Those who say sales is easy have probably never spent time observing the people and the processes or contributed to the efforts that go into closing a deal. Successful professionals develop quality business relationships, effectively communicate and share what tends to be complex and detailed information, and more often than not demonstrate tremendous patience. The best salespeople understand what it takes to connect their offerings with prospective customers' needs and desires.
Despite the reports, it's not an easy job, and finding people with a knack for success is even more difficult. The best sales professionals have a lot going on, juggling discussions with multiple decision-makers in various accounts while attempting to build killer proposals to seal each specific deal. Between making calls, messaging prospects, and assembling all the information needed for orders and contracts, teams may miss a step or overlook critical details without effective controls and backup systems.
Many companies refine those processes and checks and balances over time. In addition to recruiting, training, and coaching team members to maintain a high level of proficiency, they implement best practices and policies to optimize performance. Building and maintaining successful sales teams require top-level support from management and ongoing investments in tools, playbooks, programs and other resources to sharpen talent and improve closing rates.
The quoting process is a perfect example. IT services companies often leverage a large community of suppliers to find the best available products and prices, including key vendors, distributors and online marketplaces. Creating proposals for large and complex systems and projects may involve sourcing a variety of components from locations across the globe with an endless number of delivery, warranty and support options. Sorting through that mountain of information to build a high-potential proposal in a timely fashion can be an excruciating task − even for experienced IT sales professionals.
Managers' expectations and potential bonuses also drive anxiety. Sales teams need structure and support throughout the entire quoting process, from the initial conversation with key decision-makers to the final proposal, to boost their chances of closing the deal.
Like any skilled professional, those who hone their craft and properly wield the tools of their trade are more likely to accomplish their goals. The same philosophy applies when attempting to create wildly successful sales quotes. Adopting (and closely following) commonly accepted best practices and implementing professional services automation (PSA) platforms and quoting solutions developed for the IT Industry are essential for elevating an IT service firm's proposal game. By leveraging proven technologies and methods, sales teams can ensure the accuracy, relevance, profitability and chance of success for each quote.
Every IT services company can cost-effectively strengthen and streamline the proposal process. With a greater focus on these five areas, firms can boost revenue and profits while delivering the best combination of goods and services to each client:
The good news is every IT service company has access to the things their sales team needs to create wildly successful quotes. From best practices for eliciting and sharing information to the applications for managing and automating a myriad of data and processes, the resources are readily available, most at minimal or no cost.
Does your company have the technology to create wildly successful quotes? QuoteWerks can certainly help. Contact us today to request a QuoteWerks Demo.
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