Salesforce Salesforce-Sales-Representative - Salesforce Certified Sales Representative (SP25)

Supplying product references is the first step that the sales rep should take to address a customer’s questions about thefeatures of one product they are evaluating. Product references are testimonials or case studies from existing customers who have used the product and can vouch for its features and benefits. Product references help to answer questions, provide proof points, build trust and credibility, and influence purchase decisions.References:https://www.salesforce.com/resources/articles/customer-stories/#customer-stories-definition

Empathetic listening is the level of listening that the sales rep is leveraging when they show respect for the customer’s opinion after receiving an objection. An objection is a reason or concern that the customer has for not buying the product or service that the sales rep offers. Empathetic listening is a type of listening that involves understanding and sharing the feelings and emotions of the customer, as well as acknowledging and validating their perspective. Empathetic listening helps to build trust and rapport, reduce resistance, and resolve objections. 

In an industry that's rapidly changing and with increasing channels to engage customers, a junior sales representative can identify the most effective communication methods by collaborating with internal departments. Teams such as marketing, customer service, and others who interact with customers can provide insights into customer preferences and effective communication strategies. This collaborative approach allows for a broader understanding of customer behaviors and trends, leading to more tailored and effective engagement strategies. Salesforce encourages cross-departmental collaboration to leverage diverse insights and expertise, enhancing customer engagement efforts.

Multi-channel is the strategy that supports an engagement solution that works seamlessly across all media. Multi-channel means using different communication channels (such as email, phone, social media, web chat, etc.) to reach and interact with customers and prospects. Multi-channel helps to increase customersatisfaction, loyalty, and retention by providing them with convenience, choice, and consistency.References:https://www.salesforce.com/resources/articles/multichannel-marketing/#multichannel-marketing-definition

Determining current products and opportunities to sell additional products is how whitespace analysis can improve a sales rep’s account management strategy. Whitespace analysis is the process of identifying gapsor opportunities in an account where the sales rep can offer more products or services that can add valueto the customer. Whitespace analysis helps to increase revenue, profitability, and customer loyalty, as well as to prevent competitors from enteringthe account.

Asking open-ended questionsis a key skill for sales representatives, as it allows them to uncover the customer’s challenges and initiatives, as well as their goals, needs, and pain points. Open-ended questions are those that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no”, but require the customer to provide more information and explanation. For example, instead of asking “Are you happy with your current solution?”, a salesrep can ask “What are the main challenges you are facing with your current solution?” or “How does your currentsolution help you achieve your goals?” By eliciting detailed responses, the sales rep can gain a deeper understanding of the customer’s situation, identify opportunities to add value, and tailor their solution accordingly. References:

Sales Rep Training: Prepare Your Team to Sell Successfully, unit “Ask Open-Ended Questions to Uncover Customer Needs”.

Cert Prep: Salesforce Certified Sales Representative, unit “Use Discovery to Understand Customer Needs”.