SaaStr 782: How to Train Your Sales Leaders: Key Learnings from HubSpot and BILL with Michelle Benfer
Dec 20, 2024
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Michelle Benfer, former Head of Revenue at BILL and a leader at HubSpot, shares her vast experience in training top-notch sales leaders. She emphasizes the crucial role of frontline managers in driving sales success and the importance of ongoing training and effective communication. The discussion also covers innovative hiring strategies, the value of fresh perspectives, and adapting sales techniques for different customer segments. Plus, insights on navigating sales compensation provide listeners with valuable guidance for their careers.
Investing in frontline sales managers is essential for driving team productivity and maintaining sustainable growth in SaaS organizations.
Effective hiring practices by managers, particularly focusing on coachability, significantly impact the long-term success and performance of sales teams.
Deep dives
The Importance of Frontline Sales Managers
Frontline sales managers play a critical role in the execution of sales strategies and the overall success of the sales team. They are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations, ensuring that sales representatives are effectively trained and ramped up. A well-performing manager can lead to higher sales productivity by analyzing customer engagement, identifying trends in sales data, and coaching their team effectively. Failure to invest in frontline managers can result in a negative impact on team performance and revenue generation, as untrained sales representatives can fail to connect with customers and deliver results.
Hiring Practices and Their Impact
Effective hiring practices executed by frontline managers are essential for building a successful sales team. High-performing managers understand the significance of selecting candidates with strong coachability and aligning their skills with company needs. The podcast highlights a research study conducted at HubSpot, which revealed that candidates with higher scores in coachability were more likely to succeed long-term. By focusing on hiring the right talent, managers can contribute to the overall performance and stability of their teams.
Measuring Manager Effectiveness
Measuring the effectiveness of frontline sales managers is crucial for organizational success, yet often overlooked. Metrics such as team performance, the rate of new hire ramp-up, and employee retention can offer insights into a manager's impact. Benchmarking performance against other managers allows organizations to identify best practices and areas needing improvement. Establishing clear expectations for managers and providing the necessary tools for them to succeed can ultimately lead to enhanced team productivity and morale.
Continuous Learning and Development
Investing in continuous learning and development for frontline managers fosters a culture of growth and adaptability within sales organizations. Training opportunities should encompass areas such as effective coaching techniques, sales methodologies, and situational leadership to improve managerial skills. Additionally, holding routine one-on-one meetings and providing structured feedback can help managers refine their approaches. Encouraging managers to engage in peer learning and sharing insights on best practices can strengthen their capabilities and enhance overall team performance.
SaaStr 782: How to Train Your Sales Leaders: Key Learnings from HubSpot and BILL with Michelle Benfer
Former Head of Revenue at BILL and HubSpot Americas leader Michelle Benfer recently joined us to share her insights on one of the most critical roles in any SaaS organization: the frontline sales manager. Having led sales teams of 500+ at BILL and 800+ at HubSpot, Michelle has unique insights into what makes great frontline managers and why investing in them is crucial for sustainable growth.
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