Training for Sales Associates

Q: I have several new sales associates and want to expose them to as much training as possible. Can you give me some suggestions or advice?

A: First of all, please take advantage of everything our website (www.sellpromoproducts.com) has to offer. We created it expressly for the purpose of providing free sales training. Also, there is great value in attending selected education seminars that are part of the ASI and PPAI trade shows. Don't just have your sales associates go to any old seminar--you need to really target attendance to topics with which you feel your associates need the most help. Do your homework by calling ahead to find out exactly what will be covered in a seminar before you commit anyone's time (and your money).

If they come within reasonable distance to your area, the education seminars that occur during the early morning of many traveling shows are also beneficial to attend. I also recommend that you join your local association so that you and your colleagues can take advantage of the speakers at its monthly meetings. Naturally, many of the presentations are on subjects that relate to sales training.

To sum up, don't just seek non-denominational sales training; get involved with training targeted specifically at the promotional products industry. That will make the biggest difference for your new associates.