“Sales-Kick-Off-Meeting”
The sales kick-off meeting is an annual meeting (usually in January) for the entire sales team of a company. The main goals are the motivation of employees, managers and executives, the determination of the future strategy and the celebration of the profits of the previous year. This meeting sets the tone for the next 12 months and aims to get everyone involved to achieve common goals.
Each participant should leave this strategy meeting with the conviction that they have been reliably informed about the company’s direction, that they have been properly trained on new products, that they have been informed about the competition comprehensively, so that they can continue their work in a confident and energetic way.
We recommend creating a theme or head note for the event. This will help to make the content more engaging and memorable, and the entertainment value will be increased. You can add skits, videos, small competitions and theme related tours. Everything stays in context and has a lasting value as it will be an unforgettable experience.
Head Note*
CELEBRATION: Mission accomplished!
In this scenario one would want to make sure that the team feels recognized and valued for all the work done. It should all be about entertainment and inspiration when events, team exercises and speakers are chosen for the kick off. The result of such a meeting is enthusiasm that will accompany all employees throughout the rest of the year. When working on the topics of the conference you should for example think of: “Highest competitiveness and best practice” | “Remain in the vanguard”
MOTIVATION: Things change!
This might be the slogan for a meeting challenging and inspiring employees. Convincing, intoxicating speakers should be scheduled to get the motivational message across effectively. Events and workshops should be individual and personal to better understand what motivates the employees. For example, topics could be: “Faster, higher, further” | “What excels us”
INFORMATION: Know the status quo!
This type of sales kick-off meeting will either provide up-to-date information or unveil something new. Rumors that have been circulated will be dispelled. It’s all about transparency. The company’s most important leaders are present to show and share something newsworthy. Highlights in the agenda could be: “Creating customer loyalty” | “Share workable approaches” | “Prime sales figures”
PROVOCATION: Think differently!
Are there any changes in the market or in the company? Is the way of selling in the future expected to change or will new sales procedures be introduced? Are there any recent strategies that have not really worked out yet? Here, high-end speakers from the industry are recommended during the meeting, who can provide information about the market situation. Teambuilding events and exercises help employees develop creative solutions to problems. Tasks and workshops could, for example, carry the following titles:
“Overcoming obstacles” | “Join in to win” | “Mission and Passion”
Agenda**
… make a sales kick-off become a success
Welcome Breakfast
Fit and healthy into the day! The hosts introduce themselves and the agenda. They stir up joyful anticipation about what is going to happen next. With a proper balanced diet as a basis for the day, minds work more concentrated, fatigue is avoided and one is less stressed!
Annual Review
Presentation and discussion of the previous year’s figures. What were the highlights, what was particularly poor? What did the competitors do? What is status quo in product development?
Group Exercises
Divided by skills and subjects the participants attend high-profile sales training sessions.
Lunch
An excellent opportunity to network, so one should find communicative venues and set ups. Again, it should be kept in mind to provide a well-rounded meal plan, as it has a big impact on brain and body!
Marketing Update
All attendees will be informed about the latest developments at executive level. Plans for the year to come will be introduced. Ideas on how sales can succeed in generating higher revenue will be shared.
Key Note
A leader in the industry gives best practice examples and answers questions. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a meeting appealing and unforgettable.
Competition
Using the motivation of the previous event, one now puts the participants to the test in style of a Jeopardy! Quiz. During this kind of competition the contestants are presented with company related general knowledge clues in the form of answers, and must phrase their responses in the form of questions.
Competitive Intelligence
Sales management introduces the most important competitors. It is discussed whether they represent a real threat, or whether the company is superior to them.
Dinner
In a comfy setting the attendees end the day together. Again, this is a good opportunity to meet new team members and catch up with old friends.
Start the Day
An artist and a small concert or a coach and a short breathing exercise? Quick and easy, the participants get tuned in for the day!
Product Training
Transmission of tactical content for the positioning of new products. What is important, what is outstanding?
Do add-ons make the purchase more attractive for the customer?
Roleplay Exercise
In small groups – under the guidance of sales and training managers – the participants implement the just earned knowledge into role-playing games.
Lunch
The principle of the previous day applies here as well!
Closing Session
The management summarizes the goals set and the results of the conference, motivating and uniting the team to meet corporate values and objectives.
Activity
After knowledge has been communicated and content transmitted it is time to relax and have some fun: Team building, cocktails, small competitions … always in correspondence to the head note!
Farewell Dinner
The reward after very busy days! The opportunity to award top performances! Colleagues can exchange experiences before they have to part again. This evening should be something special.
*Inspired by Ryan Robinson´s Blog
**Inspired by Aja Frost´s Blog
