I heard an arresting comment at the LeadsCon conference in New York in August. The speaker claimed that inside sales has outstripped outside sales in B-to-B, a statistic that both surprised me and got me thinking. Turns out, the statement was based on a recent study showing that inside sales is growing 7.5 percent, compared to field sales at only 0.5 percent, and that as of 2013, 53 percent of the B-to-B sales rep population sells by phone, instead of face-to-face. It strikes me that this development bears enormous implications for B-to-B marketers.
On reflection, I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised, since phone-based selling is so much more efficient than hitting the road to make face-to-face sales calls. Inside sales has graduated over time from the role of inbound order-taker to a full-fledged territory rep, with a full sales quota, but one who can handle a lot more accounts.
Interestingly, inside sales reps appear to be more effective as well. The same study shows their quota achievement levels at 85 percent, compared to field sales, who only achieve their quotas 81 percent of the time.
Many large enterprises have moved to a tiered selling model, where field sales cover large accounts, inside sales manages the relationship with mid-level accounts, and the smaller, less active customers are served by distributors, catalogs, or e-commerce.
Another common model is pairing up one or more field reps with one inside rep, who handles tasks like appointment setting, and in effect extends the reach of the field reps by keeping in closer contact with their accounts and nurturing the relationship. The efficiencies of both sales coverage models are apparent.
Another driver of this trend is changes in buyer behavior, where business buyers are researching online, and demonstrating buying signals. The first human interaction with these researchers is likely to be over the phone, in a lead development role.
But where does marketing come in to the mix? Very similarly to the traditional field sales model, by providing qualified leads, lead qualification and nurturing programs, sales materials, opportunities for sales contact, like webinars, events and online communities. So, as inside sales takes on the role of account management, marketing needs to provide them with the support known as “sales enablement.”
But there are differences, as well. Marketing needs to recognize the constraints that characterize a phone based relationship, and seek creative ways to overcome them. Here are some ideas:
Digital Contact Tools
Text chat and video chat can supplement the inside salesperson’s traditional phone and email interactions. Also it’s a good idea to provide reps with email templates and robust content libraries so they can easily craft informative email messages.
Video
B-to-B video applications are wide ranging today. For an inside sales rep, video can be an easy and efficient way to deepen customer relationships. Reps can not only create self-introductory videos, but also product reviews, helpful analyses—the possibilities are endless.
Social Selling Tools
IBM, for example, provides social selling tools and training to its inside sales reps. Each rep has a web page, containing a social media feed, a video self-introduction, and links to content, some provided by marketing, and some selected personally by the rep. Reps can also monitor social conversations, to identify trends and opinions. One IBM inside sales rep reported connecting with a CIO through LinkedIn and ending up with a $500k deal.
Community
Phone based sales reps may find online communities a productive environment for interacting with customers, and attracting prospects.
Face to Face Opportunity
Just because the rep is on the phone doesn’t mean there’s never a chance to meet the customer in person. Send your inside sales people to the trade shows where their customers are in attendance. Make sure they book appointments in advance. Organize meeting opportunities at the show, like breakfasts or coffee events.
Reasons to Call
Inside sales reps are always looking for good excuses to contact individuals in their accounts. A steady stream of good quality content is essential to this mission. Also, conduct regular statistical modeling of customer purchase patterns to identify “next best product” ideas. A rep will welcome the chance to call a customer with a relevant suggestion for cross-buying.
Do you have other ideas for how marketing can provide leverage to the inside sales team?
A version of this article appeared in Biznology, the digital marketing blog.