B2B Summer Sales: 8 Things You Can do to up Your Game When Business is Slow

Deep in the middle of the summer season, many of us find ourselves with a bit more free time on our hands. Whether it's because business is slow or you're taking a well-deserved vacation, this is the perfect opportunity to focus on learning and upskilling. In this blog, I'll share eight wallet-friendly ways you can invest in yourself and stay ahead of the curve. Impatient? Skip to the action items at the end. Need some personalized advice? Grab a quick 15-minute chat.

Learning and Upskilling is Essential in Today's Rapidly Changing World

Gone are the days when you could rely on a college degree and a few certifications to carry you through your entire career. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, including the rise of AI and tools like ChatGPT, it's more important than ever to continuously learn and adapt. Forbes reports that buyers across all segments are using vendor sales representatives less than ever before in their research process. This trend, accelerated by COVID, means that B2B sales professionals need to stay on top of their game to remain relevant.

Food for thought:

• Nearly 70% of sales professionals have not received formal training in sales, according to Dooly AI.

• Companies with continuous sales training programs can expect 50% higher net per sales rep.

• However, 84% of training is lost in under three months, supporting the idea that a continuous program is ideal.

Your Assignment:

Invest in Yourself with These 8 Wallet-Friendly Options

I get it - you're busy, and the idea of adding more to your plate might seem daunting. But trust me, investing in yourself is always worth it. Here are eight ways you can upskill without breaking the bank or sacrificing all your free time:

1. Get a library card for free access to classic business books, audiobooks, and ebooks.

2. Subscribe to Audible for affordable access to current books, starting at $7.95/month.

3. Shop at used bookstores like Thrift Books and Abe Books for great deals on recent releases.

4. Listen to podcasts for current, bite-sized insights (like this one!).

5. Take online courses on platforms like EDX, Coursera, and Udemy for in-depth learning.

6. Utilize LinkedIn Learning for free or low-cost education and profile-boosting certificates.

7. Consider community college for cost-effective certificates in business, management, accounting, or communications.

8. Invest in sales training or coaching to gain a competitive edge and boost your revenue.

Pro Tip: When choosing learning materials, make sure they resonate with you. If your mind wanders to your to-do list, it's a sign that the content isn't striking a chord, and you're wasting your time. Don't be afraid to explore different options until you find something that captivates you.

Action Steps:

1. Choose one or two learning options that appeal to you.

2. Set a goal or objective related to your chosen learning path.

3. Add it to your personal success plan and block time in your perfect week to dedicate to learning.

4. As you learn, write down or record your ideas for implementation.

5. Don't overwhelm yourself - focus on one insight at a time and make a plan to put it into action.

My team and my mini me at a tradeshow - gotta train the next generation too!

Success Story:

Investing in my own learning has been a game-changer for my career. When my former company invested in sales training, it did wonders for our revenue and my personal growth. That's why I now incorporate continuous learning and coaching into my own programs. I've seen firsthand the impact it can have on both individuals and organizations.

Need Help with B2B sales?

If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, I'm here to help. Book a quick chat with me, and we can discuss personalized strategies to help you upskill and stay ahead of the curve.

What's Next

Stay tuned for more actionable insights on navigating the world of B2B sales. Subscribe, so you don't miss a thing, and share this blog with anyone you know who could benefit from a little encouragement and guidance.

AI Disclosure: I wrote the script for a podcast episode on this topic. An AI tool was used to generate other content using that script.

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Rise of Us is a practice run by Summer Poletti, specializing in revenue growth: sales, strategic partnerships, customer success, marketing alignment. We generally work with financial services and SaaS companies from $2MM - $20MM ARR and help them plan and execute for their next stage of revenue growth. We concentrate on strategy, coaching, and organizational alignment.