Sales Strategy

Jimmy DeGroot: How Sharp is Your Team for 2024? January 11, 2024 (0 comments)

Green Bay, WI--Your car requires maintenance like oil changes, tire rotation and coolant flushes. You’ve learned from previous cars that if not maintained to run efficiently, eventually it costs you a heck of a lot of money. The same goes for you and your employees. Well, not you as much because you read the trade magazines and all these wonderful articles that keep you up to snuff on the industry.

But what about your staff? How much sales training and industry knowledge are they getting? According to a report by Forbes, 87% of consumers expect sales associates to be knowledgeable about the products they are selling (Forbes, 2019). When employees can confidently provide information and answer customer questions, it instills trust and confidence in shoppers, increasing the likelihood of making a sale.

A good training program where everyone is regularly engaged in a productive discussion works several wonders for your store. 

 

1. It improves the customer experience. Research shows that 59% of consumers believe that a positive customer experience influences their shopping decisions. Are you having regular discussions about wins and losses at your store and what you can do to get more wins? 

2. It builds confidence. The Harvard Business Review points out that employees who receive proper training feel more confident in their roles, leading to higher job satisfaction and performance (Harvard Business Review, 2020). Confident employees are more likely to approach customers, initiate conversations, and close more sales effectively.

3. It reduces employee turnover. According to a study by the National Retail Federation, employees who receive ongoing training are more likely to stay with their employers (National Retail Federation, 2020). 

4. It allows your team to adapt to changing trends. The independent jeweler retail landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies and consumer preferences shaping the industry. Sales training ensures that employees stay up-to-date with these changes. 

5. It boosts morale. Sales training programs often include recognition and rewards for top-performing employees. This not only motivates the workforce but also boosts morale. A motivated and engaged workforce is more likely to go the extra mile to provide exceptional service and drive sales. 

It’s a great time of year to evaluate your training, both for your veterans to keep them fresh and for your newer people. Make sure whatever you do is weekly, engaging and creates healthy discussions among your team. Just like your car, if you ignore it, eventually it will cost you a bundle.