When you work in field sales, keeping track of your team can sometimes be difficult. Whether you’re a manager or team member, being unable to get the information you want, when you want it can be frustrating.
The thing about this type of job is that you’re separate from your team a lot. Sure, with technology, connections are much easier to make than they were back in the 80s or 90s, but there will still be times when you feel both isolated and frustrated. People aren’t always where you expect them to be, or available to talk at a time that’s convenient for you.
Why you should consider using a field sales app
The modern face of field sales needs a modern solution. This is why a mobile field sales application is almost certainly the way to go.
Below are some great reasons why you should consider using a field sales app to help your business. They offer so much more than just keeping track of your team.
They reduce admin
Imagine a world where your field sales job had less admin to deal with, leaving you with a lot more time to do what’s important. Choose an app the cuts as much admin as possible, making it possible for you and your team to spend more time visiting customers, relationship building and making sales.
Some of the admin they can help you with is automated call reports, customer information, customer history, route planning, digital catalogues, the facility to check prices, the ability to check stock levels and the ability to place orders.
They help motivate team members to smash their targets
Some apps let you set, track and monitor targets. Goal setting can be a great way to motivate yourself and your team.
If you’re manager, work with your team to create realistic personalised targets for them to meet. All good managers know that not everyone works at the same pace of can achieve the same results, that’s why it’s important to tailor goals to the individual team member. Everyone’s strengths and weaknesses differ, so setting realistic targets will give workers a sense of achievement and help keep them motivated.
GPS tracking is available
GPS tracking allows managers to track sales activity, gain important insights, increase transparency. This in turn can highlight what needs changing and where and how team members can be more efficient. Once you have this information it can inform goals and any changes the company may need to make.
Improves order accuracy
When field sales reps make a mistake on an order, it can be expensive and inconvenient for both the business and the customer. Too many mistakes can even cost you a regular customer, which works out as a financial loss of thousands in the long-term.
Making accurate orders every time is the most efficient way to run a business. Not only does it wipe out any confusion about what the client might have ordered, it also eliminates any losses from incorrect order amounts or remedial discounts given to placate the customer. When the stock numbers and accurate prices are there in front of you, it’s hard to get anything wrong.