Sales Quotas: An Analytical Approach to Quota Setting - Paperback

by Mark Blessington (Author)

Sales Quotas is a comprehensive guide on how to set better quotas for salespeople. Written by a top sales force consultant, the book identifies common bad habits and explains how to break them.

Few companies use market potential data when setting quotas, which can punish top performers. We describe how to obtain the data and use it to set more accurate quotas.

Many managers are not aware of the statistical principles that govern how quotas work. Part of the problem is that statisticians are often unintelligible. Sales Quotas explains topics like the law of large numbers with easy-to-understand language and real-world examples.

One common quota setting method uses prior year growth to set quotas. This is a good start, but there are far more accurate ways to forecast sales. We identify simple but effective forecasting methods and show you how to integrate them into the quota setting process.

Very few companies test their quota setting methods for accuracy before releasing them. By running simulations on prior year sales results, you can actually discover which methods work best for your company.

These and other quota setting issues are solved through the use of real-world examples and exercises. We also make the book fun to read with numerous, full-color tables, charts and graphics.

Sales Quotas is the first book to focus exclusively on quota setting. Previously, managers were flying blind with little to no analytical guidance. Now managers can follow a proven process and apply a comprehensive set of tools to set better quotas.

The benefits of a rigorous quota setting process are substantial. In short, better quotas increase sales force utilization and motivation, which in turn leads to higher sales and profits.

Author Biography

Mark Blessington is a highly experienced sales and marketing consultant with a proven track record. He has served many leading corporations including:

Healthcare Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Baxter, Amgen

Financial Services Wells Fargo, American Express, PNC, US Bank, Allstate, State Farm, Nationwide

Other GE, ATT, Verizon, Nestle, PepsiCo, Kellogg, Stanley, Avis Budget

Prior to founding Mark Blessington Inc, Mark worked at Sibson Consulting for 17 years. Some notable accomplishments include a book (Sales Reengineering From the Outside In) and over 20 articles on sales force effectiveness.