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Get insider info on SAP SuccessFactors HCM suite for core HR and payroll, time and attendance, talent management, employee experience management, and more in this SAP blog.
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Vasudha12
Product and Topic Expert
Product and Topic Expert


 

Sales executives are the driving force behind any successful business. They are responsible for generating revenue, building relationships with customers, and maintaining a steady stream of sales. However, even the most skilled sales executives can struggle to perform at their best when they are dealing with disruptions to their sales cycles. This is where a solid sales compensation model comes in. 

A sales compensation model is a structured plan that outlines how sales executives will be compensated for their efforts. It typically includes base salaries, commissions, bonuses, and other incentives that are tied to specific sales targets or objectives. A well-designed sales compensation model can help to minimize disruptions in the sales cycle and ensure that sales executives are able to focus on their day-to-day responsibilities without worrying about their compensation. 

One of the most common disruptions in the sales cycle is when a sales executive hits a multiplier but doesn't see it reflected on their paycheck. This can be incredibly frustrating for the sales executive and can lead to a loss of motivation and a drop in performance. A solid sales compensation model should be designed to avoid this by clearly outlining the compensation structure and ensuring that sales executives are rewarded for their efforts. 

Another common disruption in the sales cycle is when a sales executive sells a new product that doesn't yet have a compensation model in place. This can leave the sales executive in a difficult position, having to fight for their money and potentially damaging the relationship with the customer. A solid sales compensation model should include provisions for new products, ensuring that sales executives are compensated fairly for their efforts and that there is no disruption to the sales cycle. 

In addition to minimizing disruptions in the sales cycle, a solid sales compensation model can also have a number of other benefits for a business.   

  • Firstly, it motivates salespeople to perform better by setting clear and measurable goals and rewarding them for achieving those goals. Salespeople who are motivated by financial incentives are more likely to work harder and sell more products or services, which is critical for driving business growth and achieving revenue targets. 

  • Secondly, sales compensation helps attract and retain talented salespeople. Top-performing salespeople are often highly driven by financial incentives and providing competitive sales compensation packages can help companies attract and retain these individuals. Sales compensation packages can include base salaries that are competitive with the industry average, commission structures that offer a high earning potential, and other incentives that are tailored to the needs and preferences of the sales team. 

  • Thirdly, sales compensation aligns the interests of salespeople with those of the company. By incentivizing salespeople to sell products or services that align with the company's strategic objectives, sales compensation helps ensure that the sales team is working towards the same goals as the rest of the organization. This can be particularly important for companies that are looking to expand into new markets or introduce new products, as sales compensation can help ensure that the sales team is focused on these initiatives. 


 Overall, sales compensation is an essential tool for companies to drive sales growth and achieve their revenue targets. By providing competitive compensation packages that are aligned with the goals of the organization, companies can attract and retain top-performing salespeople, motivate their sales teams to work harder and sell more, and ensure that the sales team is working towards the same objectives as the rest of the organization. 

Check out this IDC Whitepaper which explores how modern sales performance management platforms can help you harness the power of sales compensation for your sales team and create a more effective sales environment.  

Read this blog as our valuable customers provided valuable insights on how they’re gaining operational efficiency and achieving better outcomes, by streamlining sales compensation management.  

To know more about how SAP supports Sales Performance Management, visit sap.com/spm