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Marketing & Communication

Essential Sales Skills

This course develops essential sales skills for professionals in various sectors. Participants will learn effective techniques for prospecting, building relationships, negotiating, and closing sales. The focus is on practical applications to enhance performance and achieve sales targets in competitive environments.

5 days Classroom or live online English
Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants
Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Sales professionals frequently encounter challenges in effectively engaging prospects and closing deals, leading to missed targets and revenue loss. This course addresses these challenges by equipping participants with proven sales techniques and strategies that can be immediately applied in their roles. Understanding how to navigate objections and build rapport is crucial for success in sales, making this training vital for anyone looking to improve their performance. Participants will also learn to adapt their approaches based on client feedback, ensuring they can respond dynamically to various sales situations, which is essential in a competitive market.

Effective engagement in sales requires practical exercises that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing participants to practise and refine their skills in a supportive environment. By the end of the course, attendees will be able to confidently approach potential clients, handle objections, and close sales effectively, ultimately driving better results for their organisations. The hands-on approach ensures that participants leave with actionable insights and a clear plan for applying what they have learned. They will also develop the ability to assess their performance critically, enabling continuous improvement in their sales techniques.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

  • Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
  • Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
  • Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.
Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of interactive workshops, role-playing scenarios, and case studies to build essential sales skills. Participants will engage in exercises that simulate real-life sales situations, allowing them to practise techniques such as objection handling and closing strategies. Each session will culminate in a practical output, such as a sales pitch or negotiation plan, providing tangible evidence of learning and skill development. This approach ensures that participants not only learn theoretical concepts but also apply them in a controlled environment, enhancing their confidence and competence in actual sales interactions. Feedback from peers and instructors will further reinforce learning outcomes.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Analyse customer needs to tailor sales approaches effectively and create targeted strategies.
  • Demonstrate effective prospecting techniques to identify potential clients and generate leads.
  • Develop rapport-building strategies to enhance customer relationships and foster trust.
  • Negotiate terms and conditions to achieve mutually beneficial agreements and close deals.
  • Construct persuasive sales presentations that address client pain points and highlight solutions.
  • Evaluate objection-handling techniques to overcome client resistance and secure sales.
  • Justify pricing strategies based on value propositions and market analysis to maximise profitability.
  • Create a personal action plan for applying learned skills in real-world sales scenarios.
Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

  • Sales Representatives: Seeking to enhance their direct selling techniques and close rates.
  • Sales Managers: Aiming to develop their team's skills and improve overall sales performance.
  • Account Executives: Looking to refine their relationship-building and negotiation skills.
  • Business Development Professionals: Focused on expanding client bases and identifying new opportunities.
Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

  • Effective prospecting and lead generation techniques.
  • Building and maintaining client relationships.
  • Negotiation and closing strategies for sales success.
  • Presentation skills tailored to diverse audiences.
  • Objection handling and conflict resolution in sales.
  • Analytical skills for assessing market trends and client needs.
Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Understanding the Sales Process

Applied activity: Participants will create a detailed customer profile for a fictional product, identifying key demographics, pain points, and potential objections. They will then outline a prospecting strategy to reach this target audience effectively using the techniques learned.

Output: A comprehensive customer profile and prospecting strategy document.

  1. 09:00–09:54Overview of the sales cycle and its stages, including prospecting, qualifying, and closing.
  2. 09:54–10:48Identifying target markets and ideal customer profiles for tailored outreach.
  3. 10:48–11:00Techniques for effective prospecting and lead generation using various channels.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Techniques for effective prospecting and lead generation using various channels. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Understanding buyer psychology and decision-making processes to influence sales.
  7. 13:06–14:00Setting realistic sales goals and performance metrics to track success.

Day 2Building Relationships and Rapport

Applied activity: In pairs, participants will role-play initial client meetings, focusing on building rapport and trust. They will practise active listening and communication techniques, receiving feedback from peers on their approaches and effectiveness in establishing connections.

Output: A reflection report on rapport-building techniques used during role-play.

  1. 09:00–09:54Importance of relationship-building in sales success and long-term client retention.
  2. 09:54–10:48Techniques for establishing trust with clients through effective communication.
  3. 10:48–11:00Active listening skills to understand client needs and tailor responses accordingly.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Active listening skills to understand client needs and tailor responses accordingly. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Effective communication strategies for rapport building, including verbal and non-verbal cues.
  7. 13:06–14:00Utilising social media and networking for relationship enhancement and lead generation.

Day 3Mastering Negotiation Skills

Applied activity: Participants will engage in a mock negotiation exercise, where they will negotiate terms for a fictional contract. They will apply learned strategies to reach a successful agreement while addressing potential objections and concerns from the client.

Output: A negotiated agreement document summarising the terms and conditions agreed upon.

  1. 09:00–09:54Key principles of negotiation in sales contexts, including preparation and strategy.
  2. 09:54–10:48Strategies for preparing for negotiations, including understanding client needs and objectives.
  3. 10:48–11:00Identifying and articulating value propositions to strengthen negotiation positions.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Identifying and articulating value propositions to strengthen negotiation positions. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Techniques for creating win-win outcomes that satisfy both parties' interests.
  7. 13:06–14:00Closing techniques that drive agreement and ensure successful outcomes.

Day 4Effective Sales Presentations

Applied activity: Participants will prepare and deliver a short sales presentation for a fictional product, incorporating storytelling and objection handling techniques. They will receive feedback from peers and instructors on their presentation skills and effectiveness.

Output: A recorded sales presentation with accompanying visual aids and a feedback summary.

  1. 09:00–09:54Structuring impactful sales presentations that engage and persuade clients.
  2. 09:54–10:48Using storytelling to connect emotionally with clients and highlight benefits.
  3. 10:48–11:00Visual aids and tools to enhance presentations and clarify key points.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Visual aids and tools to enhance presentations and clarify key points. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Techniques for addressing client objections during presentations and maintaining engagement.
  7. 13:06–14:00Practising delivery for maximum impact, including voice modulation and body language.

Day 5Integrating Skills for Sales Success

Applied activity: In groups, participants will create a comprehensive sales strategy for a fictional product, integrating all skills learned throughout the course. They will present their strategy to the class for critique, focusing on implementation and expected outcomes.

Output: A detailed sales strategy presentation and accompanying documentation outlining the approach.

  1. 09:00–09:54Review of key concepts from the course to reinforce learning and retention.
  2. 09:54–10:48Developing a personal sales strategy based on learned skills and individual strengths.
  3. 10:48–11:00Creating an action plan for immediate application of skills in real-world scenarios.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Creating an action plan for immediate application of skills in real-world scenarios. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Role-playing complex sales scenarios with multiple objections to enhance adaptability.
  7. 13:06–14:00Peer feedback and collaborative learning for continuous improvement and skill enhancement.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Cape Town 9 Nov - 13 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
€1,890.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 9 Nov - 13 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Istanbul 16 Nov - 20 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
€2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 16 Nov - 20 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Amsterdam 7 Dec - 11 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
€2,540.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 7 Dec - 11 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Singapore 14 Dec - 18 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
€2,820.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 14 Dec - 18 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
London 4 Jan - 8 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 4 Jan - 8 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Dubai 18 Jan - 22 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
€3,150.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 18 Jan - 22 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Frankfurt 1 Feb - 5 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 1 Feb - 5 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Barcelona 8 Feb - 12 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,840.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 8 Feb - 12 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Kuala Lumpur 15 Feb - 19 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 15 Feb - 19 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Paris 1 Mar - 5 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,860.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 1 Mar - 5 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Istanbul 15 Mar - 19 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 15 Mar - 19 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Amsterdam 5 Apr - 9 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,540.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 5 Apr - 9 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Rome 12 Apr - 16 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 12 Apr - 16 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Singapore 19 Apr - 23 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,820.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 19 Apr - 23 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
London 3 May - 7 May 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 3 May - 7 May 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Dubai 17 May - 21 May 2027
Confirmed dates
€3,150.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 17 May - 21 May 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Frankfurt 7 Jun - 11 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 7 Jun - 11 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Vienna 14 Jun - 18 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,940.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 14 Jun - 18 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Kuala Lumpur 21 Jun - 25 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 21 Jun - 25 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Paris 5 Jul - 9 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,860.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 5 Jul - 9 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Istanbul 19 Jul - 23 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 19 Jul - 23 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Amsterdam 2 Aug - 6 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,540.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 2 Aug - 6 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Rome 9 Aug - 13 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 9 Aug - 13 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Singapore 16 Aug - 20 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,820.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 16 Aug - 20 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
London 6 Sept - 10 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 6 Sept - 10 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Dubai 20 Sept - 24 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
€3,150.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 20 Sept - 24 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Frankfurt 4 Oct - 8 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 4 Oct - 8 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Cape Town 11 Oct - 15 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,890.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 11 Oct - 15 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Kuala Lumpur 18 Oct - 22 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 18 Oct - 22 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Paris 1 Nov - 5 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,860.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 1 Nov - 5 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Istanbul 15 Nov - 19 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 15 Nov - 19 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Amsterdam 6 Dec - 10 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,540.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 6 Dec - 10 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Singapore 13 Dec - 17 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,820.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 13 Dec - 17 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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