The modern consumer can find most or all of the information they need to buy a product online. When someone engages a salesperson, it is not usually to discuss high-level product information. People expect sales reps to have a deep level of understanding and perspective on their products, company, and industry to make comparisons and add value.
This shift in focus for sales teams means that training is more important than ever. Every sales rep needs to be trained to expert level.
There are many different types of digital training strategies, and it can be overwhelming to know which one to implement. Here are 3 strategies that are effective across a variety of industries, applications, and teams.
3 Digital Product Training Strategies to Improve Sales
1. Virtual Coaching
Virtual coaching establishes a mock environment where employees can practice jumping over realistic job hurdles. Virtual coaching offers employees the opportunity to develop vital skillsets and practice making decisions so that they can perform when it matters.
What is virtual coaching?
There are many virtual coaching platforms available to use. Although these platforms can vary, the main functionality allows a coach to record a virtual scenario, the employee then records an answer, followed by feedback from the coach. All of this is done in a safe space where employees can prepare to interact with customers.
Although virtual coaching can be used to improve performance in many different job roles, it is a particularly great tool to improve and test sales rep product knowledge.
Some ways to use virtual coaching:
- Recorded documentation to show employee progress
- Integrate it into your training platform to add to employee learning records
- An extension of your in-person coaching program
- Onboarding tool
- Way to share ideal answers and best practices with other members of the team
2. Microlearning
Microlearning offers a unique way to break through one of the toughest roadblocks to getting learners engaged: time.
The modern individual’s schedule does not leave time to dedicate to learning for their job. Microlearning provides the opportunity to learn in short, manageable bursts of time, so business professionals no longer need to sit hunched over desks pretending to pour over thick manuals muddied with jargon and filler information. Modern research has taught us that information overload gets learners nowhere, and as a solution, new technology has developed to solve this issue through microlearning.
Creating microlearning modules that are in short, bite-sized learning opportunities allows employees to access this information quickly whenever they need it. For product training, microlearning will help sales team’s in two aspects:
- Just-in-time learning supports employees by providing avenues for immediate learning. For example, if a sales representative is about to go into a sales meeting and forgot a specific product feature advantage, they can easily access the information on their mobile device through just-in-time learning.
- Performance support aids employees when they are on the job and have forgotten, from their previous training, how to perform a certain task. It prevents employees becoming frustrated because they won’t have to waste time searching for the answers.
For optimal results, have the training focused on the key information that you want employees to get out of the training. Stray away from jargon and long winded sentences, you want to create information that is easy for learners to absorb and retain.
3. Mobile Learning
Mobile learning options are a valuable asset to any corporate training setup. The way people interact with technology is changing, so training delivery methods should match these changes to enable learning from anywhere.
Mobile learning offers the groups you are training easy access to crucial information. Your computer can only go so many places conveniently while your phone goes everywhere. Mobile learning simplifies the process of accessing information through making it available anywhere at any time. Couple mobile learning with microlearning modules to create information employees will appreciate.
Another advantage of mobile learning consists of the rising trend of the workforce working remotely. Mobile learning offers an easy transition that allows learners to work off their phones from anywhere. Having a product training program that supports mobile learning will allow your whole team to gain access to the important information embedded in the training.
Implementing these digital strategies into your product training program
Effective product training is essential for enabling sales teams to overcome customer objections and tough questions. Creating a digitized product training program will make employees more engaged with the training program and ultimately able to sell the product more effectively due to knowledge retention.
Connect with one of our product training specialists, so you can start implementing these strategies as soon as possible.