The seven benefits of online sales training

Have you ever tried online sales training? Why? Because the world of sales education and training in evolving and online sales training in starting to take hold.

Whilst classroom training will always have its place, here are seven reasons you might like to include online sales training in your repertoire.

1. Cost saving

It is no secret that classroom-based training can be extremely costly. Not only is the cost of the training event usually high, we also have to consider travel expenses, accommodation and, most importantly, the cost of lost productivity while the salesforce is away on training.

E-Learning reduces these costs dramatically because the participants study from the office, home, or on the road, so no expensive travel or accommodation costs. More important, the learning is flexible, so the student can fit their studying around work commitments and at a pace that suits them.

2. Logistics

The co-ordination of trainers and participants to be in the same place at the same time is the greatest limitation on learning. Each has to be both available and in alignment with the other for face-to-face instruction.

Think of all those new recruits who cannot attend the classroom sales training upon starting because there are not enough participants to run a workshop. E-learning removes that requirement as everyone involved can participate at a time and for a period that suits his or her schedule.

3. Flexibility

Participants can access their course at any time, from anywhere they can log on. This means that participants on the move have the option of attending classes no matter their work schedule; they only need a computer and internet access to take online sales training.

4. Easy and fun

People enjoy using the internet to learn new things because it’s fun and it’s a new way to learn. Learning online is usually much more comfortable than sitting in a classroom. Well designed, online sales programs are designed for interaction and dynamic learning. They should be interesting and fun.

Online sales training saves money on transportation and does not require the participant or the student to ‘dress-up’ or go anywhere to learn. With simple instructions, most anyone can access online courses quickly and easily.

5. Accessibility

Online sales training can be accessible for participants when they need it. Participants can review lectures, discussions, explanations, and comments. Individuals can complete relevant exercises and also share notes with each other to help facilitate community learning.

6. Repetition

Unlike classroom-based training, the majority of online courses can be done more than once without charge (usually an unlimited number of times within a certain time period), meaning that any information that was missed the first time by the person doing the course can be found by simply going back and re-doing the online course.

7. Self-paced learning

A participant can work through the course at their own pace. In a traditional course, delegates are required to go at the speed of the trainer, who may be going too fast if there is a lot of material to get through, in which case delegates may miss important bits of information; or even too slowly, which can lead to attention to being lost, also resulting in the person on the course not taking in everything that is being taught.

Will online sales training mean the end of classroom training? Absolutely not. Great education is ongoing and involves a blended learning approach – a mix of self-paced learning that will include online and other modes and classroom training. What is likely to happen is that learning theories and concepts will go online, while the interactive ‘making it our own’ will take place in the classroom and out in the field supported by coaching.

Why not try this complimentary Sales Essentials module – ethics, philosophy and history of selling?

Remember, everybody lives by selling something.

Sue Barrett is founder and CEO of www.barrett.com.au and www.salesessentials.com and has written 21 e-books and 500+ articles on the world of 21st century selling.