The Sales Team, Your Onboarding Springboard

Starting a new job can be a daunting experience. The first few weeks are often a whirlwind of new faces, systems, and information overload. There are many books on what to do and not to do, your company most likely pairs you with a buddy, there will be training, etc. However, what if I share a secret that can significantly ease the transition into a new role regardless of where you sit in the organization: understanding the company’s sales process. In this post, I’ll explore why taking the time to learn about the sales process is the fastest way to get onboarded successfully.

• Listen to the sales team and understand the problems they offer to solve
• Listen to the clients and learn about their pain points and priorities

The Importance of Learning the Sales Process:

The sales process is the heartbeat of any business. Sales is not just about closing deals; it’s about understanding the core value that a company offers to its customers. In my opinion, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the sales process during your onboarding for the following reasons:

1. Understand the Company’s Value Proposition:
   • The sales team is on the front lines, interacting with customers daily. They understand the company’s unique value proposition and how it addresses customer needs. Learning from them helps you grasp what sets your company apart.
2. Customer-Centric Approach:
   • By understanding the sales process, you learn to think like a customer. This perspective is invaluable in any role as it helps you align your work with customer expectations.
3. Enhanced Communication:
   • Effective communication is key to success in any job. Salespeople are skilled communicators, and by listening to them, you can pick up valuable communication strategies and techniques.

Listening to the Sales Team:

During your onboarding, make an effort to sit down with the sales team and listen actively. Ask them about:

• The typical customer pain points they address.
• The unique features and benefits of the company’s products or services.
• Success stories and real-world examples of how the company’s solutions have transformed customers’ businesses.

Understanding this firsthand will give you an edge in your new role by providing insight into how you can contribute to the company’s success.

Learning from the Sales Process:

• Identify the different stages of the sales funnel.
• Understand the key metrics and KPIs used to measure sales success.
• Familiarize yourself with the tools and systems that support the sales process.

Tips for a Smooth Onboarding:

1. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification. The sales team will appreciate your curiosity and willingness to learn.
2. Shadow Salespeople: If possible, shadow the sales team during customer meetings or calls. This firsthand experience is invaluable.
3. Collaborate: Seek opportunities to collaborate with the sales team on projects. Your insights from other departments can provide fresh perspectives.

In my opinion, understanding the sales process should be the first step in your onboarding experience.  This is a powerful strategy for a successful start in a new job and should be a mandatory part of any onboarding program. It helps you understand the heart of the business and equips you with the knowledge needed to align your work with the company’s mission and customer needs.

So, don’t forget to engage with the sales team, actively listen, and take notes! It’s the surefire way to unlock your full potential in your new role.