Sales executives look very positive in the future
Review of the 34. German sales and sales manager Congress (DVVK)
The euro remains on the road to success; the situation in the heavily indebted countries of Greece, Ireland and Portugal is nowhere near as tragic as it is often rumored. With these statements, Folker Hellmeyer, chief analyst at Bremer Landesbank, opened the 34th German Sales and Sales Congress on April 14th and 15th, 2011 in Munich. The lectures on future topics, strategic approaches, success stories and sales tips hit the nerve of those responsible from sales and distribution: With a total of 350 visitors, the number of participants is significantly higher than in the previous year.
"Our strength is small and medium-sized businesses," emphasized Folker Hellmeyer in his keynote speech, referring to the success of the German economy after the global crisis. The participants were correspondingly positive about the future. A Ted poll revealed that 52 percent of participants are consistently positive about the next twelve months and are certain that the upswing will continue. Hellmeyer also commented on the subject of Japan: "The current crisis in Fukushima will not have a lasting effect on the economic cycle". According to the economist, the natural disaster was too regional.
Social media will change sales
Mirko Lange, Managing Director of Talkabout Communications, brought the topic of social media closer to the salespeople. He is convinced that Facebook, Twitter & Co. will permanently change the sales approach to target groups and customers. The central question is therefore changing from "How can I reach my target group?" in "What will reach my target group?". However, the Ted survey showed that social media is still in its infancy in many companies: 45 percent of the participants had to admit that social networks have not yet been used in their companies as a marketing or sales channel.
Simply sell "differently".
After an intensive practice session with Germany's "toughest rhetoric trainer" Rolf H. Ruhleder, the participants were also able to benefit from Roger Rankel's sales tips. The Munich resident is currently one of the best-known sales trainers in Germany and shared his personal "sales secrets" with the sales executives present. His credo: "Do something a little different!" He provided concrete examples of successful sellers and encouraged the participants to stage their products and services and surprise (potential) customers with them.
Another highlight of this year's congress was the presentation by Oliver Kahn. The goalkeeping legend has been surprisingly candid about his journey to becoming number 1 and how he has learned to deal constructively with defeat throughout his career. His advice to the participants: "Focus on your goals and don't let yourself be influenced by external disturbances!"
Fit for practice
As every year, practical speakers from successful sales organizations also had their say. Rüdiger Reiber, Product Manager at Gardena, reported on product development in his company and Werner Kalbfuss, former Purchasing Manager at Carl Zeiss, revealed the current trends in purchasing and how sales can adapt to them. At the accompanying trade exhibition and in the context of short presentations by exhibitors, the participants were also able to find out about sales-supporting products and services.
Source: Freiburg [ dvvk ]
