Every year, companies spend millions of dollars on training their sales team.
Unfortunately, not all sales training programs are successful, and not all of them bring the desired results and real value to businesses. If you have invested money in sales training, and it is not working, there might be numerous reasons.
Let’s have a look at the top 9 reasons your sales training is failing, from the experts at Sales Plug Training:
In-Short:
The problem is misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all
There is too much information in the training
The training program is not engaging
There is not enough practice
The training is not customized to your business
Your salespeople are not driven
You do not have a follow-up plan
You are not holding your employees accountable for the results of the training
Your expectations are unrealistic
1. The problem is misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all
Often, organizations make the same mistake: they conduct a sales training program without a clear definition of the problem that the training is supposed to solve.
Therefore, in order to make the training successful, you need to identify the existing issues first and the outcomes you want to achieve with the help of the training.
2. There is too much information in the training
If the purpose of your training is to teach your sales team as many sales techniques as possible, it can be a huge mistake. Due to information overload, your salesforce may quickly forget what they have learned shortly after the training.
Therefore, it might be a better and more effective idea to pick just one sales technique and center the entire training session on teaching and improving it.
3. The training program is not engaging
One of the main purposes of sales training is to motivate people. For this reason, it should be interesting and engaging.
Therefore, it is better to avoid standard lectures and presentations and use interactive teaching methods focused on developing the communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills of your sales team.
4. There is not enough practice
You can convert knowledge into correct actions only when the knowledge is practiced repeatedly. For example, professional athletes dedicate more time to practicing rather than playing.
For this reason, a good sales training program requires time, practice, and a coach. If you miss any of that, your sales training might fail.
5. The training is not customized to your business
One of the most common disadvantages of many sales training programs is that they use a one-size-fits-all approach. However, unless the program is customized to the specific and individual needs of your business, it is not going to be successful and will not bring you the results you need.
Therefore, when choosing sales training for your company and your employees, you should make sure that its case studies, terminology, and skill application resonate with the mission and philosophy of your business.
6. Your salespeople are not driven
If you have invested money in great sales training, and your salespeople are not showing any good results, they may not be driven.
If they are not, that means that they are not high-performing professionals and do not have the potential to achieve top sales results. The only thing you can do in this situation is to improve your hiring practices so that you can hire the right people next time.
7. You do not have a follow-up plan
Your salespeople need to know what they are expected to achieve as a result of the training. You should provide them with a plan of action, so they remain more motivated to continue learning and more focused on achieving positive results.
Also, you should always make sure that you are checking in with your team constantly while they are in training in order to find out if anyone is struggling or needs additional training.
8. You are not holding your employees accountable for the results of the training
If the best and most effective training will not bring any results, the participants of the training are not held accountable for their actions after the training is over. You should let your salespeople know that you want to compare their results before and after the training.
It is also important to understand that you also need to be accountable for making sure that the methods used in the training are helpful for your employees.
9. Your expectations are unrealistic
If you think that your sales training is failing, analyze your expectations. Are they even realistic? You cannot expect your salespeople to start immediately changing their behavior. For most people, it takes practice, falling, reinforcement, and time to learn new skills and use them in practice.
Maybe you just need to give your salespeople a little bit more time.
Sumona is a persona, having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of her professional commitments, she carries out sharing sentient blogs by maintaining top-to-toe SEO aspects. Follow more of her contributions in SmartBusinessDaily
Stock trading is often associated with the popular mindset either with retail investors who dabble in trading on the side or financial services providers such as hedge funds. However, there’s a whole world of people and organizations out there that benefit from stock trading, and they’re not limited to these categories. Businesses that aren’t involved in trading financial instruments as their main source of income can also benefit from stock trading, and it’s actually a wise move for most people. Here, then, is how a business can enter the stock market and provide a sustainable second income stream for itself.
Keep on top of developments :
Running a business is a busy task: from hiring new staff to restocking the printer, there’s plenty to be thinking about. If you don’t have someone managing your business stock trades for you all of the time, then it’s definitely worth investing in a service that can help you monitor the markets and flag up any new stock opportunities that may be of interest, as well as any key market events such as data releases that could impact their value. Stock tips every week from an information provider are sensible, and it could mean the difference between a vibrant and profitable portfolio and a less successful one.
Work with a broker :
Buying stocks as a business will most likely require the assistance of a broker. This is by far the most sensible option to take as it means that you’re less likely to run the risk of getting ripped off or investing in a stock that turns out to be a dud. You may be under the impression that only individuals can sign up for brokers like these – but that’s not the case.
Many major brokerages make this process very simple: the online interfaces of most such companies allow you to specify your company as the buyer, and you can pick from corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company (LLC) and more. If you’re an LLC or a similar organization, then your operating agreement or constitution should probably specify who in the company has the authority to buy shares using company funds.
Get your goals right :
The main strategic job that you’ll have to do is work out what you want to achieve with your company investment. Perhaps you’ve got a lot of cash tied up in your company and simply want a better return than the bank, or maybe you’re hoping to build a larger income stream to fund a new branch or venture. Once you’ve got that settled, you’ll be able to instruct your broker to develop a risk profile for your firm and find stocks that match your requirements.
It’s not just individuals who have the ability to sign up for brokers and buy stocks but also businesses. By keeping on top of stock market developments and having a range of fixed goals, you can raise the chances that your company stock trading experience is a smooth and ultimately profitable one.
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The incipient economic crisis leaves most businesses without customers and profits. The economy is losing billions of dollars every day, and there is no saying when the crisis is resolved, and we can all go back to business as usual. If your company is struggling during the switch from offline to online operations, there is still time to implement quick fixes and keep the business afloat until the end of the economic slump.
Today Paul Belogour, Boston Unisoft Technologies CEO, shares two proven ways IT vendors can help you outlast the crisis and make most of the new reality.
Update Your Website to Withstand Increased Traffic
With mandated social distancing protocols in place, your customers turn to websites and mobile apps for goods and services. According to Vox, US traffic has increased by 23% since the beginning of the year. New York has seen the biggest increase of 36%. The Internet traffic will continue to grow as more people are forced to stay indoors, and companies switch to remote operations. While this provides endless business opportunities, traffic growth can also spell trouble if your website is not ready to handle the additional load.
You should act fast and audit the technology stack and hardware behind your online presence and get it ready for a boost in traffic. If you cannot afford an in-house IT department, outsource the audit and updates to a professional team, such as Paul Belogour and Boston Unisoft Technologies. Our experts will assess the current state of your website and offer solutions that can stabilize it in time for increased load. Professional developers will ensure your site stays online through the rush and prevent failures.
Do not wait for your website to crash, contact our team today to ensure your business stays strong throughout the crisis.
Automate Business Processes to Increase Efficiency
Amazon and Walmart are opening over 250,000 new positions amid the worldwide crisis to handle the increased customer demand. Even international giants struggle under the growing number of orders and have to adjust quickly or risk losing business and profit. If your company is seeing an increase in demand, you can follow Amazon’s lead and hire new employees or increase efficiency through careful analysis and automation of business processes. You would be surprised how much faster and smoother your company can run with process organization and automation in place.
Boston Unisoft Technologies can help you achieve increased efficiency quickly by implementing one or more of these solutions:
CRM updates or implementation. Small and medium business owners rarely see the need to incorporate customer relationship management solutions into their daily operations. However, those who do will win in times of crisis, as they can easily communicate with customers, engage them, run promotions, process orders, and increase profit. Boston Unisoft Technologies team specializes in developing intuitive CRM systems for businesses of any size and industry. With our experts on your side, you will prevent business losses and make most of the growing demand.
Order payment automation. If you are not ready to start a large-scale business operations overhaul, start with essentials, such as payment processing. Our software engineers can incorporate a secure and user-friendly payment system to ensure your customers can add items to a bag, pay for them, and receive order confirmation without engaging any of your employees. The automated order system will stave off the need to inflate your order processing staff.
Third-party software integration. Yet another way to improve operational efficiency is by making most of the ready-made solutions available for your business. Boston Unisoft Technologies team has been working on integration and synchronization projects for years, and we can make your business run like a clock despite increased load and employee shortage.
Trust Paul Belogour: UAE, US, UK, EU – wherever your business is based, you can turn this crisis from a death sentence into a growth opportunity for your company. Contact Boston Unisoft Technologies business analysts for more information on efficient, quick fixes during the crisis.
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Kale is one of the most nutritious and versatile greens you can grow in your garden. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber and can be used in salads, soups, smoothies, and more. But how do you harvest kale throughout the year so that you can enjoy it fresh and crisp and also make it last longer?
In this article, I will show you how to harvest kale so it keeps growing, how to harvest kale from the garden, how to store and freeze kale, and the health benefits and taste of kale. Additionally, I will also share some tips and tricks on how to grow kale successfully and how to use it in delicious recipes. Whether you're a beginner or an expert gardener, this guide will help you make the most of your kale harvest.
What is Kale & Why Should You Harvest It?
Kale has a mild, earthy, and slightly bitter taste, which can vary depending on the variety, growing conditions, and harvesting time. It can also become sweeter after a frost, as the cold temperatures trigger the plant to produce more sugars.
Kale can be eaten raw or cooked, and it can complement many dishes and flavors. It can also be seasoned with salt, pepper, lemon juice, garlic, onion, vinegar, or any other condiments you like.
Kale is not only tasty, but also healthy. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. It can help improve various aspects of health, such as:
Eye health
Kale is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. These are carotenoids that protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Kale also contains vitamin A, which is essential for vision and eye health.
Blood pressure
Kale is high in potassium, magnesium, and nitrates, which are compounds that help lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels. Kale also contains vitamin C, which helps prevent homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Bone health
Kale is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, which are important for bone health and density. Kale also contains vitamin C, which helps the body absorb calcium and produce collagen, a protein that strengthens the bones and connective tissues.
Immune system
Kale is loaded with vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and fights off infections and inflammation. Kale also contains vitamin E, which enhances the immune response and protects the cells from oxidative stress.
Digestion
Kale is high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and prevent constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Fiber also feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients and support the immune system.
Skin and hair
Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and iron, essential for healthy skin and hair. Vitamin A helps maintain the moisture and elasticity of the skin and prevents acne and wrinkles. Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which keeps the skin firm and smooth.
On the other hand, vitamin E helps protect the skin from sun damage and aging. Iron helps deliver oxygen to the skin and hair cells and prevents anemia, which can cause hair loss and pale skin.
How to Harvest Kale So It Keeps Growing?
One of the best things about kale is that it's a cut-and-come-again crop. This means that you can harvest it multiple times throughout the season, as long as you do it correctly. Here are the steps to follow to harvest kale so it keeps growing:
Choose the right time to harvest
The best time to harvest kale is when the leaves are young and tender, usually about 30 to 40 days after planting. You can also harvest baby kale leaves about 15 to 25 days after planting.
You should harvest kale before it starts to flower. This is when it produces yellow or white blossoms and becomes bitter and tough.
Kale usually flowers when the days get longer and warmer. Therefore, you should harvest it more frequently in the spring and summer.
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaves
You can either cut the whole plant at the base, leaving about an inch of stem or cut individual leaves from the lower part of the plant, leaving the upper leaves to grow.
Additionally, you should cut the leaves about an inch above the soil to avoid damaging the crown and the roots. You should also avoid cutting too many leaves from one plant. This is because this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least half of the leaves on each plant.
Wash and dry the leaves
You should wash the kale leaves as soon as possible after harvesting to remove any dirt, bugs, or pesticides. To rinse the leaves under cold water, you can use a colander or a salad spinner. After that, pat them dry with a paper towel or a cloth. You should also remove any damaged or yellow leaves, and trim any tough stems.
Enjoy or store the leaves
You can eat the kale leaves fresh, or store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. I will explain how to store and freeze kale in the next sections.
How to Harvest Kale from the Garden?
If you want to harvest kale from the garden, you need to follow some simple steps and tips to ensure a successful and bountiful harvest. Here are some things to consider when harvesting kale from the garden:
Choose the right variety
There are many varieties of kale to choose from, depending on your preference and climate. Some of the most common varieties are curly kale, which has dark green, and curly leaves that are great for salads and chips.
You can also try dinosaur kale, which has dark blue-green, flat leaves that are great for soups and stir-fries, and red Russian kale, which has purple-red, frilly leaves that are great for salads and smoothies.
You can also choose kale varieties based on their maturity time, cold tolerance, flavor, and color. Some popular kale varieties are Winterbor, Redbor, Lacinato, and Scarlet.
Plant the seeds or seedlings
Depending on your preference and availability, you can plant kale seeds or seedlings in the garden. The best time to plant kale seeds or seedlings is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer or early fall, for a winter harvest. You can also plant kale seeds or seedlings every two to three weeks, for a continuous harvest.
You should plant the seeds or seedlings about a quarter to half an inch deep, and one to two inches apart, in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart. Additionally, you should water the seeds or seedlings well, and keep the soil moist until they germinate or establish, which usually takes seven to 14 days.
Thin the seedlings
When the kale seedlings have two to four true leaves, you should thin them to avoid overcrowding and competition. You should leave about six to 12 inches of space between each plant and eat or transplant the thinned seedlings. You should also weed the area around the kale plants regularly, to prevent pests and diseases.
Harvest the leaves
You can start harvesting kale leaves when they are big enough to eat, usually about 30 to 40 days (about one and a half months) after planting, depending on the variety. You can either harvest the whole plant or pick individual leaves from the lower part of the plant, leaving the upper leaves to grow.
That is not all. You should harvest kale in the morning when the leaves are crisp and fresh and before the sun gets too hot. You should also harvest kale before it starts to flower, which is when it produces yellow or white blossoms and becomes bitter and tough.
How to Store and Freeze Kale
Kale is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. However, if you have a large harvest, or you want to preserve kale for later use, you can store or freeze it. Here are the best ways to store and freeze kale:
Store kale in the refrigerator: You can store fresh kale in the refrigerator for up to a week, if you keep it in a perforated plastic bag or a container with a lid. You should also avoid washing the kale before storing it, as this will make it wilt faster. You should wash the kale just before using it.
Freeze kale raw: You can freeze raw kale without blanching it, which is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil. However, freezing raw kale will result in a mushy and watery texture and a loss of flavor and nutrients. To freeze raw kale, you should wash and dry the leaves, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze raw kale for up to six months, and use it in smoothies, soups, or casseroles.
Freeze kale blanched: You can freeze blanched kale, which will retain its color, texture, flavor, and nutrients better than raw kale. To freeze blanched kale, you should wash and trim the leaves, and then blanch them in boiling water for two to three minutes, depending on the size of the leaves. You should then drain and cool the leaves and squeeze out the excess water. Moreover, you can then pack the leaves in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze blanched kale for up to a year, and use it in salads, sandwiches, or quiches.
How to Use Kale in Different Cuisines and Recipes
Kale is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different cuisines and recipes. Whether you want to make a salad, a soup, a smoothie, or a casserole, kale can add flavor, color, and nutrition to your dish. Here are some examples of how to use kale in different cuisines and recipes:
American cuisine
Kale is a popular ingredient in American cuisine, especially in salads, sandwiches, and casseroles. You can make a kale and apple salad with walnuts and honey mustard dressing, or a kale and chicken sandwich with mayonnaise and cheese.
You can also make a kale and cheese casserole with eggs, milk, and bread crumbs, or a kale and sausage quiche with pie crust and cheddar cheese.
Mediterranean cuisine
Kale is a common ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in Greek, Italian, and Spanish dishes. You can make a kale and feta cheese pie with phyllo dough and olive oil, or a kale and white bean soup with garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice. You can also make kale and tomato pasta with parmesan cheese and basil, or a kale and potato tortilla with eggs, onion, and paprika.
Asian cuisine
Kale is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese, Japanese, and Indian dishes. You can make a kale and tofu stir-fry with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Additionally, you can make a kale and seaweed salad with rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame seeds. You can also make kale and coconut curry with onion, garlic, curry paste, and coconut milk. If you like something Indian, you can also try kale and lentil dal with cumin, turmeric, and coriander.
Wrapping It Up!
Kale is a wonderful vegetable that you can harvest, store, and use in various ways. It's easy to grow, harvest, and store kale, as long as you follow some simple steps and tips. It's also healthy, delicious, and versatile, as you can use it in many different cuisines and recipes. Kale is a green treasure that you don't want to miss.
If you want to know how to harvest kale, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be there to help you out with the same!
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