Sales Presentation Skills Training - A Checklist For Finding an Exceptional Trainer

With the economy tanking, your workforceGreat trainers customize their programs because
shrinking, and the game more competitive than ittheir goal is to achieve your corporate goals.
has ever been, you want to improve your team'sGreat trainers know that off-the-shelf training is
batting average. Yes, your budget is tight. Still,too generic to resonate with participants, so they
you are thinking that presentation training mightask for examples of your presentations and
be money well spent--giving your sales people adiscuss their findings with you. They consult and
better chance at hitting a home run when theycollaborate with their clients as a standard part of
step up to the plate.their prep.
Is now the time to be spending scarce dollars on5. A variety of teaching methods including
training? You bet it is. In this struggling economy,videotape, experiential exercises, hands-on work,
you simply can't afford lackluster presentations. Inindividual and group coaching.
fact, when you pick the right trainer the up-frontIt isn't good enough for sales people sit in a room
costs are negligible compared to the value of theand listen to a talking head. It's boring, it is not
results you can expect.productive, and it is outrageously costly in terms
There's lots of training out there, and some of itof out-of-pocket dollars and lost opportunity.
is pretty good. But pretty good just isn't goodBesides, they do that every night in front of the
enough in today's competitive marketplace. YouTV and it doesn't get them very far. On the
want a highly skilled, professional trainer. You wantother hand, coaching alone won't move your team
exceptional. Do not accept anything less.in the direction they need to go. That's why great
Here's what to look for in your search fortrainers use a variety of methods, to be sure
exceptional training:they tackle every learning style--and get results
1. Energy and enthusiasmwith every participant. They want to see every
Exceptional trainers have a unique energy andperson in attendance succeed in kicking it up a
enthusiasm--and you feel it, even on the phone.notch. That's every one--from the rookie to the
Exceptional trainers model what they teach. So ifseasoned pro.
you don't get a sense of that energy in your initial6. Flexibility and creativity
conversation, you should probably keep looking.The best trainers are flexible and creative--both in
2. A presentation system or formulatheir training and in their approach to helping you
The best trainers teach a system or formulamake that training happen. Look for the signs.
because they know that their success dependsA note of caution: Exceptional trainers generally
on your success. They want to ensurecharge more than ordinary ones because they
participants can repeat what they learn--everyknow the value of their training. Still, a great
time they step up to the plate. So the besttrainer wants to be with you for the long haul and
trainers simplify the lesson and turn it into ain this economy, they should be sensitive to your
reliable presentation system or tool to be usedbudget constraints and open to negotiating fees.
over and over again.Your sales presentation is your most important
3. A long Google trailclosing tool. It must be well honed, sharp and
Exceptional trainers have made an impact in aincisive to be effective and score. The good news
number of significant areas and you'll find outis that exceptional training pays off--even in this
what they have done when you check them out.struggling economy. Indeed, an exceptional trainer
To get an exceptional trainer, look for a smartwill teach your team how to engage an audience
professional with a variety of experiences and ain a way that is compelling, powerful and
depth of expertise. Don't just check their website.memorable. The great news is that when they do
Google their name.that, it's a home run.
4. Customized workshops