How Does it Work? The Sterling Method
The Sterling Method is a strategic framework designed to get your sales team operating like a well oiled machine. From setting clear targets and understanding your team's dynamics to building the ideal sales rep profile, this method covers all bases to optimize your revenue generating engine.
Our Proprietary Process
Define Your Goals
Step 1
Start by defining a clear revenue target. This figure should be written down as a concrete goal. Engage your leadership team in a regular review process, ideally quarterly, to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. Work backwards from this revenue goal to understand the steps and resources needed to achieve it.
Specific Revenue Target Setting
Regular Process Initiation with Leadership Team
Frequency of Goal Review and Adjustment
Evaluate Your Team
Step 2
Evaluate your current team's performance by analyzing average monthly sales and comparing them to top performers. Assess the current sales quota and calculate the number of reps needed to meet your revenue target at their current performance level. This step is fundamental in understanding what needs to change or improve in terms of team performance and size.
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Team Assessment
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Sales Data Analysis
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Quota and Team Size Evaluation
Build Your ISP
Step 3
Create a detailed profile of your ideal sales representative, incorporating traits observed in your top performers. Use personality and psychological assessments to identify patterns of success. This profile should guide your hiring strategy, aiming to recruit individuals who exhibit the potential to meet and exceed quotas.
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Ideal Sales Representative Characteristics
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Top Performer Traits Analysis
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Hiring Strategy Development
Review Your Comp Plan
Step 4
Design a straightforward compensation plan that combines a fair salary with commission based on gross profit generated. Avoid overly complex structures that can confuse and demotivate. Instead, focus on a clear, fair compensation system that rewards top performers, incentivizing them to exceed their quotas.
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Simplification of Commission Plans
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Effective Compensation Model
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Incentivization of Overachievement
Focus on Training
Step 5
Develop a consistent, structured training program, preferably conducted by a professional third party. Regular training sessions should focus on sales skills enhancement. Leadership participation in these sessions is crucial to demonstrate commitment to the sales team’s development.
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Sales Training Program Development
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Product Training
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Leadership Participation in Training
Find the Rhythm
Step 6
Continuously evaluate and improve your sales system. Stay actively involved in integrating new hires, conducting ongoing training, and reinforcing successful practices. Regular involvement and commitment from leadership are key to achieving and maintaining your sales objectives.
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Ideal Daily Structure of Activities
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Ongoing System Evaluation
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Integration of New Hires
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Reinforcement of Successful Models