One Question That Can Determine Sales Leader Success

The success of a sales leader is dependent on two things.  The first is strategy and the second is execution.  When it comes to strategy, you need to make sure you have the right one.  Part of having the right strategy is aligning your sales resources correctly.  

Do you have the Right Rep in the Right Territory?

It seems like an easy question to answer, but is it?  In our Annual Research Report we cover the process of creating a winning sales strategy.  One of the keys is organizational design.  When evaluating or building your sales organization, you need to follow a sequence. This sequence will keep you away from common pitfalls.  Here is how the top 10% of sales leaders build their sales team.  

A key component of a successful sales organization sits in Territory Design.  The science of designing territories is an often overlooked element.  It is a science, not an art.  Many sales leaders “wing it” each year, and that is the wrong approach.  You should use sales data when building territories.  It should be done after you assess your talent and before you set quota. 

When done out of sequence, you have poor resource allocation.  This cascades into missing your revenue target. The goal is to have your best sales reps work the territories with the most potential.  An example would include placing a new rep in a high potential territory.  They haven’t proven themselves yet.  You should place an “A” player in a high potential territory.

How Do You Compare to Your Peers?

Here is a quick test to see if you have implemented best practices:

• Do you know the potential of each account?
• Do you know how your accounts should be prioritized?
• What is the optimal size of each territory?
• How would you design balanced territories?
• How do you assess the potential in each territory?
• How do you set goals for each territory?
• What is your process for territory planning?
• How do you transition accounts when you change territories?
• How do you communicate territory decisions to the team?
• Did you assign quota without looking at territories first?

How did you do?  Were there questions you couldn’t answer?  Did you have any negative responses?  Download the research report for some additional questions to consider.

Why it Matters

Building a sales organization with balanced territories helps you hit your goal.  It allows your teams to be productive, and more importantly, reduces sales turnover.  Your top territories will have your top reps.  By doing it right, you give your team the ability to succeed.

The point to remember when setting territories correctly is to follow the process.  Do not skip steps or go off of a “gut feeling.”  To learn more about this important topic, download our How to Make the Number in 2015 Report.  In this report, you will read about the details for optimizing your organization. If you need help, sign up for our strategy workshop .  During this 90-minute session, you will learn best practices for creating a successful organization.  Stop guessing and learn how to put the best reps in the best territories.  Invest the time now in order to get a head start on next year.