Science Interactive Group Knowledgebase

Sales Stage Compass

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Stage Needs / Success Criteria Strategies/Tips/Tools
Prospecting
  • Identify Target Institutions and Contacts
  • Research Institution Background, needs, strategic initiatives
  • understand key decision-makers and influencers
  • Identify current solution used (if any)
  • Determine potential challenges w/ current solution
  • Browse Target Institution website
  • Identify key contacts to prospect by using site directories
  • Identify suitable courses that align with our offerings
  • View syllabus if possible to understand current solution in place
  • Prioritize prospects with a history of purchasing similar solutions
  • Use Linkedin to connect with prospects and build a network.
Initial Contact (Introduction)
  • Send intro email
  • Initial cold call
  • Establish Rapport & build trust
  • Deliver Value based "Elevator Pitch/30-Second Commercial
  • Uncover pain points and goals
  • Close for discovery call (if limited on time)
  • Utilize established cold email templates and customize as needed.
  • Add contact(s) to Dynamics 365 Sales Accelerator to run a high touch sequence
  • Utilize cold call script if needed
Discovery & Qualification
  • Establish purpose of the call (fit), gain prospects consent to the purpose of the call
  • Discover relevant pain points
  • Understand prospects pricing expectations
  • Set pricing expectations based on SI averages and explain rationale
  • Understand decision-making landscape, process, and evaluation criteria
  • Close for next meeting (invite key decision-makers if possible)
  • Assign tasks for the prospect (Lab Alignment through course builder or Syllabus 48 hours prior to Demo)
  • For Overall strategy on Discovery, see The Discovery Playbook Use open-ended questions to uncover deeper needs
  • Take every opportunity to draw from previous experiences and make reference to past client interactions to build credibility
  • Utilize Discovery Question Bank for to ensure discovery is as thorough as possible
  • Take notes and summarize key points to confirm understanding 
  • Be prepared to tactfully disqualify if needed
Solution Build
  • Prepare pitch deck based on discovery call findings
  • Develop a tailored solution that addresses the client's specific needs
  • align solution with clients goals and expected outcomes
  • Prepare pricing proposal (include in pitch deck)
  • Identify potential objections and prepare responses
  • Establish partnership plan (close plan internally) based on mutually agreed timelines, with firm deadlines set. 
  • Leverage case studies, Annual lab report or past successes to build credibility
  • Involve technical experts (Scientist SME's, Implementation (for technical questions, LTI1.3) or if the solution is complex
  • Utilize the Marketing Tool Matrix to provide prospects with rich content based on uncovered pain points and concerns
Solution Presentation/Demo
  • Present the tailored pitch deck solution to the client’s and decision-making team (if possible)
  • Demonstrate how the solution meets the client’s needs and solves their challenges
  • Provide relevant statistics from case studies or success stories (as needed)
  • Gather feedback and address concerns
  • Overcome objections as needed
  • Re-establish partnership plan, revisit timelines, reconfirm deadlines
  • Close for next meeting
  • Utilize official Sales Pitch Deck
  • Create a compelling "Here's what we heard slide" revisiting uncovered pain points.
  • Open the conversation with "What if anything has changed since the last ime we spoke?" to immediately force client engagement early.
  • For the cloud walkthrough, customize based on needs and utilize "why-based" selling
  • Refer to the Cloud Features Matrix
Develop Proposal/Adoption Agreement
  • Present a formal proposal including pricing, terms, and discuss implementation timeline
  • Ensure that the proposal aligns with the client's budget and expectations
  • Clarify any uncertainties and negotiate terms if necessary
  • Revisit Adoption deadline
  • Send adoption agreement via Adobe Sign
  • Clearly outline ROI and benefits in the proposal email
  • Set firm deadline in relation to their goals and mutually agreed upon timelines
  • Outline our process to ensure a smooth launch and use it to drive urgency
Negotiation & Handling Objections (as needed)
  • Address any remaining client concerns or objections
  • Negotiate final terms, pricing, and implementation details
  • Ensure all stakeholders are satisfied with the proposed solution and terms
  • Use active listening to understand objections
  • Refer to article on Objection Handling
Close
  • Secure the client’s commitment (verbal agreement, signed adoption)
  • Confirm final details regarding implementation, support, and delivery method
  • Identify bookstore contact
  • Set expectations for the next steps and ongoing communication
  • Reach out to bookstore manager to ensure kits are ordered by x date (if voucher or bulk)
  • Create a sense of urgency without pressuring the client. (Needs based, WIIFM)
  • Send a personalized thank you note after closing
  • Introduce yourself, Science Interactive to the bookstore manager to make sure they are clear on the course materials and quantities needed.
  • Set clear expectations on when orders should be placed in relations to a class start date
  • Utilize Bookstore Engagement Email Template
Implementation
  • Introduce assigned Implementation Specialist
  • Schedule Implementation Kick-off call
  • Conduct a follow-up call post implementation and ahead of 1st class start
  • Schedule regular check-ins during implementation
  • Gather client feedback to adjust and improve the solution if necessary
  • Check-in on course enrollment to see if anything has changed from the time adoptions was signed
  • Ask about course marketing process and lend expertise where needed (understand when course syllabus needs to be published, when course needs to be added to enrollment directory, course schedules etc.)
  • Understand if client needs any specific marketing material/best practices to boost enrollment

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