Training for sales reps?

Hey WHT,
I am wondering if you guys can recommend any seminars or training programs that would teach someone the more advanced knowledge of how hosting works? I am looking to hopefully send him some where to upgrade. He understands the basics he is not a "newbie" at all, but I would like him to be able to talk to system admins about large quote (10-50 server quotes), and still be able to hold his ground, and provide a rough quote based on the information given.
Thanks

Hi elektrica,
From my own experience, a lot of the learning occurs either after some time spent observing relevant chats / email exchanges or managing a web hosting account or server.
There likely are some training resources out there, but there's probably not anything that you would be unable to teach yourself.
Good luck!
-mike





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What we used to do was to use Videos's that we would send out then do a Skype Conference and share screens with GoToMeeting

Any well put together company will have a training manual for pretty much every position at the company. I would highly recommend putting them together yourself as each company will have its own specific type of approach to things. You could also use this time to create a SOP (stand operating procedures) manual as well.
As Mike mentioned, its a good idea to have your sales guys spend sometime with the admins as well. Will help the sales person get a better idea of what all is done and will hopefully help him/her realize not to pester the admins as much when he/she sees how busy they are.

Being a salesman in multiple fields, I started with 0 experience.
Its best to learn from the seat of the pants. AKA from Real World Experience.
Some helpful hints are to try and overload the potential client with information that makes them go "Wow".
For example,
If you say "We offer 20 GB of Webspace, and 25 GB of Bandwidth for $19.95 per month" wont be effective as,
We offer 20 GB of Webspace, 25 GB of Bandwidth, Fantastico which includes a rather large number of pre installed scripts, cPanel control panel, live tech support, 99.99% uptime guarantee, free dedicated ip's, unlimited mySql databases, unlimited pop3 email accounts, unlimited ftp accounts all for just $19.95 which you can pay anytime online using our online billing and support center".

Ok thanks for the suggestions guys.. I was actually hoping there would be some sort of seminar though as it would be a much faster method of learning, he has been selling hosting for over 4 years now, but I would like to advance his skills. Also if you guys know of any seminars/sessions that would improve his sales skills i would be interested as well.
The reason I am looking to move outside of the company for training, is in hopes to broaden the overall company perspective.

I haven't heard of any like your looking for. You might want to hire a consultant to help you with advance training and skills.

Quote:



Originally Posted by smindsrt


I haven't heard of any like your looking for. You might want to hire a consultant to help you with advance training and skills.


Where do you suggest finding a consultant with references?
Thanks