3 Mistakes to Avoid at Your Next Sales Kick-off

December 10, 2021
Hubilo

Your sales reps' expectations from sales kick-offs (SKOs) have changed. They no longer want boring business strategy monologues. They want to network, get energized, and figure out how they’re going to be successful that year. There is also the added challenge of meeting these expectations virtually.

Here are 3 mistakes you could be making at your virtual SKOs that are affecting your sales results.

  • Mistake #1 - Packing it all into 48 hours

A typical SKO is an annual mega-event where sales reps are crammed into their seats all day and given one presentation after another. This drains their energy and hampers their ability to absorb and retain information.

Rather than packing it all into one event, space it out over a period of time. Use a virtual platform to shift to a series of sales training, motivation, and enablement events. This facilitates regular check-ins with your remote teams and keeps them engaged.  

  • Mistake #2 - Opening a floodgate of information

As a sales leader, you may feel tempted to frontload your SKOs with information. But here’s the thing: sharing too much information at once generally ensures your team will not remember most it.

Instead, consider sharing 2 - 3 of your most important initiatives in the SKO, while spreading everything else out over time, in bite-sized pieces. Take this a step further and gamify your SKO and evergreen training with virtual contests and networking games. Keep the momentum going by engaging them with a leaderboard. 

Hubilo Sales

  • Mistake #3 - Making it boring

If your virtual SKO becomes monotonous, boredom will quickly creep in. And your sales reps are likely to switch off and disconnect. 

The key to engagement is to ensure that there is never a dull moment. Bring your sales team to the forefront by engaging with them in the chat. Invite them to perform at the event instead of bringing in professional performers. Enable mind-stimulating activities. Tell stories that are relevant, contextual, and personal.

SKOs are one of the first interactions you have with your larger sales team that year. But they don’t have to be the only ones. Keep your sales team engaged throughout the year with regular virtual events and the added advantage of gamification (which competitive salespeople often love). Most importantly, produce memorable digital experiences by investing in the right virtual event platform.

You're in the right place! Discover how Hubilo’s advanced yet easy-to-use event platform can help you host engaging virtual SKOs. Sign up for a free demo.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.