Selling effectively entails keeping up with industry updates and trends. In this post, we’ll be examining the smartest sales trends to emerge in 2016. Many of these will still be applicable in the years to come and will revolutionize the sales landscape.
1. There will be over 6 million salespeople in the US by 2020
In addition, it is estimated that the majority of this figure will consist of inside salespeople. At present, the ratio for inside sales is 54.5% compared to 45.5% for field sales.
2. An estimated 1 million salespeople will be replaced by computers by 2020
We’re already seeing disruptions taking place across several industries. For example, Uber is rolling out driverless ride-sharing cars. As consumers shift towards mobile and web-based applications, many B2B salespeople will see their jobs taken over by automated bots.
3. Talent growth will be exponential, not linear
The average salesperson’s tenure has dropped to 2 to 3 years (previously 5 to 7 years). Job descriptions are constantly changing as companies continue to evolve.
4. Leadership will be defined by merit
Salespeople want to join industry shakers; they also prefer to follow leaders who know how to lead. In this fast-changing global environment, we are currently facing a shortage of leaders who truly know how to manage and inspire.
5. 100 million people in the over–50 market means a longevity boom
Approximately 40% of the baby boomer workforce (78 million) plan to retire early. Incredibly, 80% of the US aggregate net worth is controlled by this group. It’s time to think of ways to monetize retirement.
6. A rise in millennial managers
Next in line to lead is the Gen Ys. This particular group has historically shown that their interest in leading is to help empower others.
7. Gen Z is primed to become the youth influencers of tomorrow
They are smart, savvy and follow trends. They are also very good at social influence. It’s imperative that you take time to study this particular group’s habits.
8. Productivity will depend on cross-generation collaborations
It’s all about building networks and tribes that focus on collaboration instead of a “top-down” management approach.
9. Identify “No power, no potential” people
You need to identity people with no power and no potential and stop them from diluting your sales analytics.
10. Distance is no longer a barrier
Remote working is gaining traction quickly. It’s not uncommon to find teams working in a decentralized office and communicating via teleconferencing.
11. We’ll see a rise in the gig economy
It’s estimated that 40% of Americans will be part of the gig economy by 2020, and they will hold more than one single job.
12. Stealing micro-moments while multitasking
With apps, people are constantly multitasking – searching on the go or shopping while on a break. Seize this opportunity to sell.
13. Workspaces are popping up everywhere
While the traditional office space is shrinking, more co-working spaces are appearing. The ability to work from anywhere now is the result of employees desiring work-life balance.
14. From work-life balance to work-life integration
The line that defines work and personal life is blurring as people bring their work lives home and their personal lives to work.
15. The self-paced eLearning market is expected to reach $49.9 billion this year
Learning will continue to form an important aspect in 2016, with online corporate training expected to grow by 13% by year-end.
16. 280 million smartphone users launch apps 60 times a day
If your business doesn’t have a useable app, then you are missing out on a mobile landscape that’s easily monetized.
