[ad_1]
In the dynamic world of media sales management, the adage of “trust your gut” and relying solely on manual spreadsheets to make decisions is quickly becoming a thing of the past. The role of the modern sales manager requires a sophisticated approach that sees data analysis as a fundamental pillar of success. This evolution is not only a choice, but also a necessity. In today’s fast-paced sales environment, sales managers eager to lead and grow must employ an array of tools available to them.
Transitioning from old-school sales management methods to a new, data-centric paradigm can be daunting. The good news, however, is that third-party software solutions have become an indispensable ally for sales managers, promising to streamline processes, increase efficiency, provide valuable insights, and ultimately save valuable time.
Inventory management
Knowing the status of your inventory is critical. Accurately viewing your inventory is no longer optional; it’s imperative. Your ability to measure remaining opportunity in a quarter and determine the most effective pricing strategy can mean the difference between achieving or missing your forecasts. Your team may have all the pending tasks they need to achieve their goals, but if you can’t clear them, those numbers will be hard to hit.
relationship management
Speaking of pending, a CRM system is a must-have for tracking customer activity and potential. That being said, a CRM is only as good as the data your team puts into it. Accurate backlog and activities are critical to assessing team performance and understanding where opportunities exist. Media-specific CRMs are even better. Management often uses CRM to “focus on account managers.” Implementing a system with this mindset in your organization will result in low adoption and incomplete information, ultimately making the tool worthless. Looking for a CRM that prioritizes account managers can promote proactive customer engagement, allowing businesses to better understand customer needs and preferences, and ultimately increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
predict
Businesses are under constant pressure to provide accurate forecast data. Most stations get a basic report from the company that contains data from the same day last year to use as a forecasting tool. While these numbers can be helpful, third-party forecasting tools can take into account many more factors. These sophisticated tools can drill down into historical data, track changing trends, and explain anomalies like political spending or special events. By doing so, they enable sales managers to provide forecasts that are not only accurate but also insightful and actionable.
Price
Pricing is the most important piece of the puzzle. Only by pricing your inventory correctly can you achieve your goals. It’s okay to find the sweet spot between what you need to charge and what the market is willing to pay. Additionally, equipping your sales team with the skills to negotiate effectively can play a big role in maximizing revenue. Third-party pricing software can save you valuable time by automatically building price lists and tracking market demand fluctuations.
Is it worth it?
One of the core challenges sales managers face when making data-driven decisions is the investment of time. From collecting and entering data to interpreting the results and, most importantly, acting on those insights, the process can be labor-intensive. Time is a precious commodity, and finding the right balance between data analysis and other essential tasks can be a complex dilemma.
When considering third-party software, it’s important to evaluate how much time it can actually save you. If the software requires extensive manual data entry and still requires significant time for interpretation, the promised time-saving benefits may not be realized. Additionally, if the software requires switching between multiple programs to share data, the added complexity may outweigh the potential benefits.
ShareBuilders Difference
Fortunately, there are some solutions that directly address these issues. The ShareBuilder platform was recently launched as a comprehensive solution for sales managers looking for a seamless and efficient approach to data analysis. This all-in-one platform eliminates the need to switch between different systems or spend hours processing data. With over 20 years of experience in radio sales, ShareBuilders recognizes that a sales manager’s time is priceless and strives to make data analysis a simple and efficient process.
The ShareBuilders platform goes a step further and pairs you with a skilled consultant. This partnership is designed to streamline the process, turning problems that would take you hours to solve on your own into concise 30-minute weekly calls with a consultant. This collaborative effort is invaluable for dissecting your forecast while identifying areas of concern and opportunities within your inventory. As a result, you will receive an updated price list that is adjusted weekly based on changes in forecasts and inventory. This dynamic approach ensures your pricing strategy remains agile and competitive.
When it comes to CRM, the ShareBuilder platform is built specifically for media sales teams, designed by media sales professionals who understand the unique needs of the industry. Customized integration with all major transportation systems ensures seamless data flow, while Zapier connectivity opens the door to over 5,000 other platforms for added versatility. If your specific requirements are still not met, ShareBuilders offers an integrated team ready to build a customized solution that meets your goals. Finally, ShareBuilders is the only media sales platform with a dedicated mobile app that allows your sales team to easily update campaigns or pending campaigns. We build CRM with an AE-first mentality, making it as easy as possible to put customer engagement at the forefront of business activities.
In the ever-evolving world of media sales, data analytics has become the key to success. Integrating third-party software solutions, such as the ShareBuilder Platform, not only streamlines the process but also ensures that efficiency promises are fully realized. This modern approach to sales management empowers you to make data-driven decisions, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and navigate complex pricing with confidence. Employing these tools is not just a choice; This is a competitive advantage for any sales manager looking to stand out in today’s media sales environment.
[ad_2]
Source link