary and presentation of action plans