Tips for a Great Sales Kickoff

Recently, many organizations find it challenging to execute virtual sales kickoff (SKO) successfully. With government regulations, quarantine limitations, and city ordinances exercised to curb the pandemic, sales kickoffs during these challenging times is undoubtedly a problem. Consequently, as a sales team leader or a manager, you probably wonder how you will positively engage your team throughout the meeting while generating strong momentum that will continuously impact them even after the event.

As a result, this article provides you with creative and paramount kickoff tips that will improve your SKO agenda and motivate and equip your sales representatives with what they need to make the first quarter successful.

1. Create an engaging PowerPoint

An engaging PowerPoint does not necessarily mean a presentation that lists the numbers you want to achieve this year. Instead, create a PowerPoint whose slides will include gifs, pictures, videos, and other attention-capturing content that's funny and maintains high spirit. Note that charts, maps, graphics, and images are paramount to your audience. Ensure you outline your key messages in all formats- visual, audio, and kinesthetic so that each individual can understand. However, you should include your annual, quarterly, and monthly targets in your presentation but incorporate them organically throughout the presentation.

2. Share the event's agenda with your team

A day before the meeting, send your executives and employees an overview of what to expect during the event. It does not have to be comprehensive but try to divide the day into sections, and if possible, highlight the applicability of the intended content to those who will participate. Indicate the relevance of each part of your SKO plan to your sales representatives. As a result, you will convince them why they should join and stay engaged throughout the event.

3. Include virtual fun events

Include fun events throughout your virtual kickoff event. For example, you can integrate virtual cooking, wine tasting, or scavenger hunt. Besides, if you work with an organization that frequently participates in charities, you can develop a virtual charity event during the virtual SKO. Encourage your team members to enroll in these activities and ask them to give you feedback concerning what they did and learned.

4. Include short presentations

For the official segments of your SKO, have presenters who do not do their presentations for over 90 minutes. It is difficult for people to sit on Zoom for many hours. Use presentations that are 60-90 minutes long. Besides, remember to give your team members extended breaks of 10 to 15 minutes for every two hours and a more extended lunch break of 30 to 60 minutes.

5. Create a common virtual background

Designate one member of your team to create a virtual background that everyone will use. This way, each member will have a professional background and know where they will be taking part- whether it is their study room, car, or basement. The background will also make your members comfortable during interactions.

6. Break down the organization's objectives

In some cases, lofty organizational goals such as "reach $10 million revenue over the next three years" become too difficult for your workers to understand. Although it is important to raise such goals, bring them up in a way that reminds each staff, especially sales representatives, what they need to do for your company to achieve these objectives.

7. Diversify your presenters

As you move from each stage of your event, balance your speakers with voices from your lower-level and mid-level workers. For example, if your virtual sales team is not very big, invite each member to introduce themselves at the beginning of the event. Alternatively, ask one staff from every department to represent their teams. Additionally, at the end of each phase, allow your employees to give their experiences or any advice relating to the event. Besides, at the end of the SKO, spare at least 15 minutes for anyone with burning questions or thoughts to get a chance to speak.

Combining your creativity with the provided tips will enable you to organize and have a successful SKO. Focus on your event's agenda and create fun and engaging content that will excite your virtual sales team.