Recognition can be accomplished in a number of small, inexpensive ways like an afternoon off, an extra casual day or a handwritten thank you note. Learning Never Stops Most of all, professionalism in sales, as in any other professional endeavor, requires a commitment to continued practice. True professionals read journals and trade literature regularly and have little need to check the materials during the game, the trial or the operation. In retail, though, sales associates are frequently put on the floor with too little product information, understanding of customer attitudes and selling skills. Counter personnel and customer staff members are sent into the game with little training and few resources.
Retail employees put in little practice time and get little coaching.
Most sources predict that competition for employees will continue to be tough. The best candidates will be drafted into teams that are actively recruiting new members. They will stay with companies that provide opportunities to learn new skills and reward each individual staff member in ways that are meaningful to him or her. In addition to all of the responsibilities they already have, managers now will have to be coaches, trainers and, most of all, cheerleaders. All rights reserved.