25+ Best Sales Training Resources for Beginners (2024)
What is Sales Training for Beginners?
Sales training for beginners is a comprehensive learning process that equips newcomers with essential skills, knowledge, and techniques to excel in sales careers.
Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned pro, the right training can make all the difference in boosting your sales career.
The impact of effective sales training cannot be overstated.
Consider these eye-opening statistics:
Companies with effective sales training programs experience 22.7% higher win rates.
Continuous training gives 50% higher net sales per employee.
The average ROI of sales training is an impressive 353%.
Success stories abound in the world of sales training.
For instance, after implementing a comprehensive sales training program, one tech startup saw its sales team's productivity increase by 37% within just six months.
Another multinational corporation reported a 25% increase in customer retention rates after focusing on relationship-building techniques in their sales training.
As sales expert Jill Konrath puts it:
"Start working with your prospects as if they've already hired you."
This mindset shift, often instilled through proper training, can dramatically improve a salesperson's approach and results.
Lori Richardson, another respected voice in sales, highlights the importance of a customer-centric approach:
"Selling is really about having conversations with people and helping improve their company or their life."
This perspective, cultivated through effective training, can transform a good salesperson into a great one.
Top 25+ Sales Training Resources for Beginners in 2024
This curated list combines time-tested classics with cutting-edge techniques, offering the best sales training resources for 2024.
Whether you're looking to master cold calling, perfect your pitch, or enhance your negotiation skills, these resources will set you on the path to sales success.
Why This List is Different
Curated by top sales professionals with 20+ years of combined experience
Includes exclusive tips and insights for each resource
Updated for 2024 with the latest industry trends and technologies
Categorized for easy navigation based on your learning style and needs
Let's explore the resources that will transform your sales game!
Must-Read Sales Books
1. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey
Key Benefit: Master fundamental success principles applicable to sales and life
Exclusive Tip: Focus on habit #5, "Seek first to understand, then to be understood," to dramatically improve your client interactions
Sarah, a B2B sales representative, applied the principles from this book to transform her approach.
She increased her close rate by 30% within three months just by actively listening to her clients' needs before pitching.
2. "The Little Red Book of Selling" by Jeffrey Gitomer
Key Benefit: Learn 12.5 principles of sales greatness and customer psychology
Exclusive Tip: Apply the "CAP" principle (Create a Prospect) to turn cold leads into warm opportunities
💡Want to master cold emailing? Check out my "Cold Email Mastery" course. Learn proven strategies to boost open rates by 50% and response rates by 25%.
Discover how to apply these principles even in challenging situations with my article on embracing rejection in sales.
3. "The Challenger Sale" by Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson
Key Benefit: Master the "Challenger" approach to win more complex deals
Exclusive Tip: Use the "Reframe" technique to challenge your prospect's thinking and position your solution as indispensable
💡For a complete guide on finding and winning new customers, check out 'The Ultimate Sales Prospecting Checklist' - your ticket to closing more deals in 2024 and beyond.
For more about advanced B2B sales strategies, explore my guide on signal-based selling.
Top Online Courses
4. HubSpot Academy
Key Benefit: Free courses on inbound sales techniques with recognized certifications
Exclusive Tip: Combine the Inbound Sales and Sales Enablement certifications for a powerful skill set
John, a startup sales manager, implemented HubSpot's inbound methodology after completing their certification.
His team saw a 40% increase in qualified leads and a 25% boost in conversion rates within the first quarter.
Learn how to conduct due diligence on sales jobs to ensure you're applying your new skills in the right environment.
5. Coursera - Sales Training
Key Benefit: University-level courses on sales strategies and techniques
Exclusive Tip: Look for courses that offer peer-reviewed assignments for practical application
Stay updated on the latest remote sales opportunities while you learn. Check our weekly remote sales job listings.
6. Salesforce Trailhead
Key Benefit: Master the world's leading CRM through interactive lessons
Exclusive Tip: Complete the "Sales Cloud Specialist" super badge to stand out to employers
For insights on how Salesforce skills can impact your career, read my analysis of the Salesforce return-to-office mandate debate.
💡Premium Sales Training Programs
7. Brian Tracy's Sales Success Academy
Key Benefit: Comprehensive training from a world-renowned sales expert
Exclusive Tip: Start with the "High-Performance Selling" course to build a strong foundation
For inspiration on how top-tier training can transform your career, read our story on going from layoff to unicorn sales success.
Sales Podcasts for On-the-Go Learning
8. The Sales Evangelist
Key Benefit: Insights from sales leaders on current strategies and trends
Exclusive Tip: Create a "podcast learning journal" to track and implement key takeaways
Alexandra, a field sales rep, started applying techniques from The Sales Evangelist during her cold calls.
She improved her call-to-meeting conversion rate from 10% to 18% after using the "3x3" research method discussed in one episode,
Learn how to apply these insights even when facing challenges in my guide on dealing with pushy sales managers.
9. B2B Growth
Key Benefit: Focused strategies for business-to-business sales
Exclusive Tip: Use the "category design" episodes to position yourself as a thought leader in your niche
Put these B2B strategies into practice with my guide on booking meetings with B2B executives.
YouTube Channels for Visual Learners
10. Sales Hacker
Key Benefit: Practical tips and interviews with industry leaders
Exclusive Tip: Engage with the community in the comments section for networking opportunities
David, an account executive at a SaaS company, implemented a new objection-handling technique he learned from a Sales Hacker video.
This helped him close a deal worth $500,000 that had been stalled for months.
For more insights on overcoming common sales challenges, read my article on sales frustrations and solutions.
11. Marc Wayshak
Key Benefit: Modern sales techniques for today's digital landscape
Exclusive Tip: Implement Marc's "3x3" prospecting strategy to triple your pipeline
Complement these modern techniques with my lighthearted look at funny sales habits and involuntary behaviors.
Free Learning Platforms to Boost Your Skills
12. MIT OpenCourseWare
Key Benefit: Access to world-class education in business and economics
Exclusive Tip: Take the "Entrepreneurial Strategy" course to think like a business owner
Apply this entrepreneurial mindset to find low-stress sales jobs that suit your career goals.
13. Khan Academy
Key Benefit: Improve analytical skills key for data-driven sales
Exclusive Tip: Master the statistics courses to better analyze your sales data and trends
Learn how to apply these analytical skills in a mobile work environment with my guide to turning your car into a mobile office.
How to Apply Your New Sales Skills
Now that you're armed with these resources, it's time to put your knowledge into action:
Create a 30-day learning plan incorporating at least three different resources
Set specific, measurable goals for each week of your learning journey
Find an accountability partner or mentor to keep you on track
Apply one new technique or strategy in your sales process each week
Track your results and adjust your approach based on what works best for you
Frequently Asked Questions About Sales Training for Beginners
Q1: How long does it take to become proficient in sales?
A: The time it takes to become proficient in sales varies depending on individual aptitude, dedication, and the complexity of your product or service.
However, with consistent practice and the right training, most beginners can see significant improvement within 3-6 months.
Sales is a skill that continually evolves.
So even experienced professionals never stop learning.
Q2: Do I need formal education to start a career in sales?
A: While formal education can be beneficial, it's not always necessary for a successful sales career.
Many top salespeople have diverse educational backgrounds.
What's most important is your ability to learn, communicate effectively, and persist in the face of challenges.
The resources in this list can provide you with the foundational knowledge needed to excel in sales.
Q3: What's the most important skill for a beginner in sales to develop?
A: While many skills are key in sales, effective communication is often considered the most important.
This includes both listening to understand your customer's needs and articulating how your product or service can meet those needs.
Many of the resources in this list, particularly "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," can help you develop this skill.
Q4: How much can I expect to earn as a beginner in sales?
A: Earnings in sales can vary widely depending on the industry, location, and compensation structure (base salary vs. commission).
However, many sales roles offer the potential for high earnings, even for beginners.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for sales representatives was $62,890 in May 2020, with the top 10% earning more than $129,200.
Q5: Is cold calling still relevant in modern sales?
A: Yes, cold calling is still a relevant technique in modern sales, although its application has evolved.
Today, successful cold calling often involves thorough research and personalization.
Resources like "The Little Red Book of Selling" and our guide on mastering cold calling techniques can help you approach cold calling effectively in today's sales environment.
Q6: How can I overcome the fear of rejection in sales?
A: Fear of rejection is common among sales beginners.
Overcoming it involves changing your perspective on rejection, understanding that it's not personal, and viewing each 'no' as a step closer to a 'yes'.
Our article on embracing rejection in sales provides practical strategies for dealing with this challenge.
Q7: Are online sales courses as effective as in-person training?
A: Online sales courses can be highly effective, especially when combined with practical applications.
They offer flexibility, access to expert knowledge, and often include interactive elements.
Courses like those offered by HubSpot Academy or Coursera provide valuable skills that you can immediately apply in your sales role.
The key is to actively engage with the material and consistently practice what you learn.
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Remember, the best salespeople never stop learning.
With these resources and your dedication, you're well on your way to becoming a sales superstar.
For more exclusive tips and job listings, check out our Remote Sales Jobs page and the latest updates on Trends in Remote Sales Jobs USA.