1. Know Your Staff

Each and every sales staff is comprised of individuals. People aren’t robots and shouldn’t be expected to perform that way. A management style that works with one person may not work with someone else. Take the time to get to know your staff. If you take the time to find out their likes and dislikes it will help you determine their strengths and weaknesses as well.

2. Be Patient

Part of the job as sales manager will be to keep on top of your sales team to make sure they’re performing up to expectations. However, you should realize that people learn at different rates, and each salesperson has their own method of doing things. Each individual’s performance will reflect their personality. Learn to be patient with people, and allow them to be individuals. You will soon realize who is doing the best they can, and who the slackers are.

3. Learn Continually

Don’t become content with how you and your team are performing. Continually be on the lookout for ways to improve yourself and your team. It wouldn’t hurt to try and attend seminars that will help you tweak your management style. A few courses in management taken online at night, or from a community college can also be beneficial.

4. Network

As part of the process of continually trying to improve as a sales manager, you should listen to others who are in a similar position, especially if they’ve been mangers for awhile. Attending seminars and taking instructional courses are good places to meet and get to know other managers. Networking is an important asset. The contacts you have within your profession will serve you well throughout your career.

5. Don’t Boss, Coach

An important part of being a sales manager is to realize that you’re in charge–but don’t be overbearing. A good sales manager is more like a coach than a boss. The object is to sell, and the more that’s sold the better off the team will be as a whole. People perform better when they believe their efforts are appreciated. Make yourself available for instruction as the need arises, and learn to teach confidently without talking down to people.

Guest post from Andy Granger. Andy writes business insurance quotes for
BusinessInsurance.org.