| For nearly all situations especially when managing a | | | | want them to action. |
| sales team, you need enough knowledge and practice | | | | Use Self-study Workbooks. To measure your caliber |
| of basic communication skills, to understand and | | | | in writing, you can opt for using self-paced and |
| properly transmit information. I know this seems so | | | | inexpensive workbooks. These are highly efficient in |
| obvious and yet when managing for the first time it | | | | building your basic communication skills in writing. |
| is a key skill where attention to detail can make all | | | | 3. Speaking |
| the difference. | | | | The art of expressing a message in speech is |
| There are small steps you can take to improve this | | | | probably one of the most crucial of the basic |
| skill, investing a little time and little or no money at all. | | | | communication skills. Talking more is a great start. |
| Let's take a look at how you can improve your | | | | Now this generally is not a problem for sales |
| communication skills in three key areas. | | | | managers or anyone who works in selling.The |
| 1. Listening | | | | challenge is more about the impact you make with |
| The capability to listen properly and comprehend the | | | | your communication that is the key element. |
| speaker's message is vital to building relationships and | | | | As a new sales manager you are moving into a |
| succeeding. It is so easy to assume you have heard | | | | different way of communicating and building |
| what someone has said! | | | | relationships. Being mindful of not just what you say |
| A) Focus intently | | | | but also they way that you say it is vital. There is a |
| A good start is to focus on the speaker's message | | | | saying, "Communication is the response that you get." |
| along with their body language and overall physical | | | | Think about that one. Have you ever returned |
| expressions. This will give you a better chance to | | | | anything you have bought to a shop and been a little |
| understand what is being communicated. Such as | | | | bit aggressive in your approach? Then you were |
| understanding, confusion, anger, happiness. | | | | surprised that the assistant was quite aggressive |
| B) Listening exercises. | | | | back or less than helpful. He or she was responding |
| Google or yahoo it! There are lots of different ideas | | | | to your level/tone style of communication. It happens |
| available to practice with. Listening is a skill and so it | | | | all the time. So what can you do? Practice practice |
| can be improved. Like anything it takes practice. | | | | and more practice. |
| 2. Writing | | | | Join communication workshops in your locality. This is |
| Basic communication skills include your ability to | | | | a highly effective way to feel confident and improve |
| convey messages in writing. A good command of | | | | your skill in speech. You can join clubs and groups to |
| grammar will improve your writing style and can | | | | take your speaking abilities to the next level. |
| enhance writing techniques. As a new sales manager | | | | Toastmasters is one globally recognised avenue. Be |
| this is a vital skill. While spelling and grammar are | | | | the first to volunteer your opinion or to stand up and |
| important remember to think about what your | | | | present at your sales management meetings. |
| outcome is with the message. | | | | Your communication skill will be judged by people |
| Give it some passion and enthusiasm. Add in some | | | | who you work with and for. If you want to get on in |
| pictures and have space between blocks of | | | | your role as a new sales manager it is potentially |
| information. Use bullet points and numbers or letters. | | | | along with mindset the key area to develop. |
| This helps people focus on the points you really do | | | | |