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Incentive Compensation Management

A guide to promoting your sales reps: Part 1

By January 30, 2018June 11th, 2024No Comments

The roles of the salesperson and sales manager differ greatly, so management candidates should be carefully evaluated. When promoting a successful sales representative to manager, businesses must analyze performance data and evaluate leadership abilities.

Identify the top candidates 
Promoting an individual to a management position requires consideration of the top-ranking employees. Sales & Marketing Consulting noted, promoting from within is often more effective than hiring someone who is not already familiar with the business.

An operation can identify top performers easily using performance and incentive compensation management software. These systems allow management to accurately stack rank employees. An incentive compensation management system can show managers which sales representatives are consistently exceeding sales quotas and goals. ICM software provides business insights to the most promotable sales representatives.

The results of the system suggest that a salesperson is capable of meeting demands, which is what quality businesses want to see in workers in their management positions as well.

Evaluating candidates for the position 
When evaluating an employee for a promotion to manager, a proven record that demonstrates the individual consistently hits his or her sales goals suggests he or she can balance coaching a team while also hitting pre-determined sales goals. Mangers should be confident the candidate will bring valuable skills to the position and be capable of assisting sales teams and increase sales productivity.

ICM software can help managers track whether a candidate’s ability to reach goals on a regular basis. 

Know essential skills 
Sales management positions require individuals to demonstrate strong leadership skills. They need strong leadership skills to be able to motivate their sales representatives to meet and exceed quotas, provide adequate sales training and coach their teams to success. The ability to lead and motivate a team will improve the performance of sales representatives year over year.

In addition, managers can provide proper training for the sales team. A sales manager who is a strong leader will communicate a clear vision and goal for the sales team to meet.

The ability to motivate a team and encourage all sales reps throughout the year can help improve the performance of all employees. When individuals know how to coach a sales team they can boost everyone’s individual performance.

Decide whether he or she fits the bill 
To know whether a candidate would be a good match for a sales management position, a business should know and understand that the roles are entirely different. Inc. magazine noted that while being capable of selling well is important, meeting the quota and exceeding it does not mean an individual will perform a sales management position well. It is crucial the salesperson also demonstrates motivation, leadership and the ability to meet goals consistently.

Taking the time to evaluate performance and giving candidates small tasks to evaluate their ability to lead and coach will likely help a business decide whether a salesperson can make the switch to a management position. ICM software can save businesses substantial time during this process. Sales leaders will be able to evaluate potential candidates more efficiently and promote the proper individuals.

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Ballast Point Ventures is a later-stage venture capital fund established to provide expansion capital for rapidly growing, privately owned companies in diverse industries, with a particular emphasis on companies located in Florida, the Southeast, and Texas. The BPV partners have more than 70 years of combined experience investing in and building high-growth companies in a number of industries, including healthcare, business services, communications, technology, financial services, and consumer goods. BPV has $200 million under management and seeks to make equity investments ranging from $3 million to $10 million.

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Harbert Management Corporation seeks to generate superior returns for their investors by identifying and investing in the most promising early growth stage companies in the Southeastern U.S. HMC seeks to capitalize on what it believes are compelling regional dynamics, such as a strong and fast-growing economy, significant research and development activities, and an established entrepreneurial community. The HMC team combines substantial investment, advisory, and operating experience with capital and networking contacts to support great entrepreneurial teams in successfully executing their growth plans. With offices in Birmingham, Alabama; Richmond, Virginia; and Gainesville, Florida, it’s well positioned to partner with entrepreneurs throughout the Southeast.

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KBH Ventures

KBH Ventures was an early investor in Iconixx Software. KBH's investment philosophy plays a significant role in the firm's successful track record. KBH believes in running businesses to be cashflow positive and profitable every month. Startups and companies in a startup mode, such as one that has been purchased in distress, are expected to generate revenue within the first six months and reach profitability within the first 12 to 18 months. KBH also only invests in or acquires companies that are in the startup phase or have less than $20 million in revenues. KBH targets technology companies that offer business-to-business services.

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S3 Ventures is an early expansion and growth stage venture firm with $200 million under management. It’s focused on information technology solutions that solve large business problems. S3 also invests in medical devices that improve the human condition. S3 invests in category-defining opportunities. It partners with the team and help focus methodically on what it takes to build a successful company. S3 today helps talented entrepreneurs take their technology and market knowledge and form valuable businesses in a repeatable fashion. Investment sizes start at several million or more for Series A, B, and C financing.