8 Advantages of Using a Cloud-based Platform for Sales Training
Cloud computing became popular among businesses for its ease of data management and data security. The term cloud in this context basically means one centralized location where all your data is stored. This centralized storage system simplifies the sharing and managing of huge volumes of data.
When it comes to delivering training solutions, leveraging a cloud-based platform for training content delivery is an effective alternative to certain eLearning modules which have to be copied or downloaded. Especially in the case of sales training. As sales professionals are constantly on the move, it makes more sense to use a cloud-based platform to deliver sales training courses.
Sales teams who are always on-field seldom find time to attend group training sessions. Providing a short module which can be accessed on mobile phones is the best possible solution to address their learning needs. And with cloud technology, the data is always available and accessible, regardless of the place and device from which it is accessed.
Here are few advantages of having a cloud-based platform for sales training:
1. Convenient and Portable Learning Material:
Every sales professional is equipped with mobile devices and tablets to connect with their colleagues, managers and most importantly, the clients. Some even carry multiple mobile devices. Providing cloud-based training material will prove highly beneficial in such a scenario. They can access the training materials without having to switch between devices. As there’s no hardware or software installation required, the user can just log in and access the content anytime and anywhere, while commuting, while on the job, or during breaks. This ease of access allows the sales professionals to complete the courses at their own pace, allowing them to understand and grasp the information in a better way.
2. Updatable Content:
There are constant updates in every line of work. While it might be easy for employees in the office to gather around for quick briefings and updates, on-field employees can’t do the same. Product information or workflow process might change anytime. And it is essential to keep everyone on the same page. With cloud-based content which is usually stored at one central location, managers or training heads can access the content and make the necessary changes. This action does not affect the learning interface, even if there are sessions open on some devices.
3. Manage the Global Sales Team:
The sales team is usually scattered across different locations. Thanks to technology, geographical boundaries do not affect businesses anymore. All your employees are just a call or email away. By using a cloud-based sales training platform you can manage your global sales team remotely. Training content that is stored on the cloud can be accessed by all the employees from any location in the world. Updates can be shared instantly, ensuring proper coordination and collaboration among sales team members. If ever there is a need to contact a colleague or supervisor, they can communicate over a phone call or Skype and receive immediate support.
Related: Here’s a case study of how Kitaboo Insight Enabled Sales Training for Over A Million Users Across 55+ Countries
4. Provide Just-in-time Information:
Sales professionals with their busy and sometimes unpredictable schedules probably don’t have the time for detailed eLearning courses. Hence, it is better to provide them with bite-sized information in the form of short knowledge nuggets for instant viewing. Content delivered on mobile devices are designed for time-crunched employees to read on the go. With just-in-time information, sales professionals can brush up their knowledge instantly without having to read lengthy notes. Cloud-based content also comes handy while interacting with clients. They only have to look into their phones to get the latest updates about the product/service and inform the clients about their latest features and offerings.
Related: Top 7 Benefits of Mobile First Content for Your Sales Team
5. Secure Back-up:
Cloud-based platforms are safer than most desktop computers, laptops and phones. This is because the data stored on the cloud is saved on a centralized server on the internet. On local desktops and laptops, you face the risk of losing data due to various unforeseen circumstances like theft, system crash etc. By storing all the training documents on the cloud, you maintain a backup and ensure that the data is never lost.
6. Secure Content Accessible by Authorized Personnel Only:
Data security is one of the main concerns of organizations today. While the data stays safe on the cloud, it is also essential to ensure that no unauthorized changes are made to the files. Sales is a competitive territory. Every bit of information about your product/service matters. It could be the differentiating factor between your product and your competitor’s product. Not every detail about your product is up for advertising, there’s certain information which you might want to contain within the organization. So, data security is of utmost importance to retain valuable information.
Only authorized employees with the right access codes are allowed to view and edit the content on the cloud. Employees are usually not given the authority to edit anything. They can view, highlight, submit assessments, and bookmark content. Making changes to the training material is reserved for authorized individuals only. The data is usually encrypted and can be password protected for additional security.
7. Track Real-time Performance Metrics:
Tracking the performance metrics of each member of your sales team can be a time-consuming task. If you are using a cloud-based sales training platform, you can receive real-time insights of the employee’s performance and metrics with the help of analytics tool. Managers can view the targets assigned to and achieved by each member of the sales team. They can easily monitor the weekly and monthly performance. Having access to real-time metrics lets the manager advise and give appropriate feedback to improve and enhance the employee’s sales performance. Creating a shared dashboard or reporting system will have all your sales team members updating the sheet, and you can have a real time view of the numbers and statistics.
8. Can Show Updated Information to Stakeholders and Clients:
Having precise and accurate information is crucial while presenting your product to clients and stakeholders. Sales professionals are increasingly using mobile-based devices to show product presentations and demo videos to the prospective clients. At that moment, it is important that the information that is presented is accurate and up to date. It is for this reason that sales teams prefer cloud computing for storing presentation decks and videos. In case the senior managers or leadership team wishes to make any changes, they can directly edit the original content, which the sales rep can then download and show to the client. When the sales team appears well-aware about the product, the credibility of the company increases.
Conclusion
Every sales professional tries to deliver a compelling sales pitch to get that valued customer on board. Arming them with the right tools can significantly help them in closing the deal quickly. And the right tool includes a well-designed sales training module that comprises of all the necessary information and quick tips for making better sales conversations and negotiations. Bringing the sales team together for an instructor-led training program is rarely possible as they have busy schedules. A cloud-based platform will ensure the sales training material is placed at one central location, safe from piracy, accessed only by authorized users and updated as and when required. Employees feel more confident while interacting with clients and making sales decisions when they have the latest information at hand, empowering them to give their best.
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