How To Become a Sales Trainer: Step-by-Step Guide

Sales trainers work with sales teams to help them improve their performance and close more sales. A sales trainer typically has a background in sales and is familiar with various sales techniques. If you are interested in becoming a sales trainer, it is helpful to know what the job entails and what steps you need to take to pursue this career. In this article, we discuss the job responsibilities of a sales trainer, the average salary and how to become one.

What Does a Sales Trainer Do?

A sales trainer is responsible for developing and conducting training programs that teach sales staff the necessary skills to be successful in their roles. Sales trainers typically work for larger companies with multiple sales locations or for companies that offer sales training services to other businesses.

The duties of a sales trainer include:

• Developing training programs based on the needs of the sales team
• Conducting training sessions on various sales topics
• Assessing the effectiveness of training programs and making changes as needed
• Creating sales materials, such as presentations and handouts
• Keeping up-to-date on the latest sales techniques and strategies
• Monitoring the performance of the sales team and providing feedback
• Helping sales staff troubleshoot sales problems
• Motivating sales staff to reach their goals

Sales Trainer Salary and Job Outlook

The average salary for a sales trainer is $74,675 per year. However, salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, education, industry and geographical location.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job prospects for sales trainers will grow at a faster than average rate over the next decade. This is due to an increase in the need for organizations to train their employees on effective selling techniques. As the economy continues to improve, more companies are expected to invest in sales training programs in order to stay competitive and increase their market share.

How to Become a Sales Trainer

Here are several steps you should take to become a sales trainer.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in business, education, or a related field

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum education requirement for sales trainer positions. Common degrees that employers look for include business, marketing, communications and English. These programs will provide you with a strong foundation in business and communication skills that are essential to this position.

While pursuing your undergraduate degree, consider taking courses in business, marketing, public relations and journalism to develop your knowledge of these subjects. This will also help you decide which area of business you want to focus on.

2. Gain experience working in sales

While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for this position, many employers prefer candidates with experience in sales. If you don’t have any sales experience, consider internships or volunteer work that can help you build your network and develop your skills.

Working as an entry-level sales associate can help you learn about the day-to-day responsibilities of a sales professional. You can also shadow more experienced sales associates to learn about effective selling techniques.

3. Develop strong communication and presentation skills

Communication and presentation skills are essential for sales trainers. You must be able to clearly convey information to your audience, whether it’s a group of 10 or 100 people. Practice delivering presentations in front of family and friends to build this skill.

You also need to have excellent verbal communication skills so you can ask questions and get feedback from your audience.

4. Understand adult learning principles

Adult learners are more likely to retain information if they can apply it to their current situation. For example, a sales trainer who works with real estate agents may help them identify the needs of their clients and how those needs relate to the services or products they offer.

Sales trainers should also be aware that people learn in different ways. Some people learn best through visual aids, others through auditory means (listening) and still others through reading and written materials. It’s important for sales trainers to use multiple learning styles when presenting training material.

5. Be proficient with technology

Sales training often involves the use of technology to create presentations, videos and other materials for trainings. Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, video editing software and presentation software can help you develop effective training materials. You may also need to use a company’s intranet or other online platforms to share information with employees.

6. Stay up to date on changes in the sales industry

As a sales trainer, you need to stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in your industry. For example, if you work for a technology company that develops new products frequently, you may need to learn about the latest features of each product so you can train your employees effectively.

You should also be aware of any changes in legislation or regulations that could affect your business. This knowledge will help you provide accurate information to your employees.

7. Consider getting a master’s degree in business administration (MBA)

While an MBA is not a requirement for this position, it can help you stand out from other candidates and give you additional skills that may be useful in the role. An MBA program typically includes courses in business administration, marketing, finance and economics.

An MBA can also open up career opportunities beyond sales training, such as human resources or management.