The ability to connect with customers is an important skill, especially during outbound sales calls. While every sales rep aspires to close deals, there may be moments when their approach inadvertently pushes potential clients away. A good sales rep will recognize the subtle cues that indicate a disconnect and make the necessary adjustments to ensure a positive outcome.
However, it can be challenging for sales managers to identify the opposite—when an employee is turning away customers. To stay on top of your team’s performance, we’ve outlined five red flags to look out for.
The Dangers of Hiring Subpar Sales Reps
The cost of losing a customer due to an underperforming sales rep can be significant. Not only does it affect your bottom line and waste valuable resources, but it can also damage your company’s reputation. Customers are more likely to share negative outbound sales call experiences than positive ones, which can quickly spread through word of mouth and online reviews.
Additionally, a poorly performing sales rep can create a negative work environment for their colleagues. Their lack of success may lead to frustration and demotivation among other team members, ultimately affecting the overall sales performance of your entire company. As a sales manager, you must proactively identify and address these red flags before they become what your business is known for.
5 Red Flags to Screen For While Hiring
The best time to address these issues is during the hiring process. By screening for these indicators, you can avoid hiring mediocre sales reps and save your company from potential losses.
1. Unwilling to Follow the Rules
Consistently flouting company scripts, processes, and procedures is a major red flag. While creativity and adaptability are essential qualities for a sales rep, they must also be willing to follow the outbound sales call guidelines set forth by the company. If they refuse to do so during the hiring process, it’s unlikely that their behavior will change when they become an employee.
2. Slow Response Time
Sales reps must be able to think on their feet and quickly respond to customer inquiries. Be cognizant of if a potential hire takes an extended period to answer even the simplest questions, as it may be a sign of disinterest or lack of critical thinking skills.
3. Limited Availability
Sales is a fast-paced industry, and customers need quick responses. If a candidate has limited availability for interviews, is slow to respond to requests, or can’t provide enough work hours, it may be a sign that they won’t be able to quickly respond to customer queries in the manner you’re looking for.
4. No Reporting Processes
A successful sales team requires detailed reporting processes to track progress and make strategic decisions. Candidates with no reporting processes in place may lack organization and attention to detail. Without proper reporting, you risk losing track of potential leads and hampering the overall success of your team.
5. Unwillingness to Learn
The best sales reps are constantly learning and improving their skills. If a candidate shows no interest in learning or refuses to take constructive criticism, it can be a sign that they are not committed to their personal development. This can have a detrimental effect on their performance and the success of your team.
Achieve Exceptional Outbound Sales Calls With Slingshot
At the end of the day, hiring the right sales rep is crucial for your company’s success. By being aware of these red flags and making sure to hire top performers, you can ensure that your outbound sales calls are handled with care and expertise. However, even with a stellar team, managing high call volumes can be challenging.
That’s where Slingshot comes in. Our expert sales reps are trained to handle a high volume of outbound calls with compassion, expertise, and efficiency. Working with us will come with benefits like:
- 30-second response time
- Tailored scripts and processes to your specific brand
- Easy-to-digest reports to track progress
- Customizable call volumes to fit your needs
Don’t let subpar sales reps turn away your customers. Contact Slingshot today and see the difference in outbound sales call performance.
