There is a lot of responsibility that goes into being a sales consultant. If you want to be successful as one, it’s important to understand your responsibilities and the best ways to meet them. 

This article will discuss some of those sales consultant responsibilities and how you can meet them. 

What is a Sales Consultant?

Depending on the company, a Sales Consultant could perform many different roles, but virtually all of them would include tasks such as engaging in cold calling and other prospecting activities; introducing the company and its products or services to potential customers; and securing new accounts.

A sales consultant needs trustworthiness and a genuine interest in helping others before building trusted relationships with prospective clients. 

They also need excellent negotiation skills and an understanding of what the company has to offer potential customers to help people go through whichever process will work best for them.

Also read: The Ultimate Sales Follow Up Guide

What Does a Sales Consultant Do?

A sales consultant’s responsibilities are to meet and exceed goals by providing customers with relevant information about the products they offer. They strive to make finding potential customers their top priority while paying close attention to detail

As per the company policy, all new hires will undergo training before they start working to ensure success- this includes how they set up meetings, product knowledge, and so on. In addition, communicating effectively is essential for this position, you’ll need proper communication skills.

What are the responsibilities of a Sales Consultant?  

1. Discussing product features with customers.
2. Developing proposals for new clients.
3. Identifying potential markets and opportunities for growth within an organization.
4. Analyzing customer needs and recommending products or services that will fulfil those needs.
5. Assessing competitive products or services to make recommendations on which ones should be used instead.
6. Conducting market research by surveying prospective customers or examining existing customers’ responses to similar questions posed at different times.
7. Learn about the product and service offered by the company, including relevant sales terms.
8. Monitoring sales numbers and metrics carefully
9. Calculate business trends and monthly sales rates to keep up with the competition.
10. Ensure that the sales team is up to date with sales targets.
11. Motivate the sales team to reach the sales goals.
12. Create marketing plans for clients’ products.
13. Find new target audiences and potential customers.
14. Keep an eye on the competition and follow up on current trends.
15. Collaborate with the marketing department to assist and develop brand recognition along with online presence.
16. To exchange ideas on how to engage consumers more effectively, meet other sales professionals and sales consultants.
17. Attend sales and marketing meetings.
18. Consultants should continuously learn and update their skills to assist customers in improving their business opportunities.
19. Demonstrate superior sales skills and keep up to date on all company policies and procedures and the evolving demands of clients to ensure that they are familiar with every aspect of the position.
20. To verify that clients are pleased with their purchases and address any questions or issues by following up.

Also read: Sales qualification

What are the Requirements to Become a Sales Consultant?

Sales consultants are often commissioned or salaried, depending on the company. The very successful ones may get bonuses for good performance. For example, in retail sales, commissions can range from 8% to 25%. 

Commission rates tend to be higher for expensive products than lower-priced products. Salespeople with two years of experience could earn more. With commissions ranging from 40%-60% of their gross revenue generated by a product they sell, it is hard to pass up a job like that.

Here are some requirements one needs to be mindful of before applying:

1. Education

Most employers expect that sales consultants have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Advertising, Business Management, or a related discipline. An MBA is also a favourable degree that may help them achieve more when it comes to meeting individual and corporate sales targets.

2. Training

Salespeople must have a certain amount and quality of work experience in sales, marketing, or advertising to become sales consultants. Those who do not have prior employment should be prepared to undertake an entry-level position to receive training on succeeding as a salesperson. Sometimes, companies may also provide formal training.

3. Skills

Here are some of the skills sales consultants must have:

• Communication skills

Sales professionals must be able to communicate persuasively and effectively with prospects, clients, and coworkers.

• Time Management

Time management is the most valuable asset for a sales consultant. That’s why it pays off, in the long run, especially when deadlines loom overhead.

• Interpersonal Skills

It is important to have good interpersonal skills when selling. For example, a person’s tone in communicating with others may be enough for them not to gain trust or make deals.

• Public Speaking

Sales consultants will never make it past the first meeting with the potential customer if they don’t know how to speak the customer’s language. A sales consultant must be able to understand what customers are saying and use words that relate and resonate emotionally. This means knowing all of those little phrases- like ‘that sounds good,’ or even making jokes every once in a while.

• Customer Service Skills

Being able to interact with people to build relationships, listen carefully for what they need, and then solve their problems is essential if one wants satisfied customers who come back often and refer others too.

• Technical Skills

The best way to be a successful salesperson is through technical skills. Technical abilities give sales consultants an upper hand when it comes to negotiations. They also enhance your customer service by ensuring the product or services offered fit what people need.

• Organizational Skills

Salespeople are always on the go, which means they need to stay organized. Otherwise, their days will be spent in meetings or lost amongst all of this paperwork. With so many different projects going on at once, it can become difficult for someone who is not well-organized.

Wrapping Up 

A misconception about this profession has been that it’s all commission-based. We want to set the record straight and assure you that there are many other benefits when working as a sales consultant, such as base salary, performance bonuses, and building genuine relationships with many people. 

With an end-to-end platform like NeoDove, it is easy for sales consultants to keep track of the prospects and engage the leads. 

Request a demo today to make your sales consultants’ life easier!