There was a time when sales meant using up shoe leather to reach your customers - but not any more. The way we live - and the way we sell - is
almost entirely online these days and this means investing in some digital tools to make sure that you don’t get left behind. From communication to closing the deal, sales is a high-velocity business and, in this article, we’re sharing five ways you can use digital tools to speed up the journey.
The Strength Of Digital Tools In Sales
As a sales manager, you’ll know that the success of your job lies in building rock-solid relationships and this will always be the case. In today’s world, however, prospects and customers don’t deal in patience. In a fast-paced business, customers know what they want and they want it now and this can only be achieved by getting onboard with some great digital tools. This begins with automation of repetitive, time-consuming tasks such as updating workflows and processes. Online methods can also be used to speed up communication, keep tabs on customer data and much much more.
1. Digital Business Cards: A New Way To Network
If you’re still using expensive and flimsy paper business cards, it’s time to stop. As well as being costly, these cards often simply end up in the bin and are not, of course, a very green option.
Digital business cards have revolutionised the way that we share our vital contact information as, instead of lugging around a wallet full of cards, you can now give out the same details by email or even through a scannable QR code. There are many benefits to this - not least expense as you won’t have to pay for new cards to be printed every time you make a change to any of your details.
It also makes networking so much easier as your no-fuss digital calling card can be given out wherever your potential customers are, whether that’s by email or social media. Another bonus not to be overlooked is that, unlike a traditional card, the digital version doesn’t limit the amount of information that you can include.
2. Streamlining Communication With Email And Messaging Tools
For the sales professional, communication is where it’s at - and you’re no longer restricted to telephone and in-person interactions. Email, messaging, digital cards and more all come into the mix to help make sure that prospects are found, nurtured and maintained. Automation allows you to create outreach and follow-up strategies quickly and easily as well as designing grabby templates for every stage of the sales process. Digital tools are all about making sure that communication is instant no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
3. CRM Systems For Sales Tracking And Lead Management
We don’t need to tell you that the customer should always be front and centre in every part of your business - and this means that you need to arm yourself with a great CRM system. A Customer Relationship Management system allows you to keep all the lovely customer information in one safe place, helping to streamline the sales journey and, more importantly, to make sure you don’t miss any opportunities.
As well as allowing you to keep detailed notes, log calls and communications, advanced systems can also do lots of other clever stuff like lead scoring and analytics to ensure that you’re spending your time going after the right people.
4. Sales Automation Tools: Closing Deals Faster
If you find that you’re spending more time on admin stuff than you are on actually selling, there’s a tool for that. Sales automation tools are designed to take annoying and repetitive admin tasks off your hands as well as offering collaboration opportunities. For you, this means that you don’t need to bother with the boring jobs and, for your customers, it means a more efficient and robust relationship.
5. Collaborative Tools For Sales Team Alignment
A sales team is all about connectivity and collaboration, and without it, communication is lost. Thankfully, digital tools such as
real-time collaboration platforms mean that teams can work together quickly and easily.
Whether you’re booking a virtual conference room or sharing updates and strategies, these handy bits of kit make light work of making sure that your team is all on the same page - or screen.
CLICKBUTTON|link|MMSM}
6. Analytics And Reporting Tools: Quantifying What Matters
As I’m sure you know, if you’re not paying attention to analytics then you’re essentially working blind. Putting in tons of time and effort without knowing how well it’s working just simply doesn’t make sense and here’s where analysis and reporting comes in. These tools are able to efficiently track and monitor metrics in order to give you and your team full visibility of which tactics are working and which aren’t. This technology can deliver vital information such as which stage of your process is turning customers off, where conversion rates are strong and even provide forecasts based on historical data.
Conclusion
If your company relies on sales, and you’re not already onboard with digital, you’re almost certainly missing out. Rather than replacing it, digital tools allow you to take the traditional parts of sales, i.e. relationships, and then supersize them by being able to connect with customers quickly, easily and efficiently.
We hope this article has convinced you that, from communication to CRM, it’s time to ramp up your tech to make sure that you’re not only getting the leads but you’re also converting them.
ADDLINKS|Links to useful content|:MMSM# ARTICLE:#ARTICLE:#ARTICLE:#ARTICLE:}
