Three Sales Resolutions You Can Make For 2018 And Actually Keep

The beginning of a new year provides an opportunity for reflection and goal-setting, particularly in the dynamic field of sales. While making resolutions is a time-honored tradition, ensuring those promises transform into substantive actions is often a greater challenge. As 2018 unfolds, set your sights on resolutions that are not only achievable but also will have a lasting impact on your sales effectiveness and career growth.

Here are three resolutions tailored for sales professionals looking to elevate their success in the coming year.

1. Sharpen Your Sales Acumen with Continuous Learning

Embrace Lifelong Learning

The realm of sales is in a constant state of evolution. What worked last year—or even last month—might not yield the same results today. To bolster your sales acumen, commit to continuous learning. Whether it's familiarizing yourself with cutting-edge sales methodologies, staying updated on industry trends, or understanding the latest technological tools, continuous education can set you apart in a competitive marketplace.

Implement Practical Steps:

• Dedicate Time for Education: Carve out regular time in your weekly schedule for learning. It could be as simple as a one-hour block earmarked for reading industry publications, watching webinars, or listening to sales-focused podcasts.
• Leverage Online Resources: Enroll in online courses that offer sales training programs. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning provide a diverse array of topics ranging from negotiation tactics to CRM software mastery.
• Attend Workshops and Seminars: Conferences and workshops offer dual benefits—learning from thought leaders and networking with peers. Prioritize attending at least one major industry event this year.
• Seek Feedback and Mentorship: Engage with a mentor or coach who can provide guidance, and regularly seek feedback from peers and customers to identify areas for improvement.

2. Prioritize Building Stronger Customer Relationships

Foster Genuine Connections

The most successful sales professionals understand that at the heart of every transaction is a relationship. In 2018, resolve to look beyond immediate sales targets and focus on building connections that foster trust and loyalty. With the rise of social selling and customers increasingly seeking authentic experiences, nurturing genuine relationships is key to sustained success.

Implement Practical Steps:

• Personalize Your Interactions: Tailor your communications to address the unique challenges and interests of each prospect. Utilize CRM tools to track customer preferences, history, and past interactions.
• Listen More Than You Speak: Develop active listening skills. Understand customer needs by asking insightful questions and paying close attention to their answers and concerns.
• Provide Value Beyond Your Product: Become a resource for your customers by sharing relevant articles, reports, and insights even when it doesn’t directly involve making a sale.
• Follow-Up with Purpose: Ensure your follow-up communications add value rather than just checking in. Offer information or solutions that are relevant to the conversations you’ve had.

3. Set Realistic Goals and Systematically Achieve Them

Craft Attainable Objectives

Goal setting is intrinsic to sales but setting goals that stretch you without breaking your resolve is a delicate balance. This year, focus on creating SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals that provide clarity and motivation. Instead of vague ambitions like "sell more," delineate your path to success with quantifiable and timely objectives.

Implement Practical Steps:

• Break Down Large Goals: Dissect overarching goals into smaller, incremental targets. This can transform a daunting task into manageable chunks, making progress feel more attainable.
• Track Progress Rigorously: Make use of sales tracking tools or dashboards to monitor your achievements and pivot strategies when necessary.
• Align Daily Activities with Goals: Ensure that your daily to-do list reflects steps towards your broader sales goals. This alignment ensures consistency between daily actions and long-term objectives.
• Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and reward yourself for reaching key milestones. This keeps motivation high and affirms your commitment to your goals.

Conclusion

As you embark on a fresh sales journey in 2018, approach resolutions with intentionality and foresight. Continuous learning, customer relationship building, and setting strategic goals are foundational commitments that can reshape your sales career. But remember, resolutions are only as effective as the systems you put in place to achieve them. It is the consistent, daily disciplines—enabled by clearly defined, actionable steps—that culminate in the realization of these objectives. And while Aomni can enormously simplify your sales strategies by providing real-time insights and tools needed for effective sales management, the underlying resolution to improve must start with you. Make 2018 a year of intentional growth and watch as your sales career flourishes.