How Can Simulations Be Used in Sales Training?

Practice does make perfect – no matter the discipline. The sales function is no different. The more the salespeople practice, the better they get at their job. The main objective of sales training should be to provide ample opportunities for practice. Sales simulations are perfect tools for this. You can customize them based on your specific needs and they can be created to address a wide variety of challenges. You can use simulations to train new employees, existing ones, or both. Even if you have a core program in place, sales simulations are great for additional upskilling.

#1: It provides immediate and customized feedback

Unless individuals receive helpful feedback, they receive little to no direction for improvement. Personalized feedback is the backbone of success in sales or any function for that matter. Another important factor is when the feedback is received. Research shows that feedback is most effective when it is instant. It prevents a wrong behavior to be committed to memory. Sales simulations are especially effective because they provide instant, personalized feedback to the learners. The learners are provided the opportunity to act on the feedback and practice recommended behaviors. The more they practice, the higher the chances that they will use it at their job.

#2: It encourages experiential learning

Sales simulations are based on experiential learning. They include scenarios that the learners are likely to encounter at their workplace. They need to use their problem-solving skills in order to complete these activities. If they make mistakes, they face the consequences. But there is no real-world damage. They identify areas of improvement based on their performance. Since they learn by doing they can make mistakes and experience the negative results, which is retained to ensure they are not repeated in the workplace.

#3: It helps gain mastery

Repetition is essential to gain mastery on any topic. Sales simulations allow ample opportunities to keep practicing. Your sales people can choose their course of action and explore the consequences. A branching scenario has multiple options. Each option leads to a different consequence. The learners can explore each path to determine the most favorable outcome. If they find any particular task difficult, they can go through it as many times they wish until they perfect it.

#4: It encourages concentrated learning

Research has shown that our brains prefer processing bite-sized nuggets of information at a time. If you overwhelm the brain with too much information, then it fails to retain it. So, if you want your salespeople to train well, do not make them go through the entire sales process at once. Instead, break down the process into parts. Then let them practice in a simulated environment. Once they master the first part, advance to the next level.

#5: It brings the team together

Sales simulations are non-conventional methods of training. It adds a zing to learning. When the entire team goes through the training together, they share a common purpose. They are willing to cooperate with each other. They analyze the problems and discuss solutions with each other. This collaborative learning brings the team together as a close-knit unit.

Salespeople are not born. They are forged with the right kind of training. With sales simulations, get rid of the boring page-turner courses and offer something exciting to your sales team.

At Designing Digitally, Inc. our team of expert instructional designers have been creating simulated learning experiences for decades – be it a 2D or 3D experience. We use technology that makes it possible to simulate true-to-life environments that are safe, affordable, and effective.

Get in touch with our experts today.