To address these challenges, NBL decided to ensure that its salesforce was professionally prepared and equipped by setting up a Business School for Sales with the assistance of leading experts in the field.
According to Renchia Strauss, NBL HR Manager for Sales, "The training that NBL sales colleagues receive at the NBL Business School for Sales will enable them to become best in their class. The programme instils forward and progressive thinking and ensures that sales staff are equipped not only with sales savvy, but good business acumen."
NBL Managing Director Cliff Sampson commented, "The Business School will raise the game of our sales team and ensure that we deliver the performance required to ensure NBL's ongoing success."
At the launch of the programme, well-known marketing guru and GIBS educator Nicola Kleyn provided an insightful look into the global trends shaping the future of the FMCG industry, while Kevin Korb of Pick 'n Pay shared his view of how the retailer-supplier relationship will progress.
The programme aims to ensure alignment of the sales team in terms of general mindset and learning, with a focus on technical training, business environment and leadership development. One of the outcomes is to transform salespeople into business partners.
"NBL is extremely progressive in the strategy which has been implemented ... Through this training, we hope to transfer strong sales skills and good business sense to our salesforce, and have encouraged each salesperson to take advantage of this learning opportunity. Ultimately this initiative will help the company achieve its long-term vision," said Strauss.
