Monday, 21 May 2012

Online Sales Training and Degree Program Overviews

Online sales training programs are available at multiple levels, from certificates to bachelor's degrees. Participants learn how to market products to the public and how to provide good customer service. Students should check to see if the program they're considering is offered solely online or if in-person classroom attendance is required.

Online Sales Certificate Overview

Sales certificate programs don't require prior sales training or knowledge. Programs offer students the training and skills needed to effectively market and promote services and products to prospective clients. Online sales training programs include classes in marketing, negotiation, ethics, persuasion skills, communication and presentation skills. Students learn how to employ sales techniques, increase client trust, manage relationships and build loyalty. Students interested in taking online sales leadership courses may also want to consider marketing certificates, because many of those programs include sales training courses.

Program Information and Requirements

Online sales training certificate programs can be taken completely online or in a blended format of online and in-person classes. Programs incorporate 12-21 credit hours. Program schedules vary from structured 5-week or 8-week courses to accelerated study that can be taken at any time. Many programs cater to working adults, allowing students to review course material at any time of day.
Students taking online sales training certificate courses will need a computer that has Internet access. A broadband connection will make downloading material considerably faster. Students should not have to purchase additional hardware or software.

Typical Online Sales Training Certificate Course List

Online courses offer textbooks and supplemental learning material. Courses offered solely online may use mock telephone sales calls or presentations so students can practice learned concepts. Blended courses may require a sales presentation in front of the class and the instructor.

Basic Sales Methodology Course

These classes introduce students to all areas of sales, from establishing a revenue source to managing customer relationships. Studies include sales history, psychology of sales, recognition of prospects' needs and desires, negotiation techniques and closing skills.

Marketing Course

Basic marketing courses expose students to common industry terms, ethics, product branding and promotion, marketing plans, advertising and product allocation. Online courses may also provide a review of e-commerce marketing plans.

Customer Service Course

Online courses in customer service examine customers' buying behavior, perception and motivation. Topics also include instruction on building rapport with customers to increase loyalty and trust.

Career Information for Graduates

Wages for sales representatives vary greatly depending on the field of sales and the type of products or services sold. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median hourly wage in May 2009 for sales representatives was $24.48. Sales representatives working in technical and scientific industries saw higher wages, with a median hourly wage of $34.30. Employment for sales representatives is expected to increase by seven percent from 2008-2018.

Online Associate of Science in Sales and Marketing Overview

An associate's degree in sales and marketing does not require prior sales experience or training. Programs introduce students to the sales representative's role within an organization. Curriculum is focused on sales and marketing courses, but it also teaches general business administration concepts such as accounting, business technology and customer relationships. Students learn how to manage the entire sales cycle while also learning how sales activities affect the organization as a whole.

Program Information and Requirements

At some schools, courses can be taken entirely online. Other schools' students may need to complete both online and on-campus classwork. There is little to no distinction between the two programs aside from delivery format. Programs are approximately 60 credit hours, with classes offered during traditional semester schedules. Successful completion of this degree could satisfy requirements toward a bachelor's degree at a 4-year college or university.

Typical Online Associate-Level Sales Training Course List

An Associate of Science in Sales and Marketing program offers courses specific to the online sales program. It also requires general education courses, including English, math and history courses that may not be available online.

Accounting Course

An online course introduces learners to accounting terminology and functions. Students discover accounting concepts such as accounting calendars, accounts receivable and payable, debits, credits, inventory management and payroll.

Marketing Communication Course

In this course, students learn how to develop and manage promotional advertising programs, evaluate sales strategies and present a sales campaign to prospects. Topics also include sales theory and research principles.

Buyer Psychology Course

This class explores the psychological factors that affect customers' buying behavior. Topics include perception, motivation, selection process and influence.

Career Information for Graduates

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the scientific industries that employed the greatest number of sales representatives in 2009 include wholesale electronics, wholesale commercial equipment and wholesale pharmaceutical goods. Sales representatives who worked in wholesale electronics realized an average salary of $90,570 per year. Wholesale commercial equipment representatives earned an average of $80,690 per year, and individuals in the pharmaceutical goods industry got paid $88,150 per year on average.

Overview of Online Bachelor of Science in Sales Management

A Bachelor of Science in Sales Management degree program is appropriate for entry-level sales representatives and seasoned sales professionals. The program prepares students for a career in sales and the eventual management of a sales force. Topics covered include the sales life cycle, customer relations, employee selection, employee coaching and motivation techniques.

Program Information and Requirements

Courses are offered online or in a mixed format of online and on-campus work. Programs are approximately 120 credit hours. Courses are offered during normal semesters or on a 6-month flexible schedule. Many programs demand students spend 15 or more hours each week to complete assigned coursework and exams.

Typical Online Bachelor-Level Sales Training Course List

Sales Management Course

This class teaches students how to effectively manage and motivate sales personnel. Topics include employee evaluation and direction, creation and implementation of incentive programs, communication skills and employee coaching.

International Marketing Course

An international marketing professor introduces students to variables that affect marketing products and services on an international level. Topics cover considerations required for a global market. Many courses teach students how to create an international marketing plan.

Sales Internship

Internships enable students to receive practical experience in sales and marketing, working alongside industry professionals. The majority of internships cannot be completed online.

Career Information for Graduates

Earnings for sales representatives vary depending on the products or services sold and the industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying industries include the insurance industry, as well as Web hosting and data processing. In May 2009, the average salary for sales representatives working in Web hosting and data processing was $104,220 per year. Sales representatives working in the insurance industry earned an average of $102,530 per year.

Continuing Education Information

Some Bachelor of Science in Sales Management degree programs prepare students to earn sales-related certifications upon successful completion of the program. Examples of these certifications include Action Selling Sales Skills and the Certified Sales Executive (CSE) credential.

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