Browse
Log in / Register
Share
Sales training games are a powerful, low-cost method to enhance team productivity, improve crucial sales techniques, and increase overall profitability. By transforming learning into an engaging activity, these games help staff retain new behaviors and apply them directly to their roles, leading to a stronger return on investment for the business.
Sales training games are important because they directly address common training challenges. Traditional methods can be passive, but games create an active learning environment. This is particularly effective for staggered onboarding, where new hires join at different times, as games can be easily integrated to bring them up to speed. The fun, low-risk nature of games encourages participation and reduces the fear of failure, which is critical for practicing skills like handling rejection. The primary benefits include:
Based on our assessment experience, the return on investment from these activities is often seen in increased customer loyalty and higher conversion rates.
Selecting the appropriate game depends on the specific skill you want to develop. The goal is to match the game's mechanics to your desired outcome. For example, a game focused on negotiation will differ significantly from one designed to improve product knowledge. The table below outlines common training objectives and corresponding game types.
| Training Objective | Recommended Game Type | Key Skill Developed |
|---|---|---|
| Negotiation & Conflict Resolution | Role-Playing Scenarios (e.g., Ugli Orange) | Interest-based bargaining |
| Product/Service Knowledge | Matching & Quiz Games (e.g., Match the Product) | Quick problem-solving |
| Cold Calling & Communication | Simulated Calls with Scoring (e.g., Gamified Cold Calls) | Handling objections |
| Building Persistence & Resilience | Public Interaction Challenges (e.g., S'up, Negotiate) | Overcoming rejection |
Here are three proven sales games that cater to different needs and require minimal setup.
1. The Ugli Orange: A Negotiation Game This classic role-playing exercise introduces teams to conflict management. Split your team into three groups: one acts as sellers of a unique "Ugli Orange," and the other two are potential buyers with different requirements. The goal is to reach an agreement through interest-based discussions rather than simply arguing over positions. This game, which takes under an hour, is excellent for teaching reps to find creative win-win solutions.
2. Gamified Cold Calls: A Communication Skills Game This exercise tackles the anxiety of cold calling. A participant makes a simulated sales call with their manager (on speakerphone for the team to hear). The manager scores the call based on specific criteria, such as securing a follow-up meeting or effectively addressing a concern. The contest element motivates employees, and the group setting provides a safe space to practice and receive constructive feedback, helping them overcome the fear of rejection.
3. Match the Product: A Knowledge-Based Game Ideal for onboarding or refreshing team knowledge, this game sharpens product-service alignment skills. Create a list of your company’s offerings with their features and prices. Then, write a series of one-sentence customer profiles outlining their needs. The team must match the correct product or service to each profile. This activity trains salespeople to quickly identify the best solution for a customer’s specific problem, moving beyond generic features to highlight relevant benefits.
To successfully run these games, ensure you:
Integrating games into your sales training strategy is a proven method to develop a more skilled and motivated team. The most critical steps are to align the game with a specific training goal, create a safe and positive environment for practice, and provide clear feedback. When executed well, this approach leads to measurable improvements in sales techniques and team morale.
