By TrainingCourseMaterial.com
New hires face a lot in their first few weeks: products to learn, systems to navigate, names to remember, and expectations to meet. As a manager, your role is to make that transition smoother—and faster.
Support Starts Early
- Have a clear onboarding plan covering the first week, month, and quarter. Prioritize the essentials.
- Introduce them to key team members in a relaxed setting—don’t overwhelm them.
- Give them time to rotate across departments and understand the bigger picture.
- Adjust your expectations. Some will ramp up quickly. Others need more time. That’s okay.
Coaching in the Field
Developing salespeople takes more than training sessions. It takes active observation and feedback.
- Assign a buddy: Pair new hires with experienced teammates, especially those strong in their weak spots.
- Tag for growth: Know the one key area each person is working on—initiation, closing, listening—and keep coaching it.
- Spotlight best practice: When someone handles a customer well, call it out. Use it as a learning moment for the whole team.
- Watch them sell: Not from over the shoulder—but nearby. Notice what they say, how they say it, and how they carry themselves.
- Let them watch you: Lead by example. Sell in front of them, and invite them to shadow top performers too.
No-Cost Motivation Methods
- Praise often: “Well done” goes a long way. Be specific about what they did well.
- Handwritten notes: Quick, simple, and surprisingly memorable.
- Public recognition: Start meetings by highlighting wins. Call out achievements.
- Employee of the Month: Keep it simple—certificate, shout-out, or half-day off.
- Internal shout-outs: A name in the company newsletter or intranet creates pride.
Low-Cost Ideas That Work
- Certificates and mini-awards: Mark the moment with a quick celebration.
- Time off: One of the most appreciated motivators—without hitting the budget.
- Gift cards or movie tickets: Small tokens that feel like a reward.
- Sales contests: Great for short bursts of energy or pushing specific products. Keep them rare and fun.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to coach new sales hires?
Mix formal training with field observation. Give targeted feedback and let them learn by watching top performers.
How do I motivate salespeople without spending money?
Praise often. Recognize wins in meetings. Send handwritten notes. People respond to being seen.
What makes sales contests effective?
Keep them short, focused, and fun. Make the rewards feel achievable and worth the effort.
About the Author
Written by the TrainingCourseMaterial.com editorial team—professional trainers with over 15 years of experience helping companies build high-performing sales teams through ready-to-deliver training material packages. Our resources are used by trainers in 90+ countries.
Reviewed and fact-checked by the TrainingCourseMaterial.com editorial team on . Originally published September 2021. Estimated reading time: 6 minutes.
