3 Mistakes to Avoid at Your Next Sales Kick-off
December 10, 2021
Your sales reps' expectations from sales kick-offs (SKOs) have changed. They no longer want boring business strategy monologues. They want to network, get energized, and figure out how they’re going to be successful that year. There is also the added challenge of meeting these expectations virtually.
Here are 3 mistakes you could be making at your virtual SKOs that are affecting your sales results.
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Mistake #1 - Packing it all into 48 hours
A typical SKO is an annual mega-event where sales reps are crammed into their seats all day and given one presentation after another. This drains their energy and hampers their ability to absorb and retain information.
Rather than packing it all into one event, space it out over a period of time. Use a virtual platform to shift to a series of sales training, motivation, and enablement events. This facilitates regular check-ins with your remote teams and keeps them engaged.
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Mistake #2 - Opening a floodgate of information
As a sales leader, you may feel tempted to frontload your SKOs with information. But here’s the thing: sharing too much information at once generally ensures your team will not remember most it.
Instead, consider sharing 2 - 3 of your most important initiatives in the SKO, while spreading everything else out over time, in bite-sized pieces. Take this a step further and gamify your SKO and evergreen training with virtual contests and networking games. Keep the momentum going by engaging them with a leaderboard.
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Mistake #3 - Making it boring
If your virtual SKO becomes monotonous, boredom will quickly creep in. And your sales reps are likely to switch off and disconnect.
The key to engagement is to ensure that there is never a dull moment. Bring your sales team to the forefront by engaging with them in the chat. Invite them to perform at the event instead of bringing in professional performers. Enable mind-stimulating activities. Tell stories that are relevant, contextual, and personal.
SKOs are one of the first interactions you have with your larger sales team that year. But they don’t have to be the only ones. Keep your sales team engaged throughout the year with regular virtual events and the added advantage of gamification (which competitive salespeople often love). Most importantly, produce memorable digital experiences by investing in the right virtual event platform.
You're in the right place! Discover how Hubilo’s advanced yet easy-to-use event platform can help you host engaging virtual SKOs. Sign up for a free demo.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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