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SECTOR FOCUS: Sales and Customer Service
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Posted in Candidates, Employers, News, Recruitment, Training & Development on Aug 12, 2024 by Keeley Edge
SECTOR FOCUS: Sales and Customer Service
Industries: Retail, E-commerce, B2B Services
Sales and customer service skills have always been critical to business success, but in 2024, these roles are evolving to meet the challenges of an increasingly digital and customer-centric marketplace.
Key Skills in Demand:
Digital Sales Proficiency: With more transactions occurring online, skills in digital sales strategies, including CRM software usage, e-commerce platforms, and digital lead generation, are essential.
Customer Experience (CX) Management: As companies focus more on delivering seamless and personalised customer experiences, professionals who can manage and optimise the entire customer journey are in high demand.
Lead Generation and LinkedIn Proficiency: The ability to effectively generate and nurture leads through digital platforms, particularly LinkedIn, is crucial in modern sales roles. LinkedIn has become a vital tool for building networks, engaging prospects, and driving sales conversions.
Multichannel Communication Skills: Proficiency in engaging customers across multiple channels (phone, email, live chat, social media) is crucial, particularly as consumers expect instant and effective responses.
Employer Strategies:
Enhance Your Digital Presence: Strengthen your company’s digital channels to attract tech-savvy sales professionals. A modern website, active social media presence, and well-maintained CRM systems can make your company more appealing to digital sales experts.
Focus on Customer-Centric Training: Provide training that emphasises customer experience and the importance of empathy in service delivery. Equip your teams with the skills needed to manage customer interactions across multiple platforms.
Utilise LinkedIn: LinkedIn is not just a sales tool but also a powerful recruitment platform. Use it to identify and engage with sales talent, post job opportunities, and highlight your company’s achievements. Consider LinkedIn Learning for ongoing sales training and development.
Offer Career Progression Paths: To attract and retain top sales and customer service talent, offer clear career progression opportunities. Consider creating specialised roles that allow employees to develop expertise in digital sales, CX management, or lead generation.
Leverage Sales Technologies: Implement advanced sales technologies like AI-driven analytics and automated CRM systems to enhance efficiency. Highlighting your use of these tools in job postings can attract candidates who want to work with cutting-edge technologies.
By aligning your talent acquisition and development strategies with the current demands of the Yorkshire job market, your organisation will be well-positioned to thrive in 2024 and beyond.
Career Strategies - How to Acquire These Skills:
Digital Sales Proficiency: Take online courses on CRM software, such as Salesforce or HubSpot, to understand customer relationship management. Learn about digital lead generation through workshops or certifications in digital marketing, focusing on tools like Google Ads, SEO, and social media marketing.
Customer Experience (CX) Management: Enrol in courses or certifications that focus on customer experience management, including understanding customer journey mapping. Gain experience in roles that involve direct customer interaction, such as retail or hospitality, to develop a customer-centric mindset.
Sales Analytics: Learn how to use data analytics tools like Excel, Tableau, or Power BI through online courses or tutorials. Get certified in data analysis from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning to enhance your credibility.
Lead Generation and LinkedIn Proficiency: Take LinkedIn Learning courses specifically focused on lead generation and using LinkedIn for sales. Optimise your own LinkedIn profile to practice building a professional network and engaging with industry contacts.
Multichannel Communication Skills: Take communication workshops that cover customer service techniques across different channels, such as email etiquette, phone skills, and social media management.
As you navigate the job market in Yorkshire, these insights can guide you in making informed decisions about your career development. By aligning your skills with the demands of the region, you’ll be well-positioned to seize the opportunities that 2024 has to offer.
