How can sales managers learn to think creatively?

Sales managers can cultivate creative thinking by embracing diverse perspectives and fostering a culture that encourages unconventional ideas. Encouraging team brainstorming sessions can spark innovative approaches to sales challenges. Exposing oneself to unrelated fields or industries can inspire fresh ideas. Sales managers should seek out opportunities to break routine, inviting unconventional thinking that transcends traditional sales methodologies. By challenging assumptions, embracing curiosity, and creating an environment that values experimentation, sales managers can foster a culture of creative problem-solving, ultimately leading to more innovative and effective sales strategies.

Sales managers can learn to think creatively by adopting a few strategies and practices. For example, a manager could organize regular brainstorming sessions where everyone is encouraged to share their ideas and insights. This can lead to innovative solutions and strategies that might not have been considered otherwise. By attending seminars, webinars, different fairs, expos, workshops, or public events to get the latest industry trends. Going outside the usual market to know what people are looking for or know their expectations, and needs, regular data analysis, and identifying the trends and patterns to make a strategy. Remember creativity is developed by practice with encouragement.

The best thing and advice is to speak to someone who is not involved in the industry nor in the project - you will be surprised how they see things and what solutions they offer.

In my 15th year of business, I lost $300,000 in sales from my annual turnover due to the move to offshore manufacturing. This naturally impacted my bottom line. I had to think quickly & creatively with immediate action - pivot and come up with a new sales strategy for future growth. I cut back on costs like ending my lease agreement with the premises, reduced utilities, and even terminated a staff member. From here I was able to pivot and I started cold calling face-to-face new prospects. During this process, I picked up a new client. I built a strong relationship and rapport. Twelve months later the client introduced me to the world's leading company to eradicate world poverty: World Vision where I supplied branded merchandise.

Remember to regularly step out of your comfort zone and expose yourself to new experiences and ideas. This could mean exploring different industries, attending workshops, or simply having conversations with people from diverse backgrounds. Such exposure broadens your perspective and sparks new ideas. Additionally, set aside time for brainstorming and reflection, where you can freely think and explore without the pressure of immediate results. By cultivating these practices, you nurture a creative mindset that's not just about generating ideas, but about seeing opportunities in challenges and thinking innovatively in all aspects of your work.

From my experience, important takeaways include grasping various personality styles, appreciating the importance of time management, and realizing that creativity is a skill that can be nurtured. It's crucial for top sales professionals and managers to incorporate significant creativity into their strategies and daily operations. Boosting creativity is achievable, and vital methods for doing so involve noting down ideas, maintaining curiosity, exploring new knowledge, breaking habitual patterns, welcoming novel concepts, paying attention to details, engaging in hobbies, developing a sense of humor, and being open to taking risks. Adopting these habits is instrumental in developing a mindset that fosters creative thinking.