3 Creative Sales Motivation Tactics that are Free

Motivation

Sales managers often motivate their reps with sales contests that award cash prizes. This is a tried and true sales motivation strategy, and monetary rewards generally produce results. However, they don’t really motivate the entire sales force — only the top performers likely to win. And while it’s good to motivate your rock stars, the top line would be better served by getting everyone striving for the prize. So if monetary prizes don’t do the trick, what does? Here are three creative sales motivation tactics managers can use to fire up their entire team. And the best part? They won’t cost a dime.

1) Provide Coaching

“Coaching” and “feedback” aren’t the same thing. While feedback (good or bad) is valuable for the employee, it’s rarely motivating. Coaching, on the other hand, can be a motivational force if presented correctly. Sales managers should treat coaching like a gift. Instead of just serving it up to every employee like it’s no big deal, frame it in such a way that the employee understands its value. Coaching gives reps the opportunity to try out sales tactics in a no-fail zone, and this exercise can be extremely motivating.

2) Use Leadership Motivation

Tap leaders in the company should  donate their time and resources that they can then dangle as a prize then extend leadership privileges to high-achieving reps.

Here are three ideas as to how you can use leadership for sales motivation:

  1. Your boss will do your calls. Try a sales contest where the prize or a mid-way bonus is … you! You will work for the leading rep for a few hours doing whatever they direct you to — calls, demos, presentations, etc. Not only does this motivate your team, it also shows you aren’t afraid to roll up your sleeves and get in the trenches. Plus, it’s fun.

  2. CEO takes you out to lunch. Or any C-level executive. Most sales reps crave one-on-one time with a senior leader to share their thoughts and get an inside look into company strategy.

  3. Present at the next sales meeting. Ask a high-performing rep to present an innovative tactic or new approach at the next sales meeting. This kills three birds with one stone — you’re celebrating the rep, their colleagues see that reps who do well earn prestige, and you can delegate some of the responsibility of leading the meeting.

3) Bring in Clients

Your clients possess incredible motivational power. Invite customers to team meetings or events to chat with the reps about how they’re using your offering, why they chose it over the competition, and what they liked and didn’t like about your sales process. Allow for some Q&A where reps can ask questions that will help them optimize their process or messaging.

Not only does this client face time reaffirm to reps why they do what they do, it also reminds them that it’s all about the customer. After spending some time with clients, they’ll be excited to get back on the phones and start selling.

Sales motivation doesn’t have to carry a price tag. The most motivating moments are priceless — literally.

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