text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|May 8, 2007
|Filing date
|Oct 23, 2001
|Priority date
|Oct 23, 2000
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Keith T. Thompson, Christopher P. Hamoen, Christopher S. Fales, Darka O. Migus
|Original Assignee
|Ardexus Inc.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (11), Non-Patent Citations (5), Referenced by (36), Classifications (16), Legal Events (4)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/242,438, entitled "METHOD OF ASSISTING A SALES REPRESENTATIVE IN SELLING", filed Oct. 24, 2000, which is incorporated by reference.
This invention relates to a method of assisting a sales representative in selling and a program storage device readable by a processor of a computer and a computerized sales automation system for use in implementing same.
Sales professionals are continually faced with the task of managing large amounts of information concerning details on customers, organizations, and situations in which they are actively selling their products and services. As computers have become much more powerful and more economical for companies to purchase, sales departments have equipped their sales representatives with computers. The use of computers to assist in sales is usually referred to as sales automation. The term "sales automation" has been used to cover a wide range of computer sales applications, from computer-based multimedia presentations to "Rolodex" type storage of customer information. Prior sales automation systems, however have shortcomings in helping the sales representative. For example, many are incapable of processing information regarding actual events or individual assessments of the sales situation to suggest winning strategies to change activities and, interactions, so as to improve the chances of winning the sale.
Applying computer technology to the sales force presents two main challenges: the first is choosing the correct computer environment to run the application software, and the second is to choose application software that is the most effective in assisting the sales representative to win more sales. A sales force is usually mobile, so portable computers (laptops) are the most convenient. Laptop computers should be equipped with modems in order for salespeople to communicate with head office and other remote team members. The entire sales team including managers, representatives, and support staff, should be connected or networked. Client-server systems, where a main database resides on a central server and the clients access the information in the database via the network, are the most widely chosen platforms. Some systems now use the Internet as the network of choice for communication.
Recently, a new type of software, called groupware, has become available. Groupware is specifically designed to allow a distributed group of people to work together effectively as a team. It has its own e-mail and can also facilitate group discussions electronically. These electronic communication functions are commonly referred to as "messaging". In addition to messaging, another necessary component of groupware is to be able to design applications using the messaging as an underpinning, or platform, for distributed teams of people separated by time and geography, to accomplish a common project or mission. The typical sales team, consisting of manager, in-house administration, and mobile or roving sales representatives, represent the ideal model for the technology tool of groupware.
One category of software called "contact management software" is designed to allow sales representative to store information about the customer. This information usually centers on details of the customer's organization, professional life, interactions with the sales representative, and is stored in an 'ad hoc' manner. Sales opportunities are the actual situations in which sales representatives are actively selling to customers. With this type of software it is difficult to logically store information about the sales opportunity and the associated sales cycle, and therefore it has limited functionality in assisting the sales representative in the selling process. Contact management software is also limited in its networking capability, making it difficult for a distributed team to share and collaborate effectively.
Another kind of software called "Sales Automation Software" covers a wider range of functionality and usually provides the capability to store information on sales opportunities. At a given point, a good representative may be working on dozens of sales situations, all at various stages of progress. Sales automation software allows these situations to be reported, characterized by percentage chances of success, and prioritized in a number of ways to aid a manager in forecasting, or to aid the sales representative in determining which situation to work on next.
A weakness with most sales automation programs is that they concentrate more on organizing lists of information, rather than defining the process that occurs within the opportunity. They are therefore unable to use the computer's power to proactively assist the sales representative through the period of time in which he or she is actively trying to sell to the customer.
Another major weakness of current sales automation programs is the inadequate way they calculate two important parameters essential to obtaining the full value of the software—probability and priority. Prioritizing a portfolio of fifty to one hundred sales opportunities at different stages of the sales cycle is a challenge for any sales representative. To do it effectively you need not only a computer, but a way to accurately assess the probability and priority that should be assigned to the sales opportunity.
Probability is typically a numerical value in the form of a percentage describing the chances that the sale will be won by the sales representative. One way to get this number is to simply ask the salesperson to enter his gut feel on winning the sale, in terms of a percentage between one and one hundred. This method is notoriously inconsistent between different sales representatives, even with the same representative forecasting different sales situations. As probability is used by the sales manager to forecast future business, the more inaccurate the forecasting method, the more potential harm to the company.
Another method to evaluate probability is to divide the sales cycle into a number of well defined stages, and to "award" the salesperson a certain percentage chance of winning the sale based on which stage they are at in the cycle. This method does not take into account the fact that no one knows half way through a six month sales cycle whether the sale will come to fruition—sometimes budgets get frozen, or needs change. The performance of the salesperson compared with the competition is also ignored in this method. There is no distinction between a good or a bad salesperson at the "demonstration" part of the sales cycle—they are each awarded a sixty percent chance of success, solely because they have reached this part of the sales cycle. This method has the potential to be more inaccurate than the simple process of asking for "gut feel" percentages.
Current methods of prioritizing sales opportunities are also inadequate. Usually the salesperson's current sales situations are listed in the sales automation program in order of probability, with the most probable at the top. This is especially dangerous if the method of determining probability is based on which sales step the salesperson has reached in the sales cycle. This method allocates the highest percentages to the late stages of the sales cycle—therefore the priority list sorted with the high probabilities at the top will drive the salesperson to work only on those situations at the point of closing or finishing. In fact, a salesperson must allocate his work evenly throughout the sales cycle—he cannot expect to win sales that he has neglected in the early stages of development. Current sales automation programs do not go far enough in assisting the sales representative in the sales cycle—the arena where sales skills are used competitively to fight for the sale.
Some sales automation programs do recognize that selling can be described as a process, involving a sequence of well defined steps, and request that the sales representative enter or check off when he moves from one step to another (they are reactive rather than proactive). These programs tend to involve simple rules, such as, "two weeks after sending a quotation, follow-up with a phone call". Simple rules can help remind a sales representative, but in fact, the sales cycle is quite complicated and difficult to represent adequately through the same serial sequence of steps. For example, a typical sales cycle involves a large number of interactions between the sales representative and customer, such as giving quotations and demonstrations. During these interactions, the sales representative is applying his knowledge of the fundamental skills of selling. At the same time, as the sale progresses, the salesperson is developing knowledge from the information gained, and assessing his current performance in order to plan new strategies or change current ones. Also, because the selling process is highly dependent on human behavioral patterns, no two selling situations are identical.
Thus there is a need to provide an improved method and system of assisting the sales representative in their selling efforts, including a need for a sales automation system that can provide meaningful guidance and coaching to the sales representative during the sales process. There is also a need for a model that describes the sales process in a way that it can be stored in a computer system for providing feedback to the user. Further, there is a need for an improved method to grade sales opportunities according to the probability that the sale will be won by the sales representative. Ideally, such a method should use a minimum of data input and so as to provide consistency across a large sales team and amongst multiple sales opportunities belonging to the same salesperson. It is also desirable to provide a method of prioritizing a list of sales opportunities where a salesperson has the confidence to work from the top to the bottom of the list, knowing that he is optimally spreading his efforts to effectively cover the sales cycles from start to finish.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assisting a sales representative in selling including the steps of: (a) establishing an actual sales cycle for an actual sales opportunity, the actual sales cycle having a start date and an end date; (b) establishing a degree of focus curve for each of the sales skills of probing, proving, and closing as a function of time within the actual sales cycle, and dividing the sales cycle into probe, prove, and close phases in which the probing, proving and closing degree of focus curves are respectively greater than the other degree of focus curves; (c) comparing actual data relating to the actual sales opportunity with model data relating to a model sales opportunity and determining the nature and extent of any gap between the actual data and the model data; and (d) providing a response to the sales representative to assist the sales representative in modifying activities and strategies for closing any gap or for winning the sale, the response being based, at least in part, on the phase of the sales cycle.
According to another aspect of the invention, a computer implemented method of assisting a sales representative in selling a product or service to a customer, including the steps of: (a) soliciting from the sales representative answers to a first set of predetermined questions about a sales opportunity with the customer, the answers to each of said first set of questions being selectable from a predetermined range of possible answers; (b) calculating a first probability that the sales opportunity will result in a sale based on the combination of answers selected by the sales representative for the first set of questions; (c) soliciting from the sales representative answers to a second set of predetermined questions that includes different questions than the first set of questions about the sales opportunity, the answers to each of said second set of questions being selectable from a predetermined range of possible answers; (d) calculating a second probability that the sales opportunity will result in a sale based on the combination of answers selected by the sales representative to the second set of questions; and (e) providing an indication to the sales representative of a difference between the first probability and the second probability.
According to still a further aspect of the inventions, there is provided a method of assisting a sales representative with prioritizing a plurality of sales opportunities, including the steps of: (a) for each of the sales opportunities, determining a probability from a finite number of possible probability values that the sales representative will ultimately win the sale; (b) establishing a sales cycle time line for each of the sales opportunities and dividing each of the respective sales cycle time lines into a uniform number and type of selling phases; and (c) for each sales opportunity, assigning a time-dependent priority value based on the determined probability values for the sales opportunity and the selling phase that the sales opportunity is in at the time that the priority value is assigned.
According to another aspect of the inventions, there is provided a method a method of calculating the probability that a sales representative will win a sale of a product or service to a customer including the steps of: (a) establishing a first question that seeks assessment of a likelihood that the customer is going to buy the product or service from anyone, and establishing a limited number of possible answers, each representative of a probability range, to the first question; (b) establishing a second question that seeks assessment of a likelihood that the sales representative will get the sale over any competition, and establishing a limited number of possible answers, each representative of a probability range, to the second question; (c) associating with each unique combination of possible answers to the first and second questions a probability value; and (d) soliciting from the sales representative a selection of one of the possible answers to each of the first and second questions and determining a probability by selecting the probability value that is associated with the unique combination of answers provided by the sales representative to the first and second questions includes selecting a first probability value that is associated with the unique combination of assessments received from the sales representative.
According to another aspect of the invention, a computerized sales automation system is provided for use in implementing the method, the system including: an input device for receiving information relating to an actual sales opportunity and a model sales opportunity; an information storage device for storing a variety of information, including model data relating to a model sales opportunity and inputted information; a central processor unit for reading and processing input from the input device and information from the storage device in accordance with a program of instructions to produce an output response; and an output device for displaying the response to the sales representative; wherein said system is adapted to: establish an actual sales cycle for the actual sales opportunity, the actual sales cycle having a start date and an end date; establish a degree of focus curve for each of the sales skills of probing, proving, and closing as a function of time within the actual sales cycle, and divide the sales cycle into probe, prove, and close phases in which the probing, proving and closing degree of focus curves are respectively greater than the other degree of focus curves; compare actual data inputted by the sales representative relating to the actual sales opportunity with the model data and determine the nature and extent of any gap between the actual data and the model data; and provide a response to the sales representative as displayed on the output device to assist the sales representative in modifying activities and strategies for closing any gap or for winning the sale, said response being based, at least in part, on the phase of the sales cycle.
The computerized sales automation system of the present invention can assist sales representatives to sell more effectively, which means achieving greater sales success without increased effort.
The invention will be better understood with reference to the following description of the preferred embodiment and drawings in which:
The present method is especially suited to be implemented by software loaded on a computer to produce a computerized sales automation system. Preferably, all members of a sales team, from the field sales representative, his or her support colleagues and sales management will have a computer networked to a system that allows information sharing.
A simplified block diagram illustrating conceptual components of a sales automation system 10 according to preferred embodiments of the invention is shown in
The system further includes a sales model module 100, a rules processor 140, an interaction monitor 160, and an information monitor 150. The sales model module is configured to provide and store, with input from a sales manager, a sales model of the typical sales cycle for the product or service being marketed, and also to track, with input from the sales rep, the actual sales cycle as it happens. The interaction monitor 160 takes information from the user, through the user interface 130, on type and number of critical interactions which occur as the sales cycle progresses, and compares this information with what should have happened, as defined in the sales model. The information monitor 150 acts in a similar manner as the interaction monitor, in that it accepts information from the sales representative and compares the amount and quality of information input by the sales representative with the sales model. The results of the comparisons that are performed by the interaction monitor 160 and the information monitor 150 are passed to the rules processor, 140 which determines a response according to the information received. In a preferred embodiment, the rules processor applies a preprogrammed set of criteria to determine the nature and type of an intelligent response with the objective of providing the user (if necessary) with suggestions on how they should adapt their selling strategies to minimize any gap between real life performance, and performance as represented by the sales model.
The sales model module 100 provides a model that describes the typical sales cycle. The model encompasses all aspects of the sales cycle including events and interactions that occur within in it. The model is constructed such that it may be easily stored in a computer.
According to the present invention, during the sales process, the sales representative enters information into the computer. This process of data entry is preferably designed to reduce administrative overhead to the user; there is a minimum requirement for typing and most information can be gathered through the use of preprogrammed pick-lists. The information on what is really happening in the sale is compared by the computer to model information relating to the model sales opportunity, as stored in the computer. The difference, or "gap", between the two is processed through a set of rules to derive an intelligent response to the user. The response is derived to modify the user's selling strategy in order to minimize the gap as future activity information is entered into the computer.
The present invention produces most benefits as a tool for the sales team when it is implemented in a networked computer system 180 (see
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, intelligent agents are used to process large amounts of information according to a prescribed set of rules. These agents are small pieces of computer code, or macros, that operate on the server computer 184 at predetermined intervals and during periods when there is inactivity on the network (i.e. at night). They are necessary to perform the essential requisite of the described methodology; that is, to compare actual events and activities against a model describing what should be happening.
An overview of the invention having been provided above, the various conceptual components and their interaction will now be described in greater detail.
The Sales Model
The sales model provided by module 100 describes what happens in a sales cycle in a way that can be successfully modeled in a computer based sales automation system. A sales opportunity is a real situation where the sales representative has identified that he has a strong possibility of selling his product. The customer's sales cycle is defined herein to mean the time period from the point that a customer initiates the buying process to the point when he makes his final decision to buy from a selected vendor. The sales opportunity always has an associated customer's sales cycle and is therefore the time over which the sales opportunity takes to mature and come to completion. The customer's sales cycle is also the time during which the sales representative has the chance to show how successful he is at using his selling skills.
During the customer's sales cycle numerous interactions occur between the sales representative and the customer as part of the selling process. A large component of the selling process is dependent on human interactions, which is difficult to model in the computer. This component can be referred to as "the art of selling". There is another component of selling, however, that is dependent on well-established techniques and rules that have been developed and proven over many years, which can be referred to as "the science of selling". The sales model used in the present invention models the selling process using principles more properly characterized as belonging to the science of selling.
The sales model is a "picture" of all the important interactions and events that occur throughout the sales cycle, and which describe the sales process. The model is constructed using four key aspects which describe the sales cycle and processes occurring within it. These four aspects are:
1. Time
The essence of the sales cycle model resides in the exact description of the sales cycle itself—the sales cycle has a beginning and an end, and therefore has a certain duration of time. The beginning of the sales cycle is defined as the point of time when the customer starts the buying process. While this point cannot be defined exactly, certain customer actions are usually good indicators that the process is commencing. Such actions include, for instance, applying for a budget for the product or service, or gathering information about the available options. Salespeople should always be vigilant about identifying the point that the customer starts the buying process—this gives them more time to sell, and therefore a better chance to win. This invention reinforces this philosophy and therefore contributes to higher sales.
The end of the sales cycle comes when the customer makes a final decision to give his business to a selected vendor. This point is easier to ascertain than the beginning of the sales cycle. The challenge though, is for the salesperson to forecast this date—in other words to forecast the length of the sales cycle. The sales rep must estimate the sales cycle end date and enter it into the computer at the start of the sale, and update the estimate throughout the sales cycle as the dynamics of the sale change. Again, indicators from the customer are needed to assess the end date. The customer can be asked directly, "when would you like the product delivered?". If the answer is unclear or imprecise the salesperson should make his best estimate and refine it as the sale progresses.
For a given product or service there is defined an ideal sales cycle. This can be established by reviewing data on a large number of past sales and using past experience to determine how long it should take to win the sale in the ideal world. Ideal sales cycles vary considerably according to product and industry sector. There will also inevitably be "actual" sales cycles that are shorter or longer than the ideal for a given product. An example of a short actual sales cycle is a situation where the sales representative has discovered the sales opportunity late, that is, after the customer has commenced the buying process. An example of a long actual sales cycle is a situation where the sales representative has discovered the sales opportunity very early on in the customer's buying process.
In a preferred embodiment, the sales model is applied to the actual sales cycle, which is defined herein to mean the sales cycle measured from the point of time that the sales representative first learns that the customer has started the buying process. If the opportunity is discovered very late in the cycle, then the sales representative must obviously make up for lost time. All aspects of the model are scaled in time according to the actual sales cycle, even though the model has been set up for the ideal sales cycle.
Time is an important parameter of the model, as each event, interaction, and piece of information is identified relative to when it happened in the sales cycle, and compared to when it should have happened, if it is time sensitive information.
2. Sales Skills
The sales model defines three fundamental sales skills—probing, proving, and closing. The sales cycle is divided into three consecutive time phases named probe, prove, and close, after the sales skill most dominant in that phase. These sales skills are described as follows:
Probing: the process where the sales representative finds out the details of the customer's requirements and needs. Also, the whole background of the sale is established, for example—"Who are the decision-makers?", "Who are the competitors?", "Does the customer have sufficient funds to buy the product?". In the sales model of the present invention, probing is the dominant skill used in a first phase—the probe phase.
Proving: the process whereby a sales representative demonstrates to the customer how the features of his product or service can satisfy their requirements. This process usually involves a demonstration of the product itself. Proving, is dominant during phase two of the sales cycle—the prove phase.
Closing: the process of establishing if the customer has enough information to make a purchase and if there are any reasons why the customer feels they should not buy the product or service. Customer objections must be drawn out and addressed by the sales representative. The goal in closing is to obtain a customer commitment, once all issues have been addressed successfully. Closing can only proceed when the customer has learned enough about the sales representative's product or service in order to make an intelligent decision. Closing is the dominant skill in phase three of the sales cycle—the close phase.
According to the present model, at any given point in the sales cycle, the three degrees of focus on proving, probing, and closing must sum to 100%. For example, at point A in
The probe, prove, and close curves represent how much each of these skills should be used throughout the sales process within the sales cycle. The model provides that in the early stages, probing is the dominant process, in the middle stages proving is the dominant process, and in the later stages closing is the dominant process. An important feature of the present model is that it allows for the three fundamental skills to occur within the same interaction. The phase of the sales cycle in which a particular skill is dominant is labeled with the name of that skill. Therefore, the probe skill is dominant through the probe phase, which is represented by 109 in
The transition point between the probe and the prove phase is the point at which the prove curve goes above the probe curve, as shown at point 112 in
Shapes of the curves are determined by the following principles. At the beginning of the sales cycle it is assumed that the least amount of information is available regarding all aspects of the customer's needs and the environment surrounding the potential sale. The sales representative must obtain as much detail as possible regarding these factors, using the skill of probing. Therefore, probing skills are used with maximum focus at the beginning of the sales cycle. As information is collected and evaluated the process of proving can begin. As probing is completed (i.e. as one moves further through the probe phase), the focus on proving can increase because we know more about the specific needs of the customer. Proving skills can then be increasingly used at the same rate that the skill of probing is decreasing. The degree of focus on probing will continue to decrease throughout the sales cycle as more information concerning the sales environment is collected, until the end of the sales cycle, when the use of probing will be proportionately low.
Use of the proving skill will continue to increase through the sales cycle until the customer has been exposed to virtually all features and benefits of the product. This maximum focus on using the proving skill will occur in the later stages of the sales cycle. Often, proving will peak at the point where a demonstration of the product takes place. From this maximum focus the use of the proving skill decreases, until it reaches a minimum at the end of the sales cycle.
The skill of closing entails determining whether the customer has any reservations about giving their business to the sales representative. Probing techniques must also be used to make these determinations. As
In summary, the probe curve starts at a maximum at the beginning of the sales cycle and falls off to a minimum at the conclusion. The prove curve is at a low point at the start of the sales cycle and reaches a maximum in the later stages. From there the prove curve falls to another minimum at the end of the sales cycle. The process of closing cannot start until the customer has been fully exposed to the benefits of the product (the proving process has reached its maximum); it then increases in focus until the sale is finalized.
The relative lengths of the three phases can change, but typically the probe phase is longest, followed by a shorter prove phase and an even shorter close phase. Usually, the close phase is no more than 10 to 20 percent of the total cycle. Proving should not be used too early before considerable probing has been accomplished. Also, it is not a good idea to start closing too early. The ideal sales cycle is divided approximately into 50 percent probe, 35 percent prove, and 15 percent close. A beneficial feature of implementing the model of the present invention is that it can be used to keep the sales representative on track with respect to the three basic skills. The salesperson should be reminded if they are tempted to move too quickly from one phase to another, or to use a specific technique excessively at a point in the sales cycle where it is highly inappropriate. Aspects of the present invention, as embodied in a computer based sales automation system, provide such advice to the salesperson.
It is important to note that deviations from the ideal situation can, and do, occur, as described by the model. However, the model is flexible enough to be able to identify and accommodate the abnormalities, and can be implemented so as to warn the sales representative when appropriate action may have to be taken.
3. Interactions
Throughout the sales cycle, interactions occur between the sales representative and the customer. Some interactions involve direct verbal communication in a face-to-face environment, while others such as faxes, e-mails, letters, etc., involve a "one way" communication, where it is uncertain whether the party to whom the correspondence is directed has necessarily received or reacted to it. The model distinguishes between two types of customer interactions—critical and non-critical. Critical interactions are those that contribute to the overall knowledge of the specific sales opportunity, and are important in determining the best sales strategy for that opportunity. This information may be positive or negative with respect to the sales representative's case, but even negative information is useful in understanding the overall background or environment of the sale and adapting strategies to compensate. Non-critical interactions are not specific to any sales opportunity. They may be casual or unimportant but still be deemed worth recording by the sales representative. In this case, the sales automation system described here offers the ability to store and retrieve this information if required, but also separates them from the strategically important critical interactions.
In any given sales cycle, the model says that a certain number and type of critical customer interactions should occur. Also, the model specifies roughly when these interactions should occur, in which phase, and which point in that phase. This information can be determined using past experience and expert knowledge and is entered in advance for a particular sales opportunity by, for example, the sales manager. For example,
The first interaction is the one that led to the discovery of the sales situation (401). This always involves a direct verbal interaction with the customer. The only exception to this would be in the event that the sales representative learned of the situation through a source other than the customer—but in this case, the representative should always check directly with the customer to confirm the information.
Next, the customer is sent a complete information package on the product (402). This should occur soon after the initial interaction.
The sales representative then makes a telephone call (403) to the customer to establish that product information has been received, and also to probe on which specific product best fits the customer's needs. This call is made in the early stages of the probe phase.
The next interaction that the sales manager has entered into the model is a visit by the sales representative to the customer (404). This occurs in the later stages of the probe phase.
A phone call is then made to the customer to set up a time to demonstrate the product (405). This happens in the early stages of the prove phase.
Next comes a demonstration of the product at the customer's facility (406). This of course, again involves a direct face to face meeting of the sales representative and the customer.
Shortly after the demonstration, a quotation is sent to the customer (407).
After the close phase has begun, another visit is made to the customer (408).
The final customer interaction occurs when the customer tells the sales representative whether or not they have chosen to purchase the product (409).
The sales manager can set up the customer interactions in a number of different ways: however, based on knowledge derived from many similar situations, it can be gauged fairly accurately how many, and what type of, customer interactions should occur. In order for the model to be effective when embodied in a computerized sales automation system the number and type of interactions is not critically important. The sales manager can lean toward a model with a bare minimum of customer interactions and assume that this will then ensure that the sales representative is flagged whenever his activity is less than the defined minimum. Conversely, the model can be set to reflect the exact type of interaction that should occur at specifically defined points in the sales cycle. The sales automation system 10 will then alert the sales representative at any point there is a deviation from what is expected (i.e. the activity has not been completed, or the type of activity is inappropriate). It is important to set up the model to define the "expected" critical interactions that should occur, so the sales representative is made aware when he is, or is not, fulfilling the basic requirements necessary to secure the sale.
4. Information
Throughout the sales cycle, the sales automation program prompts the sales representative to enter information, such as a new activity or customer interaction, into the computer. In a preferred embodiment, required information is categorized as follows:
a. Basic information concerning the sales opportunity, such as who the customer is, account, and type of product, (as with any other high grade sales automation program).
b. The length of the sales cycle, as perceived by the sales representative. The start of the actual sales cycle is the time that the sales representative finds the sales opportunity and enters it into the computer. The computer then prompts the user for the date that he expects the customer will place the order. From these two dates the computer calculates the length of the sales cycle. If the expected completion date changes for any reason, the new completion date should be entered in the program.
c. What kind of interaction has been completed (i.e. visit, phone call, quotation etc.), and when was it completed?
d. What was learned during the customer interaction?
The regular review and analysis of the information gained throughout the sales cycle is critical to the sales representative's overall success. As used herein, "the sales environment" is defined as "all aspects or circumstances surrounding the sales situation that may have an impact on whether the sales representative wins or loses the sale". The model provides a knowledge base, derived from a structured set of questions regarding key aspects of the sales environment. These questions are quite generic to a wide range of industries, but can be completely customized by the sales manager. The information is categorized as two types:
(i) Information required to completely understand the sale—in this invention, the sales environment. The only way to establish whether the sales representative is totally aware of the sales environment is for the sales automation system to routinely and automatically ask questions that should be answered by the salesperson. Aspects of the sales environment are: Who are the decision-makers? Who are the competitors? Has the customer sufficient funds to purchase my product?—and so forth. The automation system 10 prompts for this information by asking specific questions of the sales representative, (i.e., "who are the decision makers and please name them?"). This information is obtained using the skill of probing, which the model allows to occur throughout the entire duration of the sales cycle. Other information that is part of the sales environment is obtained using the proving and closing skills. The quantity and quality of information gained is an indicator of the success of proving.
(ii) Information required to assess one's progress in the sale. This assessment is obtained by evaluating, "how well am I doing at this point in the sales cycle?" This can be answered by asking, "how well am I proving, and how well am I closing" The sales automation system obtains this assessment by posing questions such as, "to what degree have you proved the value of your product to decision maker number 3?" or "have you made a trial close at this point in the close phase?". The answer to this type of question is solicited from the user by asking them to choose, for instance, from one to five possibilities, ranging from "not at all" to "completely". Input is requested regarding the sales representative's assessment of the probability of winning this sale. This assessment must be made when first entering the opportunity, though it is normal for the assessed probability to change a number of times during the sales cycle. Again, the sales representative should be aware of this eventuality and must record any changes in the sales automation program to reflect the new situation.
In preferred embodiments, the sales automation system enables comparison of the information entered by the sales representative to that which is stored in the sales model. With reference to
The gap information is passed to a rules processor 140 which is programmed to pass an intelligent response 142 to the user based on this information. In the above case the intelligent response may be, "you have entered a six month sales cycle, the average is nine—you are late into this sale and have some catch up work to do". Another intelligent response would ask the sales representative to check the expected date for the sale, in the event that a data entry mistake had been made.
Another example of the intelligent response would be if one third of the way through the sales cycle four customer interactions have occurred and recorded in the computer by the sales representative. The sales model indicates that at such point in the sales cycle six interactions should have occurred. The gap is two interactions that have not occurred. The rules processor 140 processes the gap information and feeds a message (i.e. "at this point you need to try to make two more customer interactions") back to the user (sales representative). The response can also be dependent on what the current phase of the sales cycle is, and how much information has been collected. For instance, the response to the salesperson can be as encompassing as, "you are half way through the probe phase but have not yet identified the decision makers—your customer interactions are fewer than would be expected at this time—it is time to see the customer".
A further example is the situation where a sales representative, at the end of the probe phase, should have entered the answers to six questions concerning the sale, but in fact has only answered two of the six. The gap is four questions not answered. The rules processor could be programmed to pass an intelligent response to the user suggesting that the four questions have to be answered before the sales representative is "allowed" to pass to the prove phase. This advice could also be forwarded automatically to the representative's manager. There are many possibilities for the types of responses that can be initiated by the rules processor, given the circumstances in which the gap information is generated. In general, the intelligent response is constructed to advise the salesperson to modify activities or information gathering so the net effect is to minimize the gap.
There are many different ways of presenting intelligent response information to the user. The most direct way is to present the intelligent response on the screen of the salesperson's computer 182, immediately after the salesperson has entered information from customer interactions associated with an existing opportunity. This kind of response occurs in real time, the only delay being the time the computer needs to calculate and present the response to the user.
Another way is through routine summary reports, which can be sent to the sales representative automatically via e-mail by the sales assistance program. These reports, unlike the direct method of presenting information on one opportunity in real time on the computer screen, gather summary information on all of the opportunities that the sales representative may be working on at any given point of time.
Assigning Probabilities
In preferred embodiments of the invention, the automation system 10 is configured to generate, based on user inputted information, a probability indicator for sales opportunities. For every sales opportunity there is a certain probability that the sales representative will be successful in winning the sale over the competition. It is, for a number of reasons, extremely important to try to quantify this probability of success—the most important one being the ability to forecast accurately. A company needs to continually plan for the future, and a vital part of this plan is an assessment of the revenue that will be generated by the sales team in the future.
It is important that the sales representative determines the chances of success, not only upon initial discovery of the sales opportunity, but also throughout the sales cycle, as the sale progresses. This exercise is necessary because the dynamics of a sale shift constantly throughout sales cycle. This means that the total forecasted company revenue is also constantly changing. Therefore, the salesperson should regard assigning probabilities to his opportunities very seriously, and should update this information anytime that a significant change occurs in the sales cycle.
There is another important reason to review opportunities regularly on the issue of probabilities. This process will focus the salesperson to critically evaluate each situation and the issues surrounding the sale, and will trigger changes in strategies if needed, to improve the chance of success.
The sales representative also needs to prioritize opportunities under his responsibility so as to answer the question, "where shall I best spend my time?". This is not an easy task, and many factors must be taken into consideration. The probability of the sale happening is the most important component in determining where the representative should best use their most important resource. As will be explained in greater detail below, the sales automation system 10 of the present invention integrates the assessed probability with the skill phase (i.e. probe, prove or close of the sales cycle at that time) and enables the computer to assign a priority to the opportunity.
Obviously, determining the probability of success in a sale is not an exact science—in fact, it is one of the most difficult parameters to quantify. It also creates work for the person in charge of filtering monthly forecasts from the sales force—sales people differ tremendously in the way they forecast. Forecasting always brings out the pessimistic or optimistic side of our nature, and it is therefore quite possible for two excellent sales professionals to be at opposite ends of the spectrum. It is a challenge to the sales automation system to provide a method of deriving probabilities that eliminates such deviations from one salesperson to another.
Most sales automation systems merely ask the question "what percentage probability is there that we will get this sale—answer between zero and one hundred percent". It will be appreciated that answers to this question such as 37%, 45% or 65% rarely have the exactness that they seem to imply. The most that can be said is that the 37% and the 45% values may likely mean the same thing, as may the values of 45% and 65%. However the values of 37% and 65% probably reflect a different probability of success. In other words, in the complex sales process it is impossible to forecast to this level of certainty. Experience shows that asking for assessments categorized to increments greater than six is often pointless.
The present invention relies on the salesperson's ability to judge aspects of the sale that determine the probability of winning the sale. The objective is to ask for his or her "gut feel" about whether the sale will be won or not. Although a numerical value of the probability is desired, under the present invention the salesperson is not directly asked for the number, because it will not be consistent or accurate. Part of the solution lies in asking the salesperson easy, but penetrating, questions about crucial elements of the sale and to limit the number of possible replies. The other part of the solution is to construct the probability value from two totally unrelated questions concerning the sale, preferably questions that need answers in non-numerical terms.
The extremes of assessing probabilities are, "this customer is definitely buying, and is also buying my product", and "he is probably not going to buy anything, and if he does he will definitely buy from the competition". In between we have the challenging situation of, "this customer may buy something and we have an equal chance with the competition that they might buy from us".
The above examples illustrate a possible method to make it easier for the sales representative to approximate the probability of securing the sale. There are two basic questions to consider here; the first being, is the customer going to buy anything at all, even from the competition? A number of factors may determine this, and the sales representative must be prepared to look in detail for any one of them. For example, does the customer have the ability to finance what he wants? How will corporate politics influence the ability to get what he wants? Is this customer being too optimistic that upper management will allow him to go ahead with this project? The sales representative has to be acutely aware of these issues to determine the chances the sale will actually come to fruition. In this case the question asked of the salesperson is, "Will this sale happen?"
Aside from the question of whether the sale will happen, the sales representative has to evaluate the chances that the customer will choose his product over the competition. Factors affecting this decision will be things such as the relationship between the representative and the customer—how effectively is he selling the customer on his product. How effective is the competition. The question asked here is, "Will we get it?"
Probability is determined by the answers to "Will the sale happen?" and if it does, "Will we get it?" If the answer to each question is one of three alternatives—High, Medium, or Low chance, then, as can be seen in
Many sales managers are still, however, accustomed to seeing probabilities expressed as percentages. Percentage values can be assigned to the individual probability indices, as shown in
Determining Priorities
According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the sales automation system 10 is configured to determine a time-based priority to assign to a sales opportunity by taking into account both the probability that the sale will occur, and the location (time-wise) within the sales cycle for that sales opportunity. At any time, a sales representative may be working on dozens of sales opportunities, varying in sales cycle length, and at different points in their sales cycle. An illustration of this is shown in
Novel aspects of the present invention are directed towards the recognition that the assessed probability of a sale happening should not be the only factor in determining the priority a sales representative should use when working through a set of opportunities. That is the technique that is used in most sales automation systems today, and imposes the danger that the salesperson works only on opportunities that are near the end of the sales cycle, in their close phase. The point of time in the sales cycle should also be taken into consideration. The skill phases provides a way to "normalize" the sales cycles of widely different durations—the skill phases (probe, prove, and close) can be used to provide an extra dimension that works with probability to provide a useful priority value for the opportunity. This concept is illustrated with examples shown in
As in the examples of
(1) A simple explanation 216 of what kind of skill phase to expect (i.e. Thorough Probe, Hopeless Close etc.).
(2) An advice message 218 that recommends a strategy based on the assessed probability and the phase of the sales cycle, (i.e. "Sale is likely to happen. However, don't get complacent and spoil your leading position").
(3) A priority 220 to address this particular opportunity. In the illustrated example four priorities are assigned, ranging from 1 to 4, 1 being the highest. A special description of "leave it alone" has been given to priority 4. A special category of "breakthrough needed" is also assigned to the special case where the sale will definitely happen, but the sales representative has a low chance in the later stages of the sales cycle.
The three pieces of information listed above, which are derived from the matrix 214, are used to provide valuable feedback to the sales representative as the sales cycle progresses.
Another way to graphically represent the concept that priority must be deduced from a probability taken in the context of skill phase is shown in
An overview of the concepts incorporated into preferred embodiments of the invention having been provided above, an example of the operation of the sales automation system 10 will now be provided.
Generally, one of the first steps will be for a sales manager is to set up the sales model parameters in the computer system. This can be achieved using a graphical representation 224 of the sales cycle as the user interface 130 on the sale's managers computer screen as shown in
As noted above, a user interface 130 allows a user such as a sales representative to enter information about customer interaction for use by an interaction monitor 160, and to enter other information for use by an information monitor 150. When a sales representative identifies a situation where a customer has started the buying process, he enters the sales opportunity into the sales automation system 10. An example of the graphical user interface 226 used to log new sales opportunities into the computer program is shown in
Based on the entered conclusion date, the system calculates the length of the sales cycle the representative has entered. This is referred to as the "actual" sales cycle (
The automation system 10 is preferably configured so that If, part way through the sales cycle, the sales representative discovers that the customer is, for whatever reason, prolonging the purchasing decision, then he will change the expected conclusion date for the sale. The sales automation system recalculates the sales cycle length within the new parameters and automatically scales the features of the model to the new length.
In one preferred embodiment, a new customer interaction is recorded through a "new interaction" graphical user interface 228, generated by the software of the sales automation system, shown in
With respect to displaying interactions that have been entered, the sales automation system, according to preferred embodiments of the invention, has the ability to associate, or link, customer interactions with a specific sales opportunity, and therefore with a sales cycle belonging to that opportunity. This makes it possible to easily view a specific opportunity and its historical interactions, without viewing information from other opportunities, including those that are past or closed, belonging to the same contact.
Using the buttons 1902 the representative is able to update the probability matrix for the opportunity, which is displayed as a nine point matrix, 1904, and using fields 1903, update the expected date for the sale to happen. A representation of the sales cycle and the current phase 1905 are shown. Also shown is a vertical bar 1907 indicating the current position in the sales cycle. The priority (1908), as determined by the nine by three matrix 214, is also shown, as is the advice information 1909 obtained from the same matrix. Priority and advice information are updated as the representative changes the "Will it happen?" and "Will I get it?" buttons. This information also changes automatically in the event that time has passed to put the opportunity into another phase of the sales cycle, even though the sales representative may not have input any data. This is because the assessed priority is affected by which phase one is at within the sales cycle.
The graphical user interfaces displays used to elicit additional information from the sales representative about a sales opportunity will now be discussed with references to
Under the sales model of the present invention, the probing skill can be used throughout the sales cycle, though the majority of probing is done in the probe phase. When probing, it is important to gather as much information as possible about the factors that influence the sale. This information may be positive or negative, with respect to the motives of the sales representative. Negative information would be, "the competition is ahead at this point in the sale". Without this information however, the representative cannot change strategies to rectify the situation.
In some embodiments, the sales automation system measures the number of trial closes made against time, and advises the user if trial closes need to be made. In addition, as the process of closing starts roughly half way through the prove phase, the sales automation system directs that at least one trial close should be made in the last half of the prove phase. The system may display a message to reinforce the point that it is bad to try to close a sale too early, if the user attempts to open the close tab 2003 before the maximum point in the proving curve has been reached.
Intelligent Response Mode
In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the sales automation system 10 is configured to provide intelligent responses to the sales representative, as explained in greater detail below.
The sales automation system is configured to determine based on pre-defined rules, and based on information entered by the sales representative, computer generated answers for the "IBO Essentials" (namely, answers to the questions "Will it happen?" and "Will we get it?" and "When will it Happen"), compare if the computer generated answers match those provided by the sales representative, and based on such comparisons, provide some feedback or advice to the sales representative. As the IBO Essentials are used to determine probability and priority, the ability to check the salespersons assessment for correctness is a desirable feature. The detailed information gathered through the interfaces shown in
In addition to the information shown in
In a message section of the graphical user interface 238, the messages are quite different to those shown in
As will be explained in greater detail below, the first message field 2206 is displayed in response to differences in computer generated probability and the user's probability. The second message field 2207 is displayed in response to differences between the computer and user assessments of the question "Will it happen?".The third message field 2208 is the sales automation systems detailed comments based on its calculation of the probability index from the probe, prove, and close questions concerning the sales environment.
The criteria used by the sales automation system 10, and in particular the rules processor 140, to determine answers to the questions "Will it Happen" and "Will we get it" based on data entered by a sales representative regarding the sales environment and the stored sales model will now be explained in respect of one preferred embodiment of the invention.
Turning firstly to the question of "Will it Happen?", in one embodiment, the sales automation system assigns an answer to such question based on the sales representative's answers to the two questions: 1) What are the chances of the customer receiving funding? (Possible answers: Certain, Fair, Low and Unknown); and 2) What is the customer's level of need? (Possible answers: Urgent, Normal, Low or Unkown) (recall that such questions are part of the informational "proving skill" questions, as shown in
Table 1 shows how the various combinations of the answers to these two questions as provided by the sales representative are used by the sales automation system to determine the value of "Will it happen?" If the answer to either question is "Unknown" then it is categorized as Low in the table.
Chance of
Level of
Will It
As mentioned above, the "Advisor" message 2207 of the display screen 238 is determined by the sales automation system in response to differences between the sales representative's answer to the question "Will it Happen" and the computer assigned answer. The table shown in
Turning now to the analysis of the question "Will we get it", in a preferred embodiment there are six factors that affect the computer's determination of "Will we get it?", namely: (1) results from the interaction monitor 160; (2) results from the information monitor 150; (3) the degree of competitive pressure; (4) the degree that the product matches the customer's needs; (5) How the price of the product matches the customer's budget; and (6) The sales representative's relationship with the decision makers. It will be recalled that the sales representative is prompted to answer questions regarding factors (3), (4) and (5), as indicated in
In classifying the answer to the question "Will we get it?" as one of three values: High, Medium or Low, each one of the factors (1)–(6) is considered to determine its contribution to the final answer to "Will we get it?" in terms of High, Medium or Low. The answers are then grouped together to get the collective categorization for the final answers. The methodology used to assign a High, Medium of Low in respect of each of the factors (1) to (6) will now be explained in accordance with one embodiment of the invention as follows:
(1) Interaction Monitor Factor:
The interaction monitor 160 counts the number of critical interactions that have occurred between the salesperson and the customer, and compares this against the number that should have occurred as defined by the sales model. This embodiment takes the ratio of interactions completed divided by interactions required. If all or more interactions have been completed, this ratio is 100% or higher and the Interaction monitor factor (1) is assigned a "High" contribution to "Will we get it?" (the more work that has been done in the sales, the higher the chances of winning it). If the ratio is less than one hundred percent but greater or equal to fifty percent, the contribution to "Will we get it?" is assessed to be Medium. If the ratio is lower than fifty percent, the contribution to "Will we get it?" is assessed as Low.
(2) Information Monitor Factor.
The information monitor deals with the acquisition and quality of information. Acquisition of information is determined by the number of probing questions that have been answered at a point in the sales cycle compared with the number that should have been answered at that time according to the sales model. The quality of information is judged by the value of the answer to the question and is judged separately from whether the sales representative probed for the answer or not.
In a preferred embodiment, the sales automation system divides the amount of information gathered by the amount of information required. If all information has been obtained, this ratio is 100% and the information monitor factor is assigned a "High" contribution to "Will we get it?" (the more information that has been obtained in the sale, the higher the chances of winning it). If the ratio is less than one hundred percent but greater or equal to fifty percent, the contribution to "Will we get it?" is assessed to be Medium. If the ratio is lower than fifty percent, the contribution to "Will we get it?" is assessed as Low.
(3) Competitive Pressure Factor.
If the level of competitive pressure has been entered by the sales representative as high in the sales situation, the contribution of the competitive pressure factor to "Will we get it?" is assessed as Low. If the level of competitive pressure has been identified by the sales representative as is medium in the sales situation, the contribution to "Will we get it?" is assessed as Medium. If the level of competitive pressure has been identified by the sales representative as low in the sales situation, the contribution to "Will we get it?" is assessed as High (if the competitors are weak, we have a greater chance to win the sale). If the level of competitive pressure is identified as "unknown", the contribution to "Will we get it?" is assessed as Low.
(4) Product Matching the Customer's Needs Factor.
If the product has been identified by the sales representative as having a high degree of matching the customer's needs, the contribution of factor (4) to "Will we get it?" is assessed as High. If the product has been identified as having a medium degree of matching the customer's needs, the contribution to "Will we get it?" is assessed as Medium. If the product has been identified as having a low degree of matching the customer's needs, the contribution to "Will we get it?" is assessed as Low. If the product's match to the customer's needs is unknown, the contribution to "Will we get it?" is assessed as Low.
(5) Matching the Customer's Budget Factor.
If the price of the product has been identified by the sales representative as matching the customer's budget, the contribution of factor (5) to "Will we get it?" is assessed as High. If the price of the product is higher than the customer's budget, the contribution to "Will we get it?" is assessed as Medium. If the price of the product is much higher than the customer's budget, the contribution to "Will we get it?" is assessed as Low. If the customer's budget is unknown, the contribution to "Will we get it ?" is assessed as Low.
(6) Relationships with Decision Makers Factor
If the sales representative's relationship with the decision maker is good, then the contribution of factor (6) to "Will we get it?" is assessed as High. If the relationship is OK, then the contribution to "Will we get it?" is also assessed as High. If the relationship is bad, then the contribution to "Will we get it?" is assessed as Low. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, there are three separate decision makers, the economic, the technical and the user. The relationships as defined by the sales representative can be combined to get the overall contribution for factor (6) to "Will we get it?" For example, if the sales representative has identified that his relationship with each of the three decision makers is at least "OK", then the contribution of factor (6) is "High". If the sales representative has identified that he has a bad relationship with only one decision maker, but a good relationship with at least one of the other two, then the contribution of factor (6) is "Medium". If the sales representative has identified that he has a bad relationship with at least two of the decision makers, then the contribution of factor (6) is "Low". In some situations, the user inputted degree of influence for each of the decision makers (see field 2005,
Thus, by following the methodology set out above, the sales automation system 10 can assess for each of the six factors noted above a High, Medium or Low contribution to the issue of whether the subject company or the competition will win the sale. These results must then be distilled down to a single set of High, Med and Low values that reflect an amalgamation of the six factors. In the preferred embodiment, the results are considered differently depending on whether the sales cycle is in the probe phase or in the prove or close phase.
In the probe phase, factor (6), namely relationships with the decision makers is ignored, and only the "High", "Low" or "Medium" assessments calculated in respect of the other five factors (1)–(5) are considered, and each of these five contributing factors are assumed to contribute equally to the possibility of "Will we get it?" In one exemplary embodiment, if at least three "Highs" and no "Lows" (for example, the combined assessments of H-H-H-H-H; H-H-H-H-M; or H-H-H-M-M, where H=high, M=medium and L=low) have been cumulatively assessed in respect of the five factors, then "Will We Get It?" is assigned a "High". If the forgoing is not the case, and at least three "Highs" and at least one "Low" (for example H-H-H-H-L; H-H-H-M-L; or H-H-H-L-L) have been assessed, or if the five factors have received assessments of H-H-M-M-L; H-H-M-L-L or H-M-M-M-M, then "Will We Get It?" is assigned a "Medium". If no more than one "High" and at least one "Low" have been cumulatively assessed for the five factors, or if no "Highs" have been assessed, then "Will We Get It?" is assigned a "Low". Special conditions may also be set for some combinations—for example the combination of two "Highs" and three "Mediums" (H-H-M-M-M) could cause a further determination to be made as to whether either, but not both, of the information monitor factor and interaction monitor factor where assessed as high, in which case a "Medium" would be assigned to "Will we Get It", and in the event that neither of the information monitor or interaction monitor factors were assessed as "High", then a "Low" would be assigned to "Will we get It".
When determining the answer to the question "Will we get it" in the prove and close phases, all of the six factors (1)–(6) are considered, including the relationship with decision makers. If at least five of the factors (1)–(6) have been assessed as "Highs", of if at least four of the factors (1)–(6) have been assessed as "Highs" at the same time that none have been assessed as "Low", then a "High" will be assigned to the question "Will we get it?". The following combinations for the six factors (order is not important) will result in a "Medium" being assigned to the question "Will we get it?": H-H-H-H-L-L; H-H-H-M-M-M; H-H-H-M-M-L; H-H-H-M-L-L; H-M-M-M-M-M; H-H-M-M-M-L; H-H-M-M-L-L; H-M-M-M-M-M and H-M-M-M-M-L. The following combinations for the six factors (order is not important) during the prove and close phases will result in a "Low" being assigned to the question "Will we get it?": H-H-L-L-L-L; H-H-M-L-L-L; H-M-M-M-L-L; H-M-M-L-L-L; H-M-L-L-L-L; H-L-L-L-L-L; L-L-L-L-L-L; M-M-M-M-M-M; L-M-M-M-M-M; L-L-M-M-M-M; L-L-L-M-M-M; L-L-L-L-M-M and L-L-L-L-L-M. Again, in the prove and close phases, some combinations can be treated as special cases with further considerations. For example, the combination H-H-H-H-M-L could result in a "High" assignment for the question "Will We Get It?" if both the information monitor and interaction monitor factors had been assessed as "High", or could result in a "Medium" assignment if only one of the information monitor and interaction monitor factors had been assessed as "High". The combination H-H-H-L-L-L could result in a "Medium" assignment for the question "Will We Get It?" if both the information monitor and interaction monitor factors had been assessed as "High", or could result in a "Low" assignment if only one of the information monitor and interaction monitor factors had been assessed as "High".
With reference to
The various combinations and messages shown in Case 1 of
As mentioned above in respect of
For example, with respect to entered interaction information (i.e. information corresponding to the fields shown in
With respect to entered sales environment information, the information monitor 15 can be configured to cause various messages to be displayed in the dialog box messages area 2208 depending on the information entered by the user in response to the probing skill related questions of
By way of example, in one embodiment, if the user enters "Unknown" in respect of some of the probing skill questions shown in
If the information monitor determines that the user has performed enough probing at the relevant point in the sales cycle as defined by the sales model the message displayed can be: "Enough probing has been done up to this point in the sales cycle".
With respect to answers to the proving skill related questions as shown in
With respect to closing skill questions of
Turning again to the probing skill questions of
If the answer to the question regarding the "match of your product to the customer's need" is Low or Med, the message is: "Configure your solution better with the customer's requirement." If the match of your price to the customer's budget is Low or Med, the message is: "Overcome the customer's objections to your price."In response to "High grade" answers to questions regarding probing skills, the information monitor may be configured to cause messages such as "The competitive pressure is low."; if there is only moderate competitive pressure."; "There is a good match between your product and the customer's needs."; and or "You are within the customer's budget." to be displayed as appropriate.
Turning again to the proving skill questions of
It will be appreciated that the "intelligent messages" described above are merely exemplary, and different messages could be displayed and various different combinations of user inputted answers could be associated with messages different than those set out above. In some embodiments, algorithms could be used to assign weighting values to some or all of the possible answers for the questions shown in
It will thus be appreciated that various aspects of the present invention are directed towards providing real and tangible results. For example, aspects of preferred embodiments are directed towards an improved method of determining the probability that the sales opportunity will be won by the sales representative in order to assist in achieving consistency from salesperson to salesperson and improving the accuracy of forecasting, thereby minimizing the potential risk to the company. The described method breaks from the traditional methods of requesting or assigning numerical percentages directly, and instead asks the sales representative to answer, using one of three possible answers of "High", "Medium" or "Low" two simple questions—"Will this sale happen", and if it will, "Will we get it?", from which a probability index is determined based on the nine possible answers.
According to a further aspect, the invention is directed towards a new method of determining what priority should be assigned to a sales opportunity, to indicate the degree of effort that a salesperson should give to one opportunity over another. The described method derives priority from assessing probability in the context of point of time in the sales cycle. Particularly, the method removes the effect of different sales cycle lengths by normalizing the sales cycle to three time phases during which a fundamental selling skill is predominant. This procedure has the effect of normalizing sales cycles of different lengths. This procedure is also beneficial because it reinforces use of the fundamental sales skills as the salesperson reviews their list of opportunities.
Another aspect of the present invention is directed towards having a computer determine its own probability and priority through analysis of answers to questions presented to the sales representative throughout the sales cycle. In a preferred embodiment, intelligent response technology is used to enable the computer to provide messages of advice as to how to strategize to win the sale, regardless of whether the computed probability is the same or different from the probability calculated using the salesperson's gut feel answers to the two above questions. The probability and priority values are used together with features of the sales model to construct reports advising where the representative should best spend his time. These reports can, for instance, use the information stored in the sales model to assess whether sufficient customer interactions have occurred, or whether sufficient information has been gained at a particular point in the sales cycle.
It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that many variations to the embodiments described above are contemplated. For example, it is possible to implement a certain portion of the invention in a paper-based system, though it is unlikely that this would be the method of choice, considering technology is a comparatively inexpensive option for the average business.
The forgoing description is clearly by way of example only and is not meant to limit the scope of protection to be accorded to the invention, which scope is defined by the following claims.
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|Method and system for automatically generating forecasts
|Feb 17, 2009
|Aug 27, 2013
|The Boeing Company
|Method of determining whether to develop products for potential customers
|Jul 25, 2007
|Sep 10, 2013
|Quest Direct Corp
|Method and apparatus for management of sales activity information
|Jul 2, 2013
|Nov 29, 2016
|Oracle International Corporation
|Extensibility for sales predictor (SPE)
|Jan 10, 2013
|Feb 7, 2017
|F5 Networks, Inc.
|Holographic statistics reporting
|Oct 26, 2007
|Nov 14, 2017
|Purdue Pharma L.P.
|Methods for sales call data management and processing
|Jan 30, 2002
|Oct 31, 2002
|Linda Sharo
|Network based system and method for marketing management
|Jul 11, 2003
|Feb 26, 2004
|Toyoji Ikezawa
|Sales activity support system, sales activity support information providing system, sales activity evaluation system, recording medium, and program
|Nov 15, 2002
|May 20, 2004
|Dezonno Anthony J.
|System and method for predicting customer contact outcomes
|Jun 19, 2003
|Dec 23, 2004
|Rodney England
|System and method of selling furniture
|Dec 19, 2001
|Jun 16, 2005
|Sahagian David V.
|System for automated control and reporting of sales processes
|Jan 7, 2004
|Jul 7, 2005
|Hummel Parl C.
|Method of determining whether to develop products for potential customers
|Feb 24, 2005
|Sep 1, 2005
|Asa Sales Systems, Llc
|Sales management system and method
|Dec 9, 2003
|Aug 23, 2007
|Lloyd Stratton C
|Method and system for automatically generating forecasts
|Nov 9, 2001
|Sep 6, 2007
|Prasanna Amerasinghe
|Method for forecasting and revenue management
|Nov 9, 2001
|Sep 6, 2007
|Prasanna Amerasinghe
|Forecasting and revenue management system
|Dec 9, 2003
|Sep 6, 2007
|Lloyd Stratton C
|Method and system for presenting forecasts
|Jul 25, 2007
|Jan 31, 2008
|Davis Peter A
|Method and apparatus for management of sales activity information
|Oct 26, 2007
|May 1, 2008
|Purdue Pharma L.P.
|Methods for sales call data management and processing
|Dec 28, 2006
|May 1, 2008
|Caterpillar Inc.
|Sales funnel management method and system
|Dec 18, 2006
|Jun 19, 2008
|Sanjeet Mall
|Adaptive sales assistant
|May 14, 2008
|Sep 4, 2008
|International Business Machines Corporation
|Method, system, and storage medium for implementing a multi-stage, multi-classification sales opportunity modeling system
|Feb 17, 2009
|Jun 11, 2009
|The Boeing Company
|Method of determining whether to develop products for potential customers
|May 5, 2009
|Oct 8, 2009
|Asa Sales Systems, Llc
|Sales Management System and Method
|May 22, 2009
|Nov 26, 2009
|Marsh, Berry & Company, Inc.
|Systems and Methods for Sales Tracking, Accountability, and Reporting
|May 22, 2009
|Nov 26, 2009
|Marsh, Berry & Company, Inc.
|Methods and Systems for Service Tracking and Timeline Updating
|May 15, 2007
|Jan 21, 2010
|E-Glue Software Technologies Ltd.
|Call center analytical system having real time capabilities
|Dec 28, 2010
|Jul 7, 2011
|Cesar Rodriguez-Matos
|User-Activity Management System
|Aug 16, 2011
|Apr 19, 2012
|Accenture Global Services Limited
|Sales optimization system
|Sep 19, 2011
|Nov 1, 2012
|Oracle International Corporation
|Sales prediction and recommendation system
|U.S. Classification
|705/7.29, 705/1.1
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Dec 6, 2001
Owner name: ARDEXUS INC., CANADA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:THOMPSON, KEITH T.;HAMOEN, CHRISTOPHER P.;FALES, CHRISTOPHER S.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:012348/0946
Effective date: 20011030
|Nov 8, 2010
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Nov 7, 2014
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8
|Jan 7, 2015
Owner name: SALESWAYS CORP, CANADA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ARDEXUS INC.;REEL/FRAME:034652/0005
Effective date: 20140917


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Let's start stickering. Buy 4, save 25%. Buy 10, save 50%.
I've noticed that In times of distress, you can always count on your friends to deliver comfort food.
women retro vintage collage soup beans food dessert humor feminism
this is so charming, and so true : )
Thanks, I was thinking about a friend who was having an operation, and I wished I could do something. Then I thought about how healing a nice dish of food is. I made this for her as a card. (better than my cooking!)
And a moment on the lips feels like it takes a lifetime to remove from the hips. (chuckle)
So nice
Thank you! I feel hungry every time I look at this piece!
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Enterprise Manager 12c introduced a lot of functionality around cloning Oracle databases and refreshing the data once it was cloned. You can see some of the earlier material I have posted on this area in the following posts:
This is the second of the two posts I wanted to copy from Dave Wolf's web site. As I mentioned in the first of these two posts, Dave is a colleague of mine who used to own the DBLM area as far as the Enterprise Manager product management team is concerned. However, he has moved to another area in Oracle and I have inherited his responsibilities for change management, compliance management and configuration management, so I want to make sure this material remains available. This post was originally written in April, 2015, and relates to the STIG compliance standards for Oracle Database 11gR2. I'll be updating this material with another blog in the next month or so with information on the latest STIG compliance standards, so stayed tuned for that! But here's Dave's earlier post:
I thought this was kind of a cool feature- the ability to send a message to appear to specific or all users in the Cloud Control Console. I have to admit that I used to like a similar feature in Microsoft/MSSQL to send network broadcast messages to desktops that offered one more way to get information to users that they might be less inclined to miss.
This is the first of two posts in the area of compliance management that has been previously published by a colleague of mine, Dave Wolf. Dave has moved to another part of Oracle now, and I've inherited some of his reponsibilities as product manager, including change management, compliance management and configuration management, so I wanted to copy his material to my blog so it's not lost. Thanks Dave, for putting this material together originally!
Let's say you're on call and you're woke from a deep, delightful sleep from the pager, stating the Enterprise Manager Cloud Control isn't available.
This question was posted in Twitter from @matvarsh30, who asked, "How can I display CPU usage over different periods of time for databases in Enterprise Manager?"
There was a question posted on Oracle-l forum today that should have a blog post for easy lookup for folks.
Just a quick note to say the material covered on my BI Publisher page has been updated to include some links specific to EM13c. If you can't be bothered heading over to that page, here are the two new links
There is a flurry of excitement about Enterprise Manager 13c and I'm blown away by how many customers are looking not just to install and test out the new release, but have plans already underway to upgrade to it.
In Enterprise Manager 12c, there was a little known functionality where you could check what management packs you needed to be licensed for to use a particular page in Enterprise Manager. I referred to it many times at conferences I was presenting at, and almost always people did not realize the functionality existed. Let's see how this works.
To start with, I'm going to go to the Performance Home page for a particular database (accessed via the Performance menu from the Database home page). Note I'm not particularly interested in what it shows me, I'm just using this as an example of a page that requires the licensing of a management pack. Once I'm on that page, I can follow the path Setup -> Management Packs -> Packs for this Page:


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Spring is here! I've seen the birds flying in the sky and we have started to open our windows to allow fresh air in! I'm also starting to smell neighbors cooking on their grills! I love the smell of charcoal and bonfire smoke. The smell of bonfire smoke takes me up north were we spend our time sitting around the bonfire chatting or laughing! If there is a silence among us it is because we have spotted a shooting star!
Often we are the type of family who just throws a piece of meat onto their grill and calls it great! Occasionally, we want our meat to marinate and take on a taste of herbs and spices. This recipe for smokey steak marinade has a great taste with the lemon and smoked paprika, each ingredient it complimenting one another and leaving for a party in your mouth!!


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We have no paid positions available at this time.
We have several available volunteer positions at this time.
Seeking Raptor Rescue Volunteers. Do you have a soft spot in your heart for these magnificent birds of prey? Have you wondered how they are found and how they get to qualified rehabilitation centers? One of the most satisfying feelings is knowing that you helped to save a bird that otherwise would have perished. We can use you! Help with hands-on raptor rescues and also dispatcher for rescue calls. Our hotline is staffed 7 days per week. In addition to dispatch, we seek volunteers to rescue injured, ill, and orphaned raptors, corvids and roadrunners throughout the state, provide transport to wildlife rehabilitators and veterinarians. We also occasionally run transport birds between locations within the state to ensure the best possible care. Training is provided. Contact Lisa for more information.
Become a Volunteer!
Hawks Aloft is always looking for people willing to join our dedicated team of volunteers. You can help us in a variety of ways, including:
- raptor rescues in New Mexico
- assisting with educational programs
- helping us care for our live, non-releasable raptors
- helping at outreach booths
- donating special skills, such as photography or computer expertise
- distributing newsletters
- conducting avian field work throughout New Mexico
Contact us to find out more.


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Building a new PC.
It was time to get a new workhorse for the office, and being a bit of a computer enthusiast I made a project out of it… Here is how it went. I decided to make a liquid cooled PC, mostly because I've never tried that before, and because I like my computers fast and silent. Living in Brazil it would …
New image in portfolio. Download wallpaper version, 1920×1200. The Knight is almost entirely modeled in Max, and rendered with Mental Ray. With some post work done in Photoshop, like the cape effect and background. The chain mail I did using a tile-able displacement map. More info on that in this tutorial.


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company profile event organizer indonesia
company profile event organizer indonesia
1 - 15
of about
company profile event organizer indonesia
Event Organizer Needs Concentration and Discipline
By: mrkwebber275 |
To be a good and expert event organizer, you should have some of the important characteristics. This wills serve as your guide to make reliable and excellent performance when it come to managing an event.
read more
Becoming An Event Organizer Singapore
By: mrkwebber275 |
It is not easy to be an Event Organizer Singapore because you have to spend most of your time and effort in planning and creating unique events that will grab the attention of the people.
read more
Hiring Venues For Organizing High Profile Corporate Events, Liverpool
By: wmhaven1 |
Writing & Speaking
How about organizing your official conference in a venue overlooking the panoramic view of the Wales hills and the Liverpool waterfronts?
read more
Hiring Venues For Organizing High Profile Corporate Events, Liverpool
By: wmhaven |
How about organizing your official conference in a venue overlooking the panoramic view of the Wales hills and the Liverpool waterfronts? And all this from the air conditioned comfort of a gallery provided with comfortable seating arrangements
read more
Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd.: SWOT Analysis & Company Profile --- Aarkstore Enterprise
By: Kenneth |
Aarkstore announce a new report "Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd.: SWOT Analysis & Company Profile" through its vast collection of market research report.
read more
Aarkstore Enterprise The Nielsen Company B.v.: Swot Analysis & Company Profile
By: Aarkstore Enterprise |
Aarkstore announce a new report "The Nielsen Company B.V.: SWOT Analysis & Company Profile" through its vast collection of market research report.
read more
Events Company
By: Robert Paulsen |
Small Business
Hiring a professional events company to assist you with your wedding plans is advised.
read more
Running your own events organizer business
By: Paul Stanton |
Are you capable of operating your own events organizer business? Have you got what it takes to become the boss of your own events organizer business?
read more
Working In Small Company Vs Big Company
By: CD Mohatta |
The career-crafting issue pinches every employed mind. The search and hunt to get an appropriate job profile is as fierce as it gets. The dream, to make a mark in a big multi-national company, is nurtured by all money-dreaming people. These high-paying organizations often lure people with their handsome packages and lavish incentives. The employees also enjoy this experience of working for world-known companies and take pride for contributing to their progress.
read more
Company Profiles - Veolia
By: Hans Bool |
Veolia is a company founded at the dawn of the industrial era and the start of urban development and focused on water, waste, energy management and transport. As urban development changes continuously, the question for the future is how 8 billion of people on the planet and "half of them in urban environments" will impact: water, waste energy and transport. Looking forward requires first of all looking back.
read more
Company Profiles - EDF
By: Hans Bool |
International studies
To date, the French state is by far the largest shareholder of: "Electricite du France". Only a small percentage (about 13%) is free for public trade. The so-called: free-float.
read more
Company Profile Template - Selling Your Company With the Right Words
By: Marie Lopez |
There are many reasons why you may need to create a written company profile for your business. Your company profile is also considered as a business instruction and can be the very first chance a prospective buyer has to learn about your company. In a sense it is like meeting you in person for the first time, and first impressions are just as important in the business world as they are among people.
read more
Raise Your Company Profile Effectively With Business Logo Design
By: Jeniffer |
Web Design
Business logo design services are very helpful in providing you with an efficient business logo and identity, as well as keeping giving your design a uniqueness that matches your company's profile, products and services. Professionals involved in business logo design are highly proficient in creating all different types of logos for affordable prices.
read more
Social Profile Building "�" Enhance Online Visibility Of Your Company
By: SEO Hunts |
Social networking sites are rage these days and you will hear that almost everyone wants to be part of internet market.
read more
California Creative Solutions: Profile
By: CCSGlobaltech |
CCS Global tech - formally known as California Creative Solutions is one of the best global information technology service provider companies. It offers a wide range of services including software engineering, system analysis, integration and development etc. It has been providing the much needed strategic technology resources and products. Infact its vision as one a global information technology
read more
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text:
Product or Service
Precision Axis/precision shaft/precision spindle
Profile:Manufacturer - Producer|Ref:PSL143997YH | Country: China | Currency: eur | Export: No
Special, precision parts machining
Manufacture capability of ultra-fine and ultra-deep for small bores: can machine holes with dia over 0.05mm, depth 1mm.
Tungsten steel (hard alloy) forming machining: tungsten forming grinding,cylindrical grinding.
Precision round hole and cylindrical grinding: ultra-long and ultra-thin axis grinding, with precision to 2μ,coaxial jumping within 2μ.
Precision outer thread grinding machining.
Precision mirror polishing. Ultra-flat surface polishing.
Contact the company