1. Blended Learning: an effective e learning solution for Sales Training
"Sales" is the magic word in the business. Strategy to manufacture an appealing product, package it well.
Advertise it and all comes down to selling. If it does not sell, it is not good. That is what the Business
Pundits say. Sales training is of utmost importance and is a crucial element for the success of
organizational goals. It has become more challenging with fast changing market scenarios. Also the
customers are getting aware and it is becoming even more challenging for sales personnel. The
companies do provide traditional training in this department, but is it enough?
According to recent trends in corporate training and development, new approaches are to be taken to
address the needs of today’s market and provide for the skills to manipulate the changes in the market
and customer behavior. The solution was offered by the IT and IT enabled services. Various companies
have and are considering blended learning as more effective platform than online or classroom
methods. In a recent survey, it was found that 76% of European companies find blended learning as an
effective solution for sales training.
To understand the benefits of blended learning solutions, let’s do a case study. If we take an example of
product training; two aspects are important – product knowledge and soft skills. In this case or similar
one, sales personnel require learning & understanding of behavioral aspects and attitudes, to identify
the buying decision of customers. This can be easily explained and demonstrated well in classroom
training, facilitated by the inputs from industry veterans via online seminar called webinars. E learning
solutions like eBooks, online handbook, audio & video manuals, training video etc. also come as a part of
blended learning solutions.
The business environment is dynamic with unpredictable traits and trends. Hence it is important to
update latest knowledge about current market trends or latest products. This requirement is well
addressed by blended learning approach as it encompasses traditional classroom learning to virtual
learning. Information and Learning Technology or ILT model is a very effective in corporate training,
which combines pre-classroom, classroom and post classroom training as channeled platform. An
eLearning feature also facilitates the advanced training. The initial phase of blended technique is
classroom eLearning. It is presentation on sales skills, which gives an idea about the skills. As a follow up
feedback sessions, video display and audios can be run to make it more engaging.
Online, classroom as well as virtual room training has its own unique strengths. These strengths are
brought together as a blended mechanism. Amalgamation of these methodologies of learning creates a
holistic learning experience. Hence blended learning is essential for newer sales training mechanism.
About the Author
V-creative services are virtual training solutions provider in UK. It offers eLearning solutions to blended
learning services. They customize V-room training solutions for the customers.