With the backdrop of limited growth, intensifying global competition, and a demand-poor environment, are companies striving to overcome their inability to sell enough of their offerings at an acceptable price point? The answer is a resounding yes. First, from an anecdotal perspective, most of the readers of this book have probably experienced
multiple sales improvement initiatives in their corporate careers. In fact, IDC reports that the number one investment line item in the sales organization budget is for sales-related training. While a definitive overall investment number is not easy to derive, there are some research estimates that suggest that as much as $5 billion annually is spent on corporate initiatives to improve top-line performance. In addition, Jim Dickie, founder of CSO Insights, indicates that some 300 to 400 firms in the
United States are currently providing services to address revenue and sales performance problems. In short, companies are spending, and spending significantly, to address
improved sales performance.