Five Knowledge Areas to Boost Sales Associate Effectiveness

5/26/17

The best tool sales reps can have in their toolkit is knowledge. Knowledge is the key to unlocking new demographics, understanding consumer Sales Associate Knowledgemotivations, and providing excellent customer care in the retail environment. 

Understanding the various types of knowledge needed by your sales associates and how to deliver that information to them quickly and effectively has a major impact on your overall sales and success. 

Here are five key types of knowledge your sales staff can use to boost their effectiveness in the retail environment.

1. Audience Knowledge

Understanding the key demographics of the store’s customer base has a big impact on the customer experience and thereby, sales. Different demographics have different needs.

In general, older customers have different needs and expectations than those from a younger generation. This relates to the style of interaction as well as to device capabilities. 

If sales associates use the exact same tactics to interact with younger customers as they do older customers, your percentage of closed sales will more than likely take a hit. 

Associates should be prepared to tailor their sales approach to the different types of customers who shop in your store. By doing so they are in a better position to:

  • Establish a rapport with potential customers
  • Speak to customers in their own language 
  • Anticipate the needs of customers

2. Products and Services Knowledge

Technology and PC devices are ever-changing and do so at a rapid pace. Keeping up with the latest devices and peripherals is challenging. 

Developing an in-depth and near-comprehensive knowledge about available products helps sales reps:

  • Present themselves as authorities in the industry
  • Inspire greater confidence among customers
  • Increase sales through upselling and cross-selling

By investing in continual training options for your sales team, you can recoup big rewards in added visibility and enhanced public perception of your store as the go-to place for tech devices.

3. Latest Technology Trends Knowledge

Staying current with the newest developments in technology helps your team sell more effectively. Knowing whether the product lineup is compatible with new platforms and new technologies can help your sales team provide accurate and actionable information to customers.

With this type of information and understanding, associates have a better chance to:

  • Make a positive impression on customers
  • Deliver the most accurate guidance to customers
  • Increase customer retention rate
  • Improve the store’s credibility 

4. Sales Strategy Knowledge

One of the most important tasks of retail sales staff is to successfully connect with customers. In the mobile age, however, the traditional sales strategies may not produce the desired results.

Shoppers today expect personalized experiences in retail stores. Employees with access to cutting-edge marketing and sales tools provide customers with a better shopping experience. Some of these tools include:

  • In-store apps
  • Virtual reality interfaces
  • Hands-on demos or device experiences

The buzz created by these types of tools can even increase your visibility among potential customers in your geographical area.

5. State-of-the-Industry Knowledge

Members of your sales team benefit from networking opportunities that allow them to touch base with others in your industry. Attending expos, conventions, and seminars can provide your employees with opportunities to:

  • Meet some of the movers and shakers in the same or related industries
  • Learn about the latest devices and technologies
  • Invest in their own personal and career growth

Increase Sales Associate Knowledge with Product and Sales Training

By encouraging and investing in training for your employees, there is a much greater chance of success for them, as well as for you and your store. The Intel® Retail Edge Program is designed to help the members of your sales team gain the knowledge they need to succeed in the fast-paced retail environment. 

Short, yet comprehensive Learning activities offer detailed information on Intel® products and supportive sales tactics. These interactive activities challenge and inspire your staff while boosting the effectiveness of their sales efforts and their confidence level. 

The Intel® Retail Edge Program provides an engaging online space where sales reps connect with each other to provide support and share knowledge. This added motivation and information can boost your staff productivity and your overall profitability, allowing you to enjoy the benefits that greater staff knowledge provides. 

Find Out About The Intel Retail Edge Program

This article originally appeared on LinkedIn*. To view the original post, click here.

 

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© 2017 Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo, Intel Retail Edge Program, and Intel Retail Edge Live are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.

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