Of Interest to Independent Reps

Techniques of Sales Forecasting

The purpose of a sales forecasting plan is to allocate company resources with an objective to achieve anticipated sales. An organization can forecast sales either by forecasting market level sales (market forecasting) and determining what share of this will accrue to the company, or by forecasting the organization’s sales directly. Sales forecasting is actually the […]

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Increasing Sales Cycle Time in 2012 and 2013

The cat has been out of the bag for quite awhile – sales cycle time for sales reps is getting longer, irrespective of the industry one is in. The top independent reps that used to close deals in a matter of weeks are now taking a whole quarter of painstaking negotiations just to convert into […]

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How to Work a Trade Show as an Independent Sales Rep

If you are an independent sales rep, you probably know the importance of attending a trade show. Not only does a trade show help an independent sales rep to find prospective customers, they are a great place for building relationships. Unlike offices, a trade shows has an open atmosphere as they are designed to promote […]

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Why Independent Sales Reps Fail – What You Can Do

There are many “best in class” sales reps who stumble when they change to being independent sales reps whose income is based on commission. They might have been used to working for an employer who provided them with everything from a laptop, a mobile phone, and software that can help them issue quotes to clients […]

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Survive & Prosper as an Independent Sales Rep

The latest recession in the US may be over, but as any independent sales rep knows, the economy cycles through its ups and downs and being prepared is key to financially surviving and prospering. Also, the pace of an economic recovery might not hold great short-term promises for businesses and job seekers. However, don’t lose […]

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How to Create a Proper Sales Rep Agreement

If you are an independent rep, creating a sales rep agreement with your principal is of prime importance and and has a lasting effect on your income. As an individual sales rep not on direct payroll of the company, this protects your rights and prevents misuse of the terms of independent contractor status by the […]

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Social Networking for Independent Sales Reps

As the US economy shows signs of growth and expansion, companies have started hiring experienced independent sales reps to grow their business and profits. Today, there are thousands of opportunities for independent sales reps in all sectors to help manufacturers that are looking to capitalize on new business opportunities in the market. However, finding profitable […]

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What Are the Fundamental Needs to Rep New Lines?

If you are an independent sales rep, the most important thing to your ability to make money is having enough lines to buffer any economic or market shifts. No kidding, right? But you can’t just go and rep new lines overnight, you have to be ready. And possibly more importantly, you have to look like […]

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How to Become a Sales Rep: Is It Right for Me?

A question that inside sales rep employees ask themselves is, “How do I become an independent sales rep?” In constrained economic periods salaried sales jobs see bonuses disappear or commissions get cut. The thought that a sales person can make more money as an independent sales rep, rather than as an employee spurs the search […]

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Determining Commissions for Independent Sales Reps

The most common questions involved with hiring of independent reps relates to their compensation. Here are key elements to determining commissions for independent sales reps. There is no standard flat rate or easy answer. Fortunately, there is a very important guideline to keep in mind: Nothing motivates sales better than an attractive commission schedule. “How […]

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