What is Sales Enablement?

Sales enablement is the strategic process of equipping sales teams with the resources necessary to enhance their efficiency and increase sales. 

It’s not just about closing more deals, faster but about adding value to the customer. 

The resources for sales enablement can include content, tools, knowledge, templates and information to sell your product or service to customers effectively. After all, you don’t want to waste your audiences’ time or yours!

The goal is to provide your sales force with what they need to engage the buyer throughout the buying process.

Why is sales enablement important?

At its core, sales enablement is about ensuring that your sales team is not just prepared but also more effective. In today’s market, where buyers are more informed and choices are plentiful, having a well-equipped sales team can be the difference between closing a deal and losing it. 

Sales enablement ensures that your team has the necessary skills and tools to outperform competitors and meet the evolving demands of the market.

What are the benefits of sales enablement?

1. Increased sales efficiency and productivity: Streamlined training and ready access to essential sales materials means your team spends less time scrambling for information and more time selling.
2. Improved sales effectiveness: With the right tools and information, sales presentations are more compelling and more likely to resonate with potential customers.
3. Enhanced alignment across teams: Sales enablement bridges the gap between different departments, ensuring everyone is on the same page, which enhances overall company performance.

Who is responsible for sales enablement?

While sales enablement may seem like it’s purely in the realm of the sales team, it actually spans several departments. Typically, it involves a collaboration between sales, marketing, and often an assigned sales enablement team or manager. 

Their roles include creating aligning strategies, developing onboarding and training programs, and providing ongoing support to ensure the sales team has everything they need to succeed.

How do you succeed in sales enablement?

Success in sales enablement requires a few key practices:

• Continuous training and development: Regularly updated training sessions that not only educate on product knowledge but also improve sales skills.
• Provision of up-to-date sales materials: Ensuring all materials are current and reflect the latest market research and product information.
• Use of technology: Implementing tools that can streamline and automate sales processes, like CRM systems or analytics tools.
• Feedback and adaptation: Constantly gathering feedback from sales teams to refine strategies and tools.

How to build a sales enablement strategy

Building an effective sales enablement strategy involves several steps:

1. Define Your objectives: Understand what you want your sales team to achieve.
2. Develop content and tools: Create the resources that will help your sales team meet these objectives.
3. Train your team: Provide comprehensive training using the materials developed.
4. Measure and optimize: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your sales enablement strategy and make adjustments as needed.

What tools are needed for sales enablement?

Essential tools for sales enablement include:

• CRM software: To manage customer relationships and sales processes.
• Sales intelligence tools: For gathering and utilizing customer data and insights.
• Content management systems: To organize and distribute sales materials efficiently, invest in a content and documentation platform like Whale.
• Training platforms: For continuous education and development of your sales tea, you’ll need a great training platform.

Sales enablement is business-critical

Sales enablement is not just a buzzword; it’s a crucial part of a successful sales strategy, especially in a competitive market. 

By investing in robust sales enablement practices, businesses empower their sales teams to not only meet but exceed their sales targets. It’s about putting the right tools in the right hands at the right time, ensuring your sales force is prepared to turn every potential lead into a loyal customer.

Be sure to check out these helpful resources;

• B2B sales process template
• Sales script template
• Objection handling template

And more in our sales templates!