As a sales coach, I am often asked: Can eliminating sales quotas increase profits? I don’t think so, but taking the time to set the right sales quotas will. Here’s how.
Can eliminating sales quotas increase profits?
Eliminating sales quotas simply won't work in a performance based career. In fact, eliminating quotas would have the exact opposite effect on profits, in much the same way that guaranteeing a salesperson a job for life without asking them to produce any sales would be.
Depending on who you talk to, yes, there are pros and cons to sales quotas. However, in my opinion, the cons stem mostly from not setting sales quotas properly.
What is a Sales Quota?
A sales quota is an expression of an expectation. It is the same as publishing the hours of work to a salaried employee or the minimum level of production required to an assembly line worker.
By assigning a measurable target, the sales organization is clearly defining the minimum level of performance that will be accepted as a condition of employment. Without a quota, the employer is simply stating that sales production really doesn't matter. Sales will drop as a result, and let's face it, without a top line there will not be a bottom line.
Why Would you Consider Eliminating Sales Quotas?
Where did the idea of eliminating quotas come from? It stems from the fact that the quota assigned is not the right target in the first place. The thinking is if no one is reaching it, it is not motivating anyone to achieve more. So why bother to keep it? The answer is if you assign the right sales quota, your business will actually grow!
What is the Right Quota?
Determining a sales professional's target quota is a heavily debated topic among sales managers. On one end of the spectrum is the belief that quotas should be low enough so the entire sales team achieves it. This results in a feeling of accomplishment, creating a more productive environment. On the other end is the belief that quotas should be set so unreachably high that everyone is always striving to attain them.
I have experienced the two programs in both direct sales and sales management roles. As such, I believe that the right quota level is somewhere in between. You want your quota high enough that your sales people have to push themselves to reach it. However, you don't want it so high it is demoralizing because no one can. Quotas need to be challenging, but achievable. After all, wouldn't having your entire team selling at quota be a nice problem to have as sales manager?
You Need to Adjust Sales Quotas Over Time
As quotas work best when they are challenging yet achievable, it stands to reason that as time goes by, you will need to adjust your target quotas. As sales representatives stretch to make this year's quota, it may not be challenging for them to reach the same sales level next year. Therefore, a reasonable percentage increase annually is called for, which also grows your profit proportionately.
How to Assign the Right Sales Quota to Your Sales Reps
One way to set your target quotas is to look at your existing team. What is the average among all of your sales representatives? How many members of your team are above average? At what level are your top producers selling?
As a general rule, if 25 percent of your team is at quota or above, your assigned quotas are in the right ball park. If no one is reaching quota, they are simply too high. The reverse is if everyone is above quota. Although this would be a nice problem to have, chances are that your quota is too low.
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Use A Scientific Profit Based Model
A more scientific approach to setting target quotas is to analyze the costs of running your business. If you know how much each sales representative must produce to cover your fixed costs and provide you with a reasonable amount of profit, you can determine your target quota. When we work with our clients in determining the right quota, we actually use an automated sales tool that accurately works the numbers to do this. You can download our Target Quota Calculation Tool here.
The Target Quota Calculation Tool is also included in my eBook, Action Plan For Sales Management Success. This ebook not only detailed instructions on how to design and create an effective your compensation plan for your sales team, but also how to use it to motivate and manage your sales team so you all achieve your goals.
Remember, eliminating quotas won't stimulate profits, but taking the time to set the right sales quotas will. After all, as Sybil F. Stershic once said, “The way your employees feel is the way your customers will feel. And if your employees don’t feel valued, neither will your customers.”
Aim Higher!
Susan A. Enns, B2B Sales Coach and Author
Schedule a free sales coaching strategy session with Susan here.
“… what I can tell anyone, is simply this – If you want to learn and understand sales, talk to Susan.”
Have you set the right sales quota but your reps still are not achieving it? Check out my webinar sales management coaching video, Your 90 Day Sales Rep Success Plan to learn how the right On Boarding process can turn around your current non-productive sales reps into quota busters
