Sales TQ, or sales technical quotient, refers to a salesperson's ability to understand and effectively use technology in their sales process. In today's digital age, having a high sales TQ is becoming increasingly important for success in the sales industry. Here are a few tips on how to increase your sales TQ:
- Learn the basics of CRM software: CRM, or customer relationship management, software is a tool that helps salespeople manage and track their interactions with customers. Familiarizing yourself with the basics of a CRM system can help you better organize your sales leads and improve your communication with customers. Some popular CRM software options include Salesforce, Hubspot, and Pipedrive. Take the time to learn how to use these platforms, and experiment with different features to see which ones work best for you.
- Understand data analysis: Being able to analyze data can help you identify trends and patterns in your sales process, and make more informed decisions. Familiarize yourself with basic data analysis tools, such as spreadsheets and data visualization software, to gain insights into your sales performance. For example, using a tool like Excel, you can create pivot tables to analyze your sales data and identify which products or services are performing well, and which are not. This will help you to target your sales efforts more effectively.
- Keep up with the latest technology: Technology is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay current with the latest tools and trends in the sales industry. Attend industry events, read sales blogs and publications, and network with other sales professionals to learn about new technology and best practices. Some popular sales-related events include Dreamforce, Salesforce World Tour, and the Inbound Sales Summit. Additionally, you can also find a lot of relevant information on sales-related blogs such as SalesHacker, Salesforce blog, and Pipedrive blog.
- Invest in training: Many companies offer training programs to help their sales teams improve their sales TQ. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn new skills and stay up-to-date with the latest technology. Additionally, you can also find a lot of online resources such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning that provides sales training courses that you can take to improve your sales TQ.
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you use technology in your sales process, the more comfortable and proficient you'll become. Try out different tools and techniques, and see what works best for you. For example, if you're not sure how to use video conferencing software, schedule a few practice calls with friends or family to get more comfortable with the technology before using it in a sales meeting.
Should I learn how to code?
In addition to the tips above, another important question to consider when increasing your sales TQ is whether or not you need to learn how to code. While coding knowledge is not a requirement for all sales positions, it can be beneficial in certain situations.
Learning to code can help you understand how software and technology work, which can give you a better understanding of the products and services you're selling. Additionally, being able to code can also give you an edge when it comes to customizing or creating sales tools and automating repetitive tasks.
However, it's important to note that not all sales positions require coding knowledge. If you're a salesperson working in a specific industry or selling a specific product, you may not need to learn how to code. Additionally, many sales automation tools and software are designed to be user-friendly and do not require coding knowledge.
That being said, if you are interested in learning how to code, there are many resources available such as Codecademy, FreeCodeCamp. that can help you get started. It's also important to keep in mind that learning to code is a continuous process, so be ready to invest time and effort to improve your skills.
To start learning coding basics, consider learning a programming language like Python or JavaScript. Python is a versatile language that is used for a wide range of applications, including data analysis and automation. JavaScript, on the other hand, is primarily used for web development and can be used to create interactive and dynamic web pages.
Once you have a basic understanding of a programming language, you can start learning how to use it to integrate and use sales technology. For example, you can use Python to automate tasks such as data entry, lead generation, and email campaigns. JavaScript can be used to create interactive sales dashboards and reports that can help you visualize your sales data and make better decisions. Additionally, you can use APIs (Application Programming Interface) to connect your CRM or other sales tools with other software.
Another area where coding can be useful for salespeople is in creating custom sales tools. For example, you can use coding skills to create a custom sales tracker or lead generation tool that can help you streamline your sales process.
In conclusion, while coding knowledge is not a requirement for all sales positions, it can be a valuable asset for sales professionals who want to improve their sales TQ. It can help you better understand the products and services you're selling, and provide you with an edge when it comes to customizing and automating sales tools. If you're interested in learning how to code, there are many resources available to help you get started. It's important to invest time and effort to improve your skills and to practice using coding to integrate and use sales technology.
