Sales Meeting Theme Ideas You Can Use

A lot of people have trouble coming up with sales meeting theme ideas for their sales people. The following are some sample sales meeting theme ideas to get your brain working and help you come up with your own ideas.

Holiday Based Sales Meeting Theme Ideas

Holiday – Sales Meeting Theme Ideas
New Year – Set goals for the new year.
Washington’s Birthday – Never lie to a customer.
Valentine – Fall in love with your prospect.
March Winds – A big blow won’t necessarily get the order.
April Showers – Shower each customer with service.
Easter or New Growth – A chance for a new start.
Green Thumb – Cultivate new customers.
Spring Fling – Wake up and live!
Baseball – Hit home runs with your prospects.
May Day – Calls for a celebration
Decoration Day – Salespeople; the infantry of American business.
Graduation – Training series now over.
June Bride – Marry your customer.
July 4th – Be hot as a firecracker.

Summertime – Shirt sleeve session.
Vacation -Work now—retire later.
Fishing – Fish for the big ones.
Back to School – Start of training series.
Football or Kickoff – Beginning of new program.
Columbus Day – Astounding discovery.
Halloween – Spooks are laziness, neglect, et al.
Golden Harvest – Commissions to be reaped.
Horn of Plenty – Money for everybody.
Thanksgiving – Management thanks salesmen.
Winter Whirl – Build a hot fire.
Christmas  – Gifts for salesmen.

Subject Based Sales Meeting Theme Ideas

Subject – Sales Meeting Theme Ideas
Prospecting – Look for customers.
Go Getter – Take action.
Opportunity – Make the most of it.
Treasure Hunt – Let’s find it.
Pirate – Don’t let competitors in.
Enthusiasm – go, Go, GO
Gold Rush – Get your share.
Big Game – Hunt Find the big sales.
Pioneers’ – Party Be among the first.
Black Magic – Calls pay off like magic.
Wheel of Fortune – You can make a fortune.
Carnival – Don’t be a pitch man.
Circus or Big Top – Ringmaster, clown, thin man.
Masquerade – Prospects wear different disguises.
Vaudeville – Have a variety of talents.
Cowboy – Roundup customers.
Bury The Hatchet – Regain lost customers.
Fiesta – Celebrate over the Latin market.
Sell-a-bration – A sales rally.
Bonanza A real gold strike.
Road to Success – Take it. Go!
Transportation – Let work be your vehicle.
Aviation – Let’s fly high.
Atomic Energy – A huge sales explosion.
Courtroom – Trial for poor sales practices.

Watch for future posts on sales meeting theme ideas.

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To prepare a sales meeting agenda, select topics in keeping with the objective.
If you want to motivate salesmen, what subjects would be most likely to do it? Wouldn’t something on enthusiasm be inspirational? What about positive thinking?  Should you have someone give an account of how he succeeded?

Sales Meeting Agenda Qustions

Let’s suppose you want to train instead of motivate in your sales meeting agenda.  In what areas is training needed?  Is it: product information or closing techniques?   Can your training needs be satisfied at one sales meeting or should a series of sales meetings be scheduled?

Which training needs are most important?  For example, isn’t it all important for every person to master his or her sales presentation? Which needs are most urgent? Shouldn’t you do something now to get them to move overstocked items?

By asking questions such as these you can then decide upon appropriate subject matter for your sales meeting agenda.

Arrange Your Sales Meeting Agenda by Subject

Items for the agenda should be arranged in logical sequence. Tips on approaching the customer are placed before methods of presenting the product.  A demonstration of the product should precede closing the sale. 

The sales vice president of an industrial concern said, “A natural sequence (in your sales meeting agenda) makes for better understanding. Schedule any general information first. Then narrow the subject matter toward your objective, becoming more specific all the time.”

Sample Sales Meeting Agenda

Objective: To make strong closers of the salesmen.
1st Subject (3 minutes): Recent sales trends showing a need for closing more sales.
2nd Subject (3 minutes): The steps in a sale—attention, interest, desire, action.
3rd Subject (15 minutes): Step number 4—how to close, or how to prompt action.
4th Subject (15 minutes): A movie or some demonstrations on trial closes.
5th Subject (3 minutes): Summary, plea for application in the field, inspirational close.

Sales Meeting Agenda Sequence

In the foregoing sample sales meeting agenda, note the logical sequence of subject matter. The need or reason for strong closing is developed before emphasis is placed on the subject. This makes the salesperson want to learn more about closing techniques.

Then the steps in a sale are briefly covered. This shows the relationship of the close to the other steps, pointing up its importance. Thereafter, all emphasis is on the close itself.

Review additional posts for more information on planning a Sales Meeting Agenda.

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What will a good sales meeting do for you?

There’s a sales meeting somewhere.  Morning, noon, or night— a sales meeting is taking place. There are more this year than last, and next year there’ll be more than ever.  

Sales meetings are popular because of one thing . . . they pay dividends!

They’re often the difference between profit and loss, the difference between success and failure.  Sales meetings are that important.

Meetings can work wonders for the people attending.  After a snappy sales meeting in Akron, Ohio, a salesman remarked, “I learned more about selling in one hour than I had in the last year!” Another commented, “I always get ‘pumped up’ when I go to our sales meeting. I’d be lost without them.”

Good sales meetings are profitable for all concerned.  However a sales meeting must actually be good for everyone to benefit.  If there’s reason to believe a sales meeting will not be successful, improve your plans … or don’t stage the meeting.

If there’s doubt about the need for a sales meeting, establish the need … or don’t call the meeting.  A poor meeting is torture. Even a mediocre meeting is not acceptable.

An effective sales meeting is instructional and inspirational, both interesting and exciting. Everyone attending becomes a participant, at least in spirit. They accept and approve, nodding their heads in agreement with the speakers and demonstrations.

Sales Meeting = Increase In Sales

Your greatest benefit will be an increase in sales. While this increase cannot always be measured, it is the main reason for having a sales meeting and the natural result of good meeting.  You should expect an increase in sales. If necessary, you should insist upon it.

The Sales Manager of an Eastern concern stated, “We’ve tried ‘em all—contests, push periods, red-letter days—everything from Christmas bonuses to a founder’s day banquet. But the best way to stimulate sales is by meetings—regular and well planned sales meetings.”

A case in point: a chain system of variety stores had few meetings. “Most stores had monthly get-togethers,” a vice president reported. “And to be honest about it, those monthly meetings were sometimes skipped. But last year we insisted on weekly sales meetings—good weekly meetings. And sales increased 16 percent, apparently for that reason alone.”

Review some of the other post on this blog to learn more about planning an effective sales meeting.

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2. Eliminate interruptions in advance. It’s folly for a dozen people to be idle while one person talks on the telephone. Don’t allow any members of the conference group to take calls during the meeting.

3. Have an open mind. If you don’t, why hold a conference?  If an employer is determined that things will be a certain way, there’s no need for a conference. Merely an announcement will serve the purpose.

4. Get them acquainted. Be sure all conference members have met each other. A friendly atmosphere relaxes everyone. Be sure to create it.

5. Try to analyze. Break down the problem so you won’t have more than the group can handle. Many subjects are too broad for an effective problem solving conference. Other problems may be beyond the scope of authority of the conference group. Always analyze the problem to determine if it is appropriate.

6. Stay alert. Quick thinking is a must. Day dreaming can cause the conference leader to be caught off guard.

7. Accept all contributions. The fellow who’s not permitted to throw in his 2 cents worth will be miffed. Perhaps his comment is unimportant to everyone else. But it’s important to the person contributing it, so let him say a few words.

8. Keep on the track. Tangents are often interesting but seldom profitable. Virtually every conference will wander out into “right field” if permitted to do so. You, the leader, must keep the discussion aimed in the right direction.

9. Refrain from squelching anyone. It doesn’t pay! If someone gets out of line the others will take care of him.

10. Avoid sarcasm and ridicule. People don’t appreciate it. While it makes a guy feel superior to belittle one of his conference members, it’s nothing short of professional suicide.

11. Use tact. Many people wear their feelings on their sleeves.  It’s easy to offend a person when speaking to him in front of others. How you treat a conference member is important. But how he feels you’ve treated him is even more important.

12. Let them save face. When one conference member gets “crucified” by another, put in a good word for the loser. Help save at least part of his face.

13. Have a sense of humor. An occasional laugh improves the “climate.” So be ready to laugh, especially at yourself. “I have two or three jokes ready in advance,” said a Minneapolis con
ference leader. “I work them in when things start getting stale.”

14. Consider early departures. Certain participants may have special interests or qualifications. Make them feel free to leave after they are no longer involved.

15. Keep it moving. No one else is concerned about the progress of the conference. Be sure that you are. Even the brass should not be permitted to bog down the proceedings. You must keep it moving at all costs.

16. Subordinate your own opinion. Give your ideas. But consider them no more important than those of any other conference member. A Texarkana sales manager said, “Nothing is worse than a conference leader who places his opinion over that of others. He’s taking unfair advantage of his position.”

17. Remain in charge. Either you run the conference or others do. Don’t let it “get out of hand.”

18. Have only one speaker at a time. Side conversations are undesirable since those involved do not hear what is being said in the conference. A good way to stop a side conversation: “Can everyone hear what Mr. Jones is saying?”

19. Get distribution of discussion. Everyone should participate. One or two should not be permitted to hog the show.

20. Push for a solution. Little has been accomplished until the problem is solved. Ever seen a guided missile seek out its target? It’s relentless. A good conference leader is much the same way. He pursues his target, a solution, refusing to be thwarted en route.

Sales Meeting Ideas

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Example Letter
 
Mr. Jack Brighton
SellMore Stores, Inc.
Yourtown, U.S.A.

Attention: A small fortune in one day! Seems impossible, but is it?

Interest: Many dealers, like yourself, handle our merchandise. You’re doing a terrific job, too. But some of you expressed a desire to do even better. You suggested a sales meeting. You felt that more product information was needed. You also asked for tips on selling this particular line.

Desire:    You can have exactly what you want. We’ll give you an all-day meeting chock-full of money making ideas. There’ll be exhibits, displays, demonstrations, prizes, and surprises. You’ll love it! Your sales will zoom up¬wards because of this fabulous meeting!

Action: We’ll convene from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6th, at the Jefferson Hotel. Please be our guest for lunch that day. And if you care to bring an assistant, that’s fine. Two tickets are enclosed.

No reply is expected. Just be there!

Cordially,

Richard Kendall
President

Sales Meeting Ideas

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Note the product publicity in this example of a newspaper story.

APPLIANCE DEALERS CONVENE HERE

Appliance dealers from seven states meet here today and    tomorrow.   
Guests of the ABC Range Co., they will be shown why it is quicker and safer to cook with gas.    More than 300 dealers are    expected. Headquarters are being set up at the Royal Hotel.    Local sponsors are the Smith Furniture & Appliance Store and the Oak Cliff Stop-Shop.

Highlight of the meeting will be introduction of the new ABC models. “We have some beautiful new styling,” announced ABC President Richard Roe. Also, there’s a model to fit the  pocketbook   of  every family in the country.”  Introduction of the new line will climax Wednesday’s session. Dealer of the Year will be crowned on Thursday.

By using your sales meeting publicity to promote your products as well as the meeting itself you can get a double benefit from your efforts.

More Sales Meeting Ideas

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SAMPLE QUIZ ON APPROACHES

Type of Selling: Over the counter.

1.    There are three types of approaches.    TRUE     FALSE

2.    The salutation approach is always used on friends,      TRUE     FALSE

3.    “May I help you?” is an overworked service approach.     TRUE       FALSE

4.    “What may I show you?” is a good service approach,    TRUE     FALSE

5.    A merchandise approach saves time.     TRUE     FALSE

6.    The customer’s name should not be used in the approach.   TRUE       FALSE

7.    Tell a waiting customer, “I’ll be with you in a moment.”    TRUE       FALSE

8.    You should never have anything in your hands during the approach.    TRUE       FALSE

After the quiz has been distributed and scored, discuss each question.  “Who has the answer to the first one . . . False? You’re right – that’s false! But what’s the main idea there? So what should you do as a result?”

The important thing is to bring out the underlying teaching point. How the individual answered the question is not significant. What the group finally learned about it — that’s the thing.
Multiple choice and completion type questions can also be used. True-false is usually best, however, because it’s so simple.
 
Don’t grade adults. They resent it. Instead, let each person correct his own paper. They’ll usually want a “yardstick,” so give it to them: “If you missed only three, you did very well. If you missed less than three, you should be the instructor!”

Let them keep their tests. Encourage a review at some future date. But avoid a school room atmosphere. Adults absolutely will not accept it. They left school long ago and they’re not going back!

Sales Meeting Ideas

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Announce a Welcomed Policy or Procedure

Distribute a New Sales Aid

Tell of New Merchandising Material

Spring a New Ad or Advertising Campaign

Play Up an Addition to Your Product Line

Show Next Year’s Models

Announce a Contest

Name Contest Winners

Present Achievement Awards

Use a Fast Inspirational Speech

Devise a Gimmick

Enter Spouses and Sweethearts

Use Meditation

Surprise Them With a V.I.P.

Sales Meeting

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Then continue more slowly with “Think of the wonderful opportunity we have.” Pause.

“Think of the many customers we’re serving, the big job that’s being done.” Pause, lowering your voice still more. “Think of the many additional people we should be serving.” Pause. “Let’s resolve to get and to serve these many additional customers.”

Pause longer. “Let’s serve more people, while also helping ourselves. We can do it, we will do it. Good luck and good night.”

This type of climax won’t send them home shouting. But if preceded by a good meeting it can be quite dramatic and effective. It will send them home inspired to do a bigger job than ever.

Sales Meeting Ideas

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DON’T let a semi-climax outshine the conclusion of your meeting. The major highlight should invariably be last.

DON’T summarize after the climax. Do it earlier. While summation helps get your message across, it’s not sufficiently colorful to serve as the climax.

DON’T thank participants at the end of the meeting. Anytime before will do. An expression of thanks at the end takes the edge off things.

DON’T stall around if you finish early. Conclude the meeting ahead of time. A stall is anticlimactic.

DON’T leave the impression you’re closing the meeting merely because you’ve run out of topics: “Well, if there’s nothing else to cover . . .”

DON’T acknowledge a raised hand when you’re bringing the meeting to a close. Ignore it. See the individual later. His question or comment would have taken the frosting off the cake.

DON’T let a comment from the floor cause a long discussion at the last minute. If someone speaks up even though not invited to do so, make him be brief. Brush him off politely but quickly.

DON’T let someone in the audience have the last word, or even the next to last word. There’s no reason to believe he will say something to help you close on a high note. Regain control of the situation. Then close it yourself.

DON’T ignore the obvious. It usually is evident that the audience will want to know some fact, such as the time of the next session or date of the next meeting. Anticipate these things. Supply the information so there won’t be anticlimactic last minute questions from the floor.

DON’T be indefinite or indecisive. Conclude with vigor.

DON’T thank the audience for attending, especially near the close. If you’ve conducted a sparkling meeting, the audience should thank you!

Sales Meeting

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