Sales Disruptors: How Sales Can Weather an Economic Downturn and Stay Agile Amid Uncertainty

The coronavirus global pandemic has fundamentally reshaped business, but one sector is feeling the tug in particular – sales.

Today, the Sales Disruptors podcast takes a look at how sales departments can change and adapt in light of a shifting economy. Guest Edward Lang, Senior Manager of Sales Performance at Accenture, reveals his insights into how to move forward with confident footing in uncertain territory.

Like businesses big and small, sales operations are struggling through similar challenges: the uncertainty of the future, retaining clients, retaining talent, and managing costs. But after weathering the 2008 economic downturn, Lang has some insight that can carry over to the current crisis.

“The more we can help our clients weather this storm, the better we will be in the position for long term relationships,” he said.

Helping clients can also mean helping yourself by taking the opportunity to streamline tools, implementation, and processes. Drive intent, drive meaning, and steer clear of gimmicks. Seize the opportunity to recruit top talent from competitors, recommended Lang. Shift payment streams and reward employees for tool sharpening. All of these tips trim the fat. Upon return, businesses should be “lean and hungry,” not starved and weak.

Lang’s final words, however, are perhaps the best encouragement for uncertain times — “It’s going to be okay.”

Markets will open up, albeit tentatively. Upon reopening there will certainly be a “new normal,” but sales will adapt and stay agile in an ever-changing market.

Xactly is proud to live on the leading edge of sales performance management, and our podcasts give us a way to share that insight with you directly. For more thought-leading episodes of Sales Disruptors by Xactly, check us out on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @MarketScale
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Latest

2024
Mark Tina Envisions Differences to the Verizon Partner Network in 2024
December 1, 2023

In the dynamic telecommunications landscape, Verizon’s Partner Network continues to evolve, adapting to new trends and opportunities. For another segment featuring Mark Tina, VP of Indirect Channel Distribution and Channel Chief at Verizon Business Group, he explores exactly what types of significant changes and advancements the Verizon Partner Network will see in 2024. In this […]

Read More
verizon business group
Mark Tina Explores the Importance of Partners in Verizon Business Group Success
December 1, 2023

A special episode of The Verizon Partner Network focuses on an examination of an industry marked by fierce competition and rapid innovation. But most importantly, how the role of partnerships in a company’s success is increasingly vital. Mark Tina, the VP of Indirect Channel Distribution and Channel Chief at Verizon, details why partners are essential […]

Read More
aspects
Mark Tina Highlights Three Pillars of Success in Verizon’s Partner Network
December 1, 2023

For a continuation episode of The Verizon Partner Network’s special segment with team leaders, Mark Tina, VP of Indirect Channel Distribution and Channel Chief at Verizon Business Group, joined again to outline the three top aspects that define the Verizon Partner Network and its approach to collaborative success. The video centers on Tina’s explanation of […]

Read More