You’re having trouble communicating with your IT Sales team. How can you bridge the gap?

Effective communication in IT sales hinges on understanding both the technical aspects and the client's needs. Self-assessment is crucial, as it lays the groundwork for personal development. Tools like 360 degree feedback or communication style assessments can provide valuable insights. Additionally, engaging in role-playing exercises can help identify areas for improvement in real-world scenarios. It's important to remember that communication is a two-way street; thus, actively seeking and integrating feedback from peers and managers is essential for growth and effective team collaboration.

Improving communication between an IT sales team and other stakeholders, such as yourself, requires a multifaceted approach. Schedule regular meetings between the IT sales team and other relevant departments. Establish clear communication channels, such as email, instant messaging platforms, or project management tools, to facilitate ongoing communication between teams. Encourage cross-training between the IT sales team and other departments. Align goals across departments to foster a sense of shared purpose. Invest in training and development opportunities for both the IT sales team and other departments. Conduct regular reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and identify any areas for improvement.

You have to meet people where they are. Figure out folks' communication preferences - email/voicemail/text/Slack/Teams/phone call/what not. Everyone has a preference. Then, figure out best way to get ahold of them - scheduled v. ad-hoc v. in-person (if possible). Finally, get to know them a little bit - everyone has reasons for working and I guarantee they aren't the same as yours. Once you figure out folks' motivations, then you can adjust your communication style accordingly. That's the approach I've taken and it has worked.

It's not just about conveying information, but understanding the needs, preferences, and pain points of your team and clients. Self-assessment is crucial, but it should be complemented with feedback from others for a holistic view. Remember, communication is not one-size-fits-all. It's about adapting to different situations and individuals. As a seasoned sales professional, I've found that a blend of active listening, clear articulation, and empathetic understanding can significantly enhance your communication effectiveness in IT sales.

Understanding and respecting the diversity and expertise of your IT Sales team is crucial for effective communication. It's not just about learning their communication styles, but also about appreciating their unique perspectives and insights. This fosters a culture of openness and mutual respect, which can significantly enhance team performance and customer relationships.

The ability to 'speak the customer's language' can significantly enhance the sales process. Whether it's simplifying complex IT jargon for a non-technical client or diving deep into technical details with an IT expert, the key is to meet them at their level of understanding. This not only builds rapport but also fosters trust, which is vital in any sales relationship.

As those steps stay the key analysis and solving for any problems 1- identify the problem ( lack communication) 2- define the problem ( break it into smaller and manageable chunks ) 3- investigate ( by collect all required data, is the issue coming from tools, techniques, engagements, misunderstanding, culture differences, etc ) 4- analysis ( find and catch the root cause ) 5- solve ( set adaptive and effective solving plan related the root cause ) 6- check the solution.